What is a cooler bag.
A cooler bag is a soft bag with insulated walls that keeps cold food cold and hot food warm for longer. Australians call it a cooler bag, the British a cool bag. This page explains how one works, the kinds you can buy, and what goes into the ones made for food delivery.
The short answerA cooler bag is a soft bag with insulation in its walls, which slows heat moving in or out. Cold food and drinks stay cold for longer, and hot food stays warm. Most have a foil lining and a top that closes.
How a cooler bag keeps things cold
Heat moves in three ways, and each part of a cooler bag slows one of them. Foam or padding in the walls slows heat passing through the material. A foil lining reflects radiant heat. A closed top stops warm air mixing with the cold air inside.
No cooler bag makes cold. It slows the warming, so it works best packed full and closed, with an ice pack for longer trips.
The main kinds of cooler bag
- Insulated totes: a light bag with a foil lining and a flap or zip. Made for the short trip, such as takeaway drinks or a grocery run.
- Padded cooler bags: thicker foam walls and a zip, for lunches, picnics and longer outings.
- Delivery bags: box-shaped, with foam insulation and a foil lining, built for couriers carrying meals across a city.
Cooler bags printed for a business
Cafes, bubble tea shops and food delivery brands use printed cooler bags, so the brand travels with every order.
Our insulated tote is a non-woven bag with an aluminium foil lining. Its fold-over flap seals with an adhesive strip, and sizes run from one cup to a family order. Our thermal delivery bag adds EPE foam and a zip for longer rounds. Both start at 5,000 units.
Questions
What is the difference between a cooler bag and a cool bag?
None. Cooler bag is the Australian and American name, and cool bag the British one.
Can a cooler bag keep food hot?
Yes. The insulation slows heat moving either way, so hot food stays warm for longer as well.
How long does a cooler bag keep food cold?
That depends on the bag, how full it is and the weather. A thin insulated tote covers a short trip; a padded bag with an ice pack lasts longer.
Can I get cooler bags printed with my logo?
Yes, from 5,000 units: insulated totes printed edge to edge, and thermal delivery bags. Each starts with a free digital mockup.
Written by the Bag Bureau production team. Last updated October 2026.