Blog Post

When it comes to long-term food storage, Mylar bags are one of the most trusted and effective solutions. Whether you’re prepping for emergencies, building a survival pantry, or just want to reduce food waste, learning how to store food long term in Mylar bags is a smart move.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to use Mylar bags for food storage, which foods store best, how long they last, and the tools you need for safe, airtight packing.

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What Are Mylar Bags?

Mylar bags are made from multiple layers of food-grade polyester film and aluminum foil, creating a powerful barrier against light, oxygen, moisture, and pests. This makes them ideal for long-term food preservation.

They are available in various thicknesses (typically 3.5 mil to 7 mil) and sizes (from 1 pint to 5 gallons), making them versatile for storing everything from grains to dehydrated meals.

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Why Use Mylar Bags for Food Storage?

Here’s why Mylar food storage bags are a top choice for preppers, homesteaders, and food storage enthusiasts:

• ✅ Blocks Light and Moisture – Prevents spoilage and mold.

• ✅ Oxygen Barrier – Reduces oxidation that degrades food quality.

• ✅ Insect & Rodent Resistant – Especially when paired with food-grade buckets.

• ✅ Long Shelf Life – Store food for 10–30 years with proper packing.

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How to Use Mylar Bags for Food Storage (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

You’ll need the following:

• Mylar bags (thickness of 5 mil or more is ideal for long-term)

• Oxygen absorbers (typically 300cc for 1-quart bags; 2000cc for 1-gallon bags)

• Heat sealer or household iron

• Food to store (grains, beans, rice, oats, pasta, freeze-dried food)

• Optional: Food-grade buckets or bins for added protection

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Step 2: Choose the Right Foods

Best foods for Mylar storage include:

• White rice

• Rolled oats

• Wheat berries

• Beans (black, pinto, kidney)

• Pasta

• Dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits and vegetables

• Powdered milk

• Lentils

❌ Avoid storing foods with high oil or moisture content like nuts, brown rice, fresh produce, or cooked meals. These can spoil even in Mylar.

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Step 3: Add Food and Oxygen Absorbers

• Fill the Mylar bag with dry food, leaving about 2 inches of headspace.

• Add the appropriate number of oxygen absorbers based on bag size and food type.

• Work quickly — oxygen absorbers activate as soon as they’re exposed to air.

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Step 4: Seal the Bag

• Use a heat sealer, flat iron, or a hair straightener to seal the top of the bag.

• Press along the opening to create an airtight seal.

• Test for air leaks by lightly pressing on the bag.

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Step 5: Label and Store

• Write the contents and packing date on the bag.

• Store sealed Mylar bags in cool, dark, dry areas — ideally inside food-grade buckets to prevent punctures and rodent damage.

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How Long Will Food Last in Mylar Bags?

With proper sealing and oxygen absorbers:

• White rice: 25–30 years

• Dried beans: 25–30 years

• Rolled oats: 20–25 years

• Pasta: 10–20 years

• Dehydrated fruits/veggies: 15–25 years

Temperature matters! Store in a place under 75°F (24°C) for maximum shelf life.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Using too few oxygen absorbers

• ❌ Sealing bags without removing excess air

• ❌ Storing high-moisture or oily foods

• ❌ Forgetting to label bags

• ❌ Not using a secondary container (like a plastic bucket)

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Final Thoughts

Storing food long-term in Mylar bags is one of the most effective, low-cost, and reliable ways to build your food supply. With the right tools and a bit of planning, you can preserve food for decades — giving you peace of mind in emergencies or times of inflation.

Whether you’re just starting your food storage journey or fine-tuning your survival pantry, Mylar bags are a must-have.