Mylar bags have become a popular choice for long-term food storage due to their superior ability to protect food from oxygen, moisture, and light. These properties are essential for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of various food items. Knowing which foods are best suited for storage in Mylar bags is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness and ensuring your food supply remains fresh and usable.
This blog post provides a comprehensive list of foods that are ideal for storing in Mylar bags. We’ll cover a range of options, from staple grains and dried goods to fruits, vegetables, and even some unexpected items. By understanding the best practices for storing different food types in Mylar bags, you can create a well-stocked pantry and be prepared for any situation.
What Are Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are a type of flexible packaging made from a polyester film coated with aluminum. This unique construction provides exceptional barrier properties, protecting the contents from moisture, oxygen, and light, which makes them ideal for preserving freshness and extending shelf life. They are known for their durability and are commonly used for food storage, electronics packaging, and long-term preservation of various goods.
List of Foods to Store in Mylar Bags
Let’s delve deeper into storing food in Mylar bags. While the previous list provides a good starting point, there are nuances to consider for each food category and best practices to maximize shelf life.
Dry Goods (Grains, Legumes, Flours, Pasta):
- Pre-treatment: Freezing these items for at least 72 hours before packaging is crucial to kill any insect eggs or larvae that might be present. This prevents infestations in your stored food.
- Packaging: Use oxygen absorbers appropriate for the size of your Mylar bag. For long-term storage (over a year), consider using a combination of oxygen absorbers and desiccant packs, especially for items like flour which can absorb moisture from the air.
- Storage: Store these bags in a cool, dark, and dry place. Consistent temperatures are key. Avoid areas prone to temperature swings, like attics or garages.
Dried Fruits and Vegetables:
- Drying: Ensure these are completely dry before packaging. Any residual moisture will lead to mold. Commercial dehydrators are ideal, but air drying can work if done properly.
- Packaging: Oxygen absorbers are essential. These foods can be particularly susceptible to moisture absorption, so desiccant packs are also a good idea.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place.
Nuts and Seeds:
- Oil Content: Nuts and seeds have a higher oil content, which can make them prone to rancidity over time. Freezing them before packaging can help slow this process.
- Packaging: Oxygen absorbers are still recommended, but the shelf life, even with proper packaging, may be shorter than other dry goods. Consider rotating your stock.
- Storage: Cool, dark, and dry storage is essential.
Coffee Beans, Spices, Sugar, Salt, Powdered Milk:
- Packaging: Oxygen absorbers are important for preserving flavor and quality.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place. Powdered milk is particularly sensitive to moisture, so ensure it’s completely dry and use a desiccant pack.
Dehydrated Meals:
- Commercial vs. Homemade: Commercially dehydrated meals are often packaged with specific oxygen absorbers and desiccants for long-term storage. If making your own, follow proper dehydration and packaging protocols.
- Packaging: Use oxygen absorbers and consider desiccant packs.
Beyond the Food:
- Mylar Bag Thickness: For long-term food storage, 4 mil or thicker Mylar bags are recommended. Thicker bags offer better protection against punctures and air leakage.
- Sealing: Properly sealing your Mylar bags is critical. Heat sealing is the most reliable method.
- Labeling: Clearly label each bag with the contents, packaging date, and any other relevant information. A permanent marker works well.
- Inventory: Keep an inventory of your stored food and rotate your stock as needed to ensure freshness.
By following these more detailed guidelines, you can significantly extend the shelf life of your stored food and ensure its quality for years to come. Remember, proper preparation, packaging, and storage are key to successful long-term food storage in Mylar bags.
How to Store Food in Mylar Bags
Storing food in Mylar bags is a highly effective way to protect your provisions from spoilage and extend their shelf life significantly. These specialized bags offer a superior barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light, making them ideal for long-term food storage.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of properly storing food in Mylar bags, ensuring your food remains fresh and nutritious for years to come.
How to Store Food in Mylar Bags
Storing food in Mylar bags is an excellent way to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
You’ll need:
- Mylar bags (4 mil or thicker recommended for long-term storage)
- Oxygen absorbers (appropriate size for your bags)
- Desiccant packs (optional, but recommended for some foods)
- Heat sealer (or iron and a clean cloth)
- Food-grade buckets or containers (for storing the sealed bags)
- Permanent marker and labels
Step 2: Prepare Your Food
- Dry Goods (grains, legumes, etc.): Freeze for at least 72 hours to kill any insect eggs or larvae.
- Dried Fruits/Vegetables: Ensure they are completely dry.
- Nuts/Seeds: Consider freezing due to oil content.
Step 3: Fill the Mylar Bag
Fill the Mylar bag with the prepared food, leaving some headspace at the top. Don’t overfill.
Step 4: Add Oxygen Absorbers and Desiccant Packs (Optional)
Add the appropriate number of oxygen absorbers. If using desiccant packs, add those as well. The number of oxygen absorbers depends on the size of the bag and the food being stored. Follow the instructions on the oxygen absorber packaging.
Step 5: Seal the Mylar Bag
- Heat Sealer: Use a heat sealer to create a strong, airtight seal across the top of the bag. Follow the manufacturer‘s instructions for your specific heat sealer.
- Iron Method (Alternative): If you don’t have a heat sealer, you can use an iron. Place a clean, dry cloth over the opening of the bag and carefully run a hot iron across it to seal. This method requires practice to ensure a proper seal.
Step 6: Label and Date
Use a permanent marker to label the bag with the contents and the date of packaging. This helps you keep track of your stored food.
Step 7: Store the Sealed Bags
Place the sealed Mylar bags in food-grade buckets or containers. This provides an extra layer of protection against pests and physical damage. Store the buckets in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid areas with temperature fluctuations.
Step 8: Inventory and Rotation
Keep an inventory of your stored food and rotate your stock as needed. Use the oldest food first to ensure freshness.
Important Considerations:
- Food Safety: Always follow safe food handling practices when preparing and storing food.
- Bag Thickness: Use 4 mil or thicker Mylar bags for long-term storage.
- Oxygen Absorbers: Use the correct size and number of oxygen absorbers for your bags.
- Sealing: Ensure a complete and airtight seal to maintain the food’s quality.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dark, and dry place for optimal preservation.
What Can You Store in Mylar Bags With Oxygen Absorbers
Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers are ideal for storing a wide variety of dry goods for long-term preservation.
Staple Dry Goods:
- Grains: Rice (white, brown, wild), wheat, barley, oats, quinoa, spelt, corn
- Legumes: Beans (kidney, pinto, black, etc.), lentils, peas
- Flours: Wheat flour, rice flour, cornmeal, almond flour (though some may benefit from freezing)
- Pasta: Dry pasta of all shapes and sizes
Other Dry Goods:
- Dried Fruits: Apples, bananas, berries, raisins, apricots, mangoes (ensure they are properly dried to prevent mold)
- Dried Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes (again, ensure thorough drying)
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (consider freezing some nuts due to their oil content)
- Coffee Beans: Whole or ground (whole beans retain flavor longer)
- Spices: Dried herbs and spices
- Sugar: Granulated or powdered
- Salt: Table salt or sea salt
- Powdered Milk: For long-term storage, use a high-quality, low-moisture powdered milk.
- Dehydrated Meals: Pre-made dehydrated meals are great for emergency preparedness.
- Popcorn Kernels
- Chocolate Chips (may require freezing first)
- Marshmallows (may require freezing first)
- Cereal
- Crackers
- Bisquick
Important Considerations:
- Moisture Content: Foods must be thoroughly dried before being stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Excess moisture can lead to mold and spoilage, even with oxygen absorbers present.
- Oxygen Absorbers: Using oxygen absorbers in your Mylar bags is crucial for long-term storage. They remove oxygen, further inhibiting spoilage and extending shelf life. Choose the appropriate size and number of oxygen absorbers based on the size of your Mylar bag and the food being stored.
- Pest Control: Freezing dry goods for several days before packaging can help eliminate any potential insect eggs or larvae.
- Storage Conditions: Store Mylar bags in a cool, dry, and dark place for optimal preservation. Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
- Labeling: Clearly label each bag with the contents and date of packaging.
Foods Not Recommended for Mylar Bags with Oxygen Absorbers:
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: These contain too much moisture.
- Meats: Unless they are properly dehydrated or freeze-dried.
- Cheese: Unless it is a shelf-stable, dehydrated variety.
- High-Moisture Foods: Anything that isn’t completely dry.
Remember, proper preparation and storage techniques are crucial for maximizing the shelf life of food stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Always research and follow recommended food storage guidelines.
Can Flour Be Stored in Mylar Bags
Yes, flour can be stored in Mylar bags, and it’s a great way to extend its shelf life. However, there are a few key considerations. Flour can absorb moisture and is susceptible to insect infestations.
Therefore, it’s crucial to freeze the flour for at least 72 hours before packaging it in Mylar bags to kill any potential insect eggs or larvae. Additionally, using oxygen absorbers and desiccant packs in the Mylar bags is highly recommended to control moisture and prevent spoilage. Properly stored flour in Mylar bags can last for a considerable time.
Can I Store Sugar in Mylar Bags?
Yes, you can store sugar in Mylar bags. Sugar, whether granulated or powdered, benefits from the moisture and oxygen barrier that Mylar bags provide, helping to prevent it from clumping or absorbing odors. While not as susceptible to spoilage as some other foods, proper storage in Mylar bags can help maintain its quality and texture over time. Using oxygen absorbers is generally not necessary for sugar storage, but ensuring a good seal on the Mylar bag is key to preventing moisture absorption.
Can Spices Be Stored in Mylar Bags?
Yes, spices can be stored in Mylar bags, and it’s an excellent way to preserve their flavor and aroma. Spices are susceptible to losing their potency over time due to exposure to air, light, and moisture. Mylar bags, with their superior barrier properties, help protect spices from these elements, keeping them fresher for longer. Using oxygen absorbers is recommended for spices, as they can help reduce oxidation and maintain the quality of the spices. Properly stored spices in Mylar bags can retain their flavor and aroma for a significantly extended period.
Can You Store Bisquick in Mylar Bags?
Yes, you can store Bisquick (or similar baking mixes) in Mylar bags. Because Bisquick contains flour and other dry ingredients, it benefits from the protection against moisture and pests that Mylar bags offer.
It’s a good idea to freeze the Bisquick for several days before packaging it in Mylar bags to eliminate any potential insect eggs or larvae. Using oxygen absorbers and desiccant packs is also recommended to maintain its quality and prevent any issues with moisture or rancidity of any fats in the mix. Properly stored in Mylar bags, Bisquick can maintain its leavening power and freshness for an extended period.
Can You Store Cereal in Mylar Bags?
Yes, you can store cereal in Mylar bags, and it’s a great way to keep it fresh and crunchy. Cereal, especially opened boxes, can quickly become stale due to exposure to air and moisture. Mylar bags provide an excellent barrier against these elements, helping to maintain the cereal’s texture and flavor. Using oxygen absorbers is highly recommended to further extend the freshness and prevent any potential issues with pests. Properly stored in Mylar bags, your cereal will stay crisp and delicious for much longer.
Can You Store Chocolate in Mylar Bags?
Yes, you can store chocolate in Mylar bags, and it’s a good way to protect it from blooming (the white or gray coating that appears due to temperature fluctuations) and absorbing odors.
Chocolate is sensitive to temperature changes and can also pick up unwanted flavors from the surrounding environment. Mylar bags, especially when combined with oxygen absorbers, help create a stable environment, preserving the chocolate’s quality and preventing it from melting or developing that undesirable bloom. For best results, store the Mylar-bagged chocolate in a cool, dark place.
Can You Store Coffee in Mylar Bags?
Yes, you can store coffee in Mylar bags, and it’s an excellent way to maintain its freshness and flavor. Coffee, whether whole bean or ground, is susceptible to losing its aroma and taste due to exposure to oxygen and moisture. Mylar bags, with their superior barrier properties, help prevent this degradation, keeping your coffee fresher for longer. Using oxygen absorbers is highly recommended, especially for long-term storage, as they remove oxygen that can cause the coffee to go stale. Properly stored in Mylar bags, coffee can retain its rich flavor and aroma for an extended period.
Can You Store Crackers in Mylar Bags?
Yes, you can store crackers in Mylar bags, and it’s a great way to keep them crisp and fresh. Crackers, especially once opened, tend to become stale quickly due to exposure to air and moisture. Mylar bags provide a protective barrier against these elements, helping to maintain the crackers’ texture and prevent them from becoming soggy. Using oxygen absorbers is also recommended to further extend their freshness and protect against any potential pest issues. Properly stored in Mylar bags, your crackers will stay crisp and enjoyable for a longer period.
Conclusion
Storing food in Mylar bags offers a superior way to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. This guide has provided a comprehensive list of foods suitable for Mylar bag storage, from grains and legumes to dehydrated fruits and vegetables. Understanding which foods benefit most from this type of packaging is crucial for maximizing long-term storage and ensuring food safety. Remember to consider factors like moisture content, oxygen sensitivity, and potential for spoilage when making your selections.
By properly utilizing Mylar bags, you can create a well-stocked pantry or emergency food supply, confident that your provisions will remain protected and nutritious for years to come. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or simply looking for better food storage solutions, Mylar bags provide a reliable and effective method for preserving the foods you love.
Ready to stock up on high-quality Mylar bags for your food storage needs? BN Pack offers a wide range of wholesale Mylar bags perfect for preserving various foods. Contact us today to get started and ensure your food is protected for the long haul.