Mylar bags—those shiny, foil-like pouches—are among the most popular tools for long-term food preservation. Whether you're building an emergency pantry or prepping in bulk, Mylar bags can offer years of protection when used correctly. This guide covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right bags and packing methods, to sealing techniques and storage tips that will help your food stay fresh for years.
Why Mylar Bags Work Wonderfully for Food Storage
Mylar bags are made of multilayered metallized polyester (BoPET), creating a strong barrier against oxygen, moisture, and insects. A Reddit commenter notes:
“Mylar by itself protects against moisture, bugs, and oxygen… The silver aluminized bags are the gold standard for long‑term storage (with oxygen absorbers)”
However, Mylar alone doesn’t block light. That's why using opaque or aluminized Mylar is essential, or storing the bags inside light-tight containers.
Step-by-Step: Packaging Dry Foods in Mylar Bags
- Gather your supplies: high-quality Mylar bags, oxygen absorbers, and a sealing tool (hair straightener or impulse sealer).
- Fill the bag with dry foods like rice, oats, lentils, etc.
- Add oxygen absorbers, placing them last to minimize exposure.
- Remove excess air, then seal the bag across the top with a heat source.
- Store the sealed bags in a rodent-proof container, such as buckets with gamma lids.
Community Insights from Preppers
- Sealing: Using a vacuum or straw to remove air before sealing improves oxygen removal. A household iron or hair straightener works fine.
- Oxygen vs. Moisture Absorbers: Use only oxygen absorbers inside the bag. Keep moisture absorbers in the outer container.
- Rodent Protection: Store Mylar bags inside buckets to avoid pests chewing through them.
- Bag Thickness: 7 mil or thicker bags are ideal to prevent punctures from sharp food edges.
Best Practices Summary
| Step |
Tip |
| Choose Quality Bags |
Go for aluminized, food‑grade Mylar (≥ 7 mil thick) |
| Use Oxygen Absorbers |
Vital for removing O₂; skip moisture packets inside bag |
| Remove Air |
Use vacuum or straw to reduce trapped air |
| Seal Properly |
Use impulse sealer or household iron/hair straightener |
| Store Safely |
Inside airtight, rodent-proof buckets or containers |
| Optional |
Add humidity indicator cards for monitoring sealing integrity |
FAQ
Q: Do Mylar bags need to be vacuum sealed?
A: No—oxygen absorbers remove internal oxygen. A vacuum step helps, but isn't required.
Q: Can I reuse Mylar bags?
A: Yes—wash, dry thoroughly, and re‑seal; many users report successful reuse.
Q: Should I include moisture packets inside the Mylar bag?
A: No—Moisture packets can counteract oxygen absorbers; instead place them in your outer storage container.
Q: Can rodents damage Mylar bags?
A: Yes. Store them inside metal or thick plastic containers for protection.
Final Thoughts
Using Mylar bags for dry food storage is affordable, scalable, and effective when you do it right. By using thick, food‑grade bags, proper sealing, oxygen absorbers, and storage protection, you can preserve bulk staples for 5–30 years or more.
If you'd like help choosing reliable Mylar bag suppliers or oxygen absorber quantities, feel free to ask! Contact Boyue Printing for a free quote.
