The Ultimate Guide to Using Mylar Bags for Long-Term Food Storage

The Ultimate Guide to Using Mylar Bags for Long-Term Food Storage

Long-term food storage is commonly associated with survivalists and preppers. But more than that, it’s a practical solution for anyone looking to be frugal, lessen waste, and stay prepared for emergencies. Whether you’re a home cook storing pantry staples or a professional chef managing bulk ingredients, you will benefit from long-term food storage. But how can you preserve food quality and nutrition for months or even years? This is where Mylar bags come in. These storage bags are specifically designed to protect dry food from the elements that cause spoilage: oxygen, moisture, light, and pests. Their material and design make them a valuable tool for anyone who wants to extend the shelf life of their dry food, whether for home kitchens or commercial settings like restaurants and butcher shops.

Today, let’s explore what makes Mylar bags effective for long-term food storage, how they compare to other storage options & how to best use them depending on your requirements. 

Mylar Bags Unwrapped: What They Are & How They Work

A Mylar bag is a storage bag made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, often combined with a thin layer of aluminum (that’s why it’s sometimes referred to as an ‘aluminum foil bag’). This composition offers unique properties: the PET film provides durability and flexibility, while the aluminum layer creates a barrier to common causes of food spoilage, including light, oxygen and moisture. The result is a durable storage bag that offers exceptional protection, making it ideal for storing various food items over long periods.

Mylar bags create a near-impermeable barrier that keeps out the primary culprits of food spoilage, but if you want extra protection, you can put oxygen absorbers inside them. Doing so removes residual oxygen and leaves the nitrogen in the bag, creating an environment where spoilage is virtually halted.

Types of Mylar Bags

Mylar bags come in various sizes and thicknesses to suit different food storage needs:

• Small bags: Great for storing spices or small quantities of food.
• Medium bags: Ideal for pantry staples like flour, rice, or sugar.
• Large bags: Perfect for bulk storage, especially for professional kitchens or large families.
• Heavy-duty bags: Thicker material for increased durability, suitable for long-term storage or harsher conditions.

 

No matter the size or thickness, Mylar bags offer home cooks and other beginners a simple, effective solution to preserve dry goods like rice, beans, or powdered ingredients. They are also ideal for professionals needing a scalable, reliable method for managing food inventory.

The Mylar Advantage for Long-Term Food Storage 

Oxygen and Moisture Barrier

Mylar bags are nearly airtight when properly sealed, keeping oxygen and moisture at bay. In turn, these bags slow the growth of bacteria, molds, and yeast and successfully extend the freshness of food.

Pest Protection

The durable PET material is tough for pests like rodents and insects to penetrate. Sealing your food in Mylar bags will reduce the risk of contamination and waste.

Light Resistance

Unlike transparent plastic bags, Mylar bags block UV rays, which can degrade food quality over time. This is particularly important for light-sensitive foods like grains, powdered milk, and dried herbs.

Durability

Mylar bags are highly resistant to punctures and tears, making them suitable for household and commercial use. With such features, Mylar bags ensure long-term food reliability, especially for chefs and other kitchen professionals handling large quantities of food. 

Extended Shelf Life

With proper sealing and using oxygen absorbers, some food items can last for decades in Mylar bags. Examples include:

• Rice and beans: Up to 30 years.
• Powdered milk: 15–20 years.
• Dried herbs and spices: 2–5 years, depending on the type

 

Mylar Bags vs. Vacuum Sealer Bags: What’s the Difference?

If you already have vacuum sealer bags at home or in your professional kitchen, why should you still buy Mylar bags? Well, there are a few differences between these options that can impact your food storage process. Here’s a quick comparison:  

Material Composition

• Mylar bags are made from PET and aluminium; you can expect these bags to offer superior protection against light and air.
• Vacuum sealer bags are typically made from polyethylene or polypropylene, which are durable but lack the light-blocking properties of Mylar.

 

Usage Scenarios

• Mylar bags are best for long-term storage (e.g., bulk grains and powdered goods).
• Vacuum sealer bags are ideal for short-term freshness (e.g., meats, vegetables, or leftovers).

 

Cost Considerations

• Mylar bags are generally more expensive than vacuum sealer bags, but their durability and long-term effectiveness often justify the cost.
• Vacuum sealer bags are a more economical choice for day-to-day use.

 

Compatibility with Oxygen Absorbers

• Mylar bags work with oxygen absorbers to prevent air from seeping over time.
• Vacuum sealer bags are not as effective for long-term storage, as some air can re-enter the bag despite sealing.

 

Example Use of Both Storage Options

Say you run a butcher shop. You can utilize vacuum sealer bags for fresh cuts of meat and have them ready for sale or freezing. However, pick Mylar bags to store large quantities of dry spices or seasonings to ensure these items will last for months in your storage area. 

Best Practices and Tips for Using Mylar Bags

1. Put Mylar Bags Inside Food-Grade Buckets

Need extra durability? If you plan to keep food in areas prone to pests, put Mylar bags inside food-grade plastic buckets. That way, you create an additional barrier against rodents and physical damage while effectively preserving the quality and nutrition of your food items. 

2. Label and Store Mylar Bags Properly

Store Mylar bags in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or basement, to maximize the extended shelf life. Again, you can place the bags in food-grade buckets for added protection. Also, don’t skip labelling the Mylar bag. Clearly label the bag with these details:

• Contents: Specify the type of food.
• Date: Note the packing date for inventory rotation purposes.

 

3. Seal the Bag Properly

You can use an impulse sealer, which is ideal for sealing bags you do not want to vacuum, including Mylar bags. Run the heat sealer across the top of the bag, leaving no gaps. Here’s a pro tip: Leave a small section open initially to press out excess air before sealing it completely.

4. Avoid Common Mistakes

Do not store wet or oily food items in Mylar bags; these can spoil even in a sealed environment. Also, never overfill Mylar bags. Leave space for sealing and avoid bursting. More importantly, always double-check sealed bags for airtightness to prevent spoilage.

5. Be Mindful When Reusing Mylar Bags

While Mylar bags are designed for long-term use, they can be reused for non-perishable items. Just make sure to inspect the bag for punctures or tears. Also, clean it thoroughly and dry completely before resealing.

6. Tips for Professionals

If you run a restaurant, cafe, butcher shop or any other food business, you can cut costs by buying bulk and storing ingredients like dried spices, grains, or baking goods in Mylar bags. Just make sure to label bags clearly for easy tracking and ensure older items are used first.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mylar Bags

Can I use Mylar bags without oxygen absorbers?

Yes. However, that may only be good for short-term storage. Without oxygen absorbers, any air left inside the Mylar bag may cause spoilage over time.

How do I know if my Mylar bag is properly sealed?

A properly sealed bag will be airtight. After adding oxygen absorbers, the bag should feel tighter as air is absorbed.

Which food items are not suitable for Mylar bags?

Wet or oily foods aren’t suitable for Mylar bags because these can spoil despite sealing. The same goes for fresh produce or meats; use vacuum sealer bags for such items instead.

Can I freeze food in Mylar bags?

While Mylar bags are excellent for dry storage, they are not made for freezing food. Freezing can make the material brittle, and repeated handling could cause tears or punctures. If you need to store frozen foods, use vacuum sealer bags designed for cold temperatures.

What is the shelf life of food stored in Mylar bags?

The shelf life depends on the type of food and storage conditions. For example:

• White rice: Up to 30 years.
• Dried beans: 10 to 15 years.
• Flour: 10 years.

 

Proper use of oxygen absorbers and cool, dark storage conditions is essential to maximize shelf life.

Can Mylar bags be recycled?

Recycling Mylar bags can be challenging because of their multi-layered composition. Check with your local recycling program to see if they accept Mylar. If not, reuse them whenever possible for storage or non-food items.

Shop High-Quality Mylar Bags Now

Whether you’re a home cook looking to extend your pantry life or a professional managing bulk supply, investing in Mylar bags is essential. But where should you buy these bags? Look for trusted suppliers that can stand behind the quality of their products. Investing in high-quality Mylar bags ensures better durability and puncture resistance, safer storage due to food-grade materials and longer-lasting protection against light and moisture.

At Food Vacuum Sealers Australia, we offer a range of high-quality Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and sealing equipment that meet professional standards. Start preserving your food the right way today!