If you’re serious about food storage, you will need the best option: a Mylar bag. Whether you need to store some food at home or a business searching for reliable product storage, Mylar bags are your go-to choice.
But wait, can the bags preserve your food until the next decade? How long does food last in Mylar bags? Let’s discover all the details.
What is a Mylar Bag?
Before we go any further, let’s get to know Mylar bags better.
What is a Mylar bag?
Technically known as BoPET (Biaxially Oriented polyethylene terephthalate), Mylar is a polyester film. When used for food storage, it is usually laminated with a thin aluminum layer.
Mylar bags are famous as they are incredibly gas-resistant. Yes, this means that they create a literal wall that prevents oxygen and light from getting inside the food. Nevertheless, all their excellent features make Mylar bags the star in food storage and preservation.
How Long Does Food Last in Mylar Bags? The Details
Back to the main question: How long does food last in Mylar bags?
Well, speaking of which, the lifespan of your food depends entirely on what’s inside the bag and how you seal it.
Mylar bags work very well when you combine them with Oxygen Absorbers (OAs). Then, simply store them in a cool, dark place for preservation.
So, how long do Mylar bags keep food safe?
These bags can keep your food safe by eliminating light, oxygen, and moisture. When there is no oxygen roaming around your food, it means that there is no possibility of aerobic bacteria and fungi growing. Here comes the best part: as long as the seal of your Mylar bag remains airtight and the bag is not punctured, your food will last longer.
What Foods Last the Longest in Mylar Bags?
Every food item has its own nature and requirements, right?
Now comes up the next question: What foods last the longest in Mylar bags? Dry, low-fat goods are the most ideal ones. They can last the longest in the bags.
As long as you keep the food dry, it will likely last longer in a Mylar bag.
For a quick understanding, have a look at the Mylar bag food storage chart below.
| Food Item | Storage Life | Ideal Bag Size |
|---|---|---|
| White Rice/Beans/Lentils | 25-30+ Years | 10”x14” |
| Pasta/Noodles | 10-15+ Years | 6”x9” |
| Flour/Cornmeal | 5-10 Years | 8”x10” |
| Powdered Milk | 10-20 Years | 6”x9” |
| Dried Fruits/Vegetables | 10-15 Years | 5”x8” |
| Nuts/Seeds (Low Fat) | 3-5 Years | 5”x8” |
| Herbs/Spices | 5-8 Years | 3”x5” |
| Sugar/Salt | Indefinite | 10”x14” |
What Foods Cannot Be Stored in Mylar Bags?
Not everything belongs in a bag. High-moisture and high-fat foods remain the enemies of long-term storage. The reason? They can foster botulism or go rancid regardless of oxygen levels.
Examples? Fresh produce, soft cheeses & butter, fresh meats, and oily nuts are a NO.
Why Choose Mylar Bags for Long-Term Food Storage?
Today, Mylar bags are the irreplaceable option for long-term food preservation.
But why choose them?
They Block the Light
Light is a silent killer of food nutrients. In fact, a small light can break down vitamins and cause fats to oxidize (go rancid) much faster. The best thing about a Mylar bag is that it is completely opaque. The meaning? The bag provides a 100% light barrier, keeping your food in total darkness and preserving it.
Serve as the Oxygen Blockade
Aluminum-laminated Mylar has an incredibly low Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR). This makes the bag serve as a literal vacuum-sealed shelter for your food items.
Space-Saving Flexibility
Unlike glass or plastic, Mylar bags are flexible. As the oxygen absorber does its job, the bags will often shrink-wrap around the food. This way, they save more space in your storage.
High Durability and Safety
A Mylar bag will not shatter during an earthquake or move like glass will. Thus, you can expect the bag to be highly durable to keep your food safe.
Another great thing? Mylar bags are puncture-resistant, especially those in the 5-mil to 7-mil thickness range. This feature makes the bags critter-resistant.
Mylar Bag Types for Food Storage
Not every Mylar bag is produced the same way. Depending on your food and how long you plan to store it, you surely need a specific type.
Here are some popular Mylar bag types you can choose from.
Stand Up Pouches
These pouches are designed with a “gusseted” bottom. This layout helps them stay upright on the shelf. Stand up pouches are perfect for food items you access frequently, like snacks or coffee.
Zip Lock Mylar Bags
As the name suggests, zip lock Mylar bags come with a zip-lock (resealable strip). They are excellent for “medium-term” storage (1–3 years). This means you can get perfect protection while still opening and closing the bag.
Note: For 20-year storage, consider heat-sealing the top above the zipper.
Spout Pouches
Spout pouches are specifically designed for liquids, oils, or very fine powders. These pouches are less common for 25-year storage. However, they are fantastic for portability and mess-free pouring of items like emergency water or specialized cooking oils.
Die Cut Mylar Bags
Die-cut Mylar bags are shaped to your requirements. They offer the same high-level protection but come in unique shapes.
How to Store Food in Mylar Bags for Longer?
Ready to start storing your food in Mylar bags?
It is actually a simple process. However, of course, precision is what separates a “spoiled food” from a “25-year storage success.”
Follow the practical tips below to properly store food in Mylar bags.
Keep Your Food Dry
You should never store food with a moisture content above 10% in a Mylar bag. Why? Any residual moisture your food makes might be trapped in a Mylar bag and lead to mold growth, even without oxygen.
Make Sure the Bag’s Size is Accurate
Make sure you get accurately measured Mylar bags for lasting food storage.
For example:
- 3″x5″: Small quantities of spices, herbs, seeds.
- 4″x6″: Single-serving snacks, small hardware items.
- 5″x8″: Dried fruits, nuts, coffee beans.
You can check out more size options in our blog: “Mylar Bags Size Chart.”
Sizing Your Oxygen Absorbers
Don’t guess on the science! Oxygen absorbers come in different “cc” (cubic centimeter) ratings.
Here’s a quick guide:
- 1-Quart Mylar bag: Use 100 cc to 300 cc.
- 1-Gallon Mylar bag: Use 300cc to 500cc.
- 5-Gallon Mylar bag: Use 2000cc to 2500cc.
Pro Tip: If you’re storing “airy” foods like pasta or freeze-dried snacks, use a higher cc because there is more air trapped between the pieces.
Understand the Sealing You Need
Heat-sealing Mylar bags is another important thing in food storage. Well, you don’t need a thousand-dollar industrial sealer, but you do need a solid one.
But how to seal Mylar bags properly?
Use a dedicated 12-inch impulse sealer is your best option. However, you can also consider a high-quality hair straightener (flat iron).
When sealing a Mylar bag, you should aim for a seal at least 1 inch wide.
Note: Make sure there are no wrinkles or “tunnels” where air can sneak in.
After 24 hours, your Mylar bag should look slightly “sucked in” (like a vacuum pack). If it looks puffy, your seal might be leaking, or your absorber was defective.
The Storage Method
While a Mylar bag is tough, it is not “mouse-proof.” To properly store Mylar bags, consider placing them in a plastic bucket. This way, you can provide a secondary layer of protection against pests, stacking weight, and punctures.
Label the Bag
In five years, every Mylar bag might look identical. And this is why you need to label it. Use a permanent label and write down the food items, the weight, and the packed on” date, directly on the bag.
Wrapping Up
No doubt, Mylar bags are the star in food storage and preservation. They block light & oxygen, provide space-saving flexibility, and offer high durability and safety. How long does food last in Mylar bags? That depends on the food items you want to store. However, as long as the seal remains airtight and the bag is not punctured, your food inside remains as perfect as the day you packed it.
FAQs
Why choose Mylar bags for long-term food storage?
Mylar bags are ideal for food storage because they block light & oxygen, offer space-saving flexibility, and provide high durability and safety.
How long does food last in Mylar bags?
That depends on the food items you want to store. However, as long as the seal remains airtight and the bag is not punctured, your food inside remains as perfect as the day you packed it.
What foods last the longest in Mylar bags?
Dry, low-fat goods last the longest in the bags.
What are the types of mylar bags for food storage?
Popular types of Mylar bags for food storage include stand up pouches, zip-lock Mylar bags, spout pouches, and die-cut Mylar bags.
