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Best Foods to Store in Mylar Bags (and What NOT to Store!)

Why Use Mylar Bags for Food Storage?

Mylar bags have become one of the best long-term food storage solutions, thanks to their superior ability to block light, moisture, and oxygen. Made from biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), Mylar bags can preserve food for 5 to 25+ years when properly sealed with oxygen absorbers.

If you’re looking for long-term food storage options, using Mylar bags for food storage is a game-changer. But not all foods are suited for Mylar storage. Let’s explore which foods store best in Mylar bags and which ones should be avoided.

Best Foods to Store in Mylar Bags

The best foods for Mylar storage are low in moisture and fat, as these elements can cause food to spoil quickly. Below are some of the best choices:

1. Rice

  • Shelf life: 20-30 years
  • Best types: White rice, Jasmine rice, Basmati rice
  • Avoid: Brown rice (high oil content, short shelf life of ~1 year)

2. Beans & Legumes

  • Shelf life: 25-30 years
  • Best types: Black beans, Pinto beans, Lentils, Chickpeas, Kidney beans
  • Storage Tip: Use oxygen absorbers to prevent insect infestation.

3. Wheat Berries & Flour

  • Shelf life: Wheat berries (30+ years), All-purpose flour (5-10 years)
  • Usage: Grind wheat berries into fresh flour when needed.

4. Pasta

  • Shelf life: 20-30 years
  • Best types: Plain pasta (spaghetti, macaroni, penne)
  • Avoid: Egg noodles (high moisture content)

5. Dried Fruits & Vegetables

  • Shelf life: 20-30 years (if fully dehydrated)
  • Best choices: Apples, Bananas, Carrots, Bell Peppers
  • Storage Tip: Ensure they are completely dehydrated with <10% moisture.

6. Powdered Milk & Dairy Products

  • Shelf life: 20-25 years
  • Best types: Non-fat powdered milk, Cheese powder, Whey protein powder
  • Storage Tip: Store in cool, dark places to extend shelf life.

7. Sugar & Salt

  • Shelf life: Indefinite
  • Best types: White sugar, Brown sugar, Himalayan salt, Table salt
  • Storage Tip: No oxygen absorber needed for sugar, as it hardens.

8. Oats & Cereal Grains

  • Shelf life: 20-30 years
  • Best types: Rolled oats, Steel-cut oats, Barley
  • Avoid: Quick oats (higher processing, shorter shelf life)

9. Cornmeal

  • Shelf life: 10-15 years
  • Storage Tip: Use oxygen absorbers to maintain freshness.

10. Coffee & Tea

  • Shelf life: 10-20 years
  • Best types: Whole coffee beans, Loose-leaf tea, Instant coffee
  • Avoid: Ground coffee (shorter shelf life due to oxidation)

Foods You Should NOT Store in Mylar Bags

Some foods do not store well in Mylar bags due to high moisture or oil content. Here are the worst foods for Mylar storage:

1. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

  • Reason: High moisture content causes spoilage.
  • Alternative: Dehydrate before storing.

2. Nuts & Seeds

  • Reason: High fat content causes rancidity within 1-2 years.
  • Alternative: Store in vacuum-sealed glass jars.

3. Meats & Dairy (Fresh or Canned)

  • Reason: Fatty content leads to spoilage.
  • Alternative: Freeze-dried meats can be stored in Mylar bags.

4. Eggs (Fresh or Powdered)

  • Reason: High risk of bacterial growth.
  • Alternative: Freeze-dried eggs work better.

5. Soft Grains (Brown Rice, Whole Wheat Flour)

  • Reason: Short shelf life due to oils going rancid.
  • Alternative: Store whole wheat berries instead.

6. Baking Powder & Baking Soda

  • Reason: Loses effectiveness when stored with oxygen absorbers.
  • Alternative: Store in airtight plastic or glass containers.

7. Sugary Treats & Chocolate

  • Reason: High sugar and fat cause deterioration.
  • Alternative: Store hard candies in vacuum-sealed jars.

How to Properly Store Food in Mylar Bags

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Choose the Right Mylar Bag Thickness
    • 3.5 to 7 mil thickness for best protection.
  2. Use Oxygen Absorbers
    • 300cc to 2000cc depending on bag size.
  3. Seal the Bag with a Heat Sealer or Iron
    • Ensure an airtight seal.
  4. Store in a Cool, Dark Place
    • Ideal temperature: 50-70°F (10-21°C)

How Long Do Foods Last in Mylar Bags?

Food Type

Shelf Life

White Rice

30+ years

Beans & Legumes

25-30 years

Pasta

20-30 years

Powdered Milk

20-25 years

Sugar & Salt

Indefinite

Rolled Oats

20-30 years

Coffee Beans

10-20 years

Final Thoughts: Why Mylar Bags are a Game-Changer for Food Storage

Using Mylar bags for food storage ensures your pantry is stocked with long-lasting, emergency-ready food. When used correctly with oxygen absorbers and proper sealing techniques, Mylar bags can extend shelf life for decades. Avoid moisture-rich and high-fat foods, and you’ll have a reliable, long-term food storage plan in place.

Ready to Get Started?

Stock up on Mylar bags, prepare your emergency food supply, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your food is safely stored for the long haul!