Mylar bags have become a popular choice for long-term food storage due to their ability to protect food from moisture, air, and light, all of which can lead to spoilage. If you’re looking to extend the shelf life of your dried foods, using Mylar bags combined with oxygen absorbers is one of the most effective methods. Here’s how you can safely store food in Mylar bags.
Why Use Mylar Bags for Food Storage?
Mylar bags are made from a type of polyester film with a metallic coating, giving them excellent barrier properties against air, moisture, and light. These bags are perfect for storing dry, non-perishable items such as rice, beans, pasta, and dehydrated vegetables.
What You Need for Storing Food in Mylar Bags
Before you start, gather the following items:
- Mylar bags: Choose high-quality bags with a thickness of 5 mils or more for long-term storage.
- Oxygen absorbers: These remove the oxygen from the bag, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life.
- Heat sealer: A flat iron or vacuum sealer with a heat-sealing function can be used to seal the bags.
- Buckets or bins: For extra protection, you can place the sealed Mylar bags inside food-grade plastic buckets.
- Labels: To keep track of the contents and the date of storage.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Storing Food in Mylar Bags
- Choose the Right Foods
- Mylar bags are best for storing dried goods such as grains (rice, oats, flour), beans, lentils, dried fruits, and pasta. Avoid high-fat or high-moisture foods, as they may spoil more quickly.
- Prepare Your Workspace
- Make sure your workspace is clean and dry. You want to avoid introducing any moisture into the bags, as it can lead to mold or spoilage.
- Fill the Mylar Bags
- Open your Mylar bag and pour the food inside. It’s best to leave about 2-3 inches of space at the top so you have enough room to seal the bag properly. Try to fill the bag to minimize excess air.
- Add Oxygen Absorbers
- Place an oxygen absorber inside the bag, right before sealing. The size of the oxygen absorber you need depends on the size of the bag and the amount of food inside. Oxygen absorbers help remove the air from the bag, which prevents oxidation and stops the growth of spoilage organisms.
- Seal the Mylar Bags
- Use a heat sealer or a flat iron to seal the top of the Mylar bag. If you’re using a flat iron, run it along the top edge of the bag for a tight, secure seal. If using a vacuum sealer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sealing Mylar bags.
- Check the Seal
- After sealing, make sure there are no gaps or holes in the seal. You can lightly press on the bag to ensure there’s no air leaking in or out. A well-sealed Mylar bag should feel firm after a few hours as the oxygen absorbers start working.
- Store the Sealed Mylar Bags
- Store your sealed Mylar bags in a cool, dark, and dry place, such as a pantry or basement. For added protection, place the Mylar bags inside food-grade buckets. This helps protect the bags from punctures, rodents, and other environmental factors.
- Label Your Bags
- Don’t forget to label each bag with the type of food and the date of storage. This will help you keep track of when the food was packaged and when it should be used.
How Long Can You Store Food in Mylar Bags?
When stored correctly with oxygen absorbers, foods like rice, beans, and wheat can last 10-30 years in Mylar bags. Other foods, such as pasta and oats, may last 10-15 years. The exact shelf life depends on the type of food, the conditions in which it’s stored, and the quality of the Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers used.
Best Practices for Storing Food in Mylar Bags
- Use the right bag size: Choose the appropriate bag size for the amount of food you’re storing. Mylar bags come in various sizes, from 1-quart to 5-gallon options.
- Avoid reusing bags: Once you’ve opened a Mylar bag, it’s best to use a new one for the next batch of food storage to maintain an airtight seal.
- Monitor storage conditions: Keep your food in a cool, dry, and dark place. Extreme heat or moisture can degrade both the food and the bags over time.
Conclusion
Storing food in Mylar bags is a reliable method for long-term preservation, ensuring your dried goods stay fresh for years. At Colorful Packaging, we specialize in high-quality Mylar bags and other food packaging solutions that help extend the shelf life of your products.