The Complete Guide to Mylar Bags for Food and Storage

An Introduction to Mylar Bags

Mylar bags have become increasingly popular for food storage and preservation. Often referred to as foil bags, mylar bags are made from a special type of plastic called BoPET (Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate). This material is known for being strong, durable, and resistant to moisture and oxygen.

Mylar bags create an airtight seal which prevents food from spoiling. The reflective surface also blocks light which can degrade foods over time. Thanks to these properties, mylar bags can extend the shelf life of foods for many years if properly sealed.

Benefits of Using Mylar Bags

There are several key advantages to using mylar bags for food storage:

• Airtight seal - The bags are designed to be completely hermetically sealed, removing oxygen from inside the bag.
• Moisture barrier - The foil construction prevents moisture from getting in or out, keeping foods dry.
• Light protection - The reflective surface blocks out UV light that can degrade food nutrients and flavors.
• Pest resistance - Dense mylar material helps keep insects and rodents from getting into stored food.
• Strength - Mylar is extremely durable and resistant to punctures or tears during storage.
• Reusability - If well cared for, mylar bags can be washed and reused multiple times.

Popular Foods for Mylar Bag Storage

Many types of foods can be successfully stored long-term in mylar bags. Some of the most common include:

• Grains - Rice, beans, wheat, lentils, oats, etc.
• Pasta
• Flour
• Dried fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and trail mixes
• Coffee and tea
• Powdered milk
• Dried meal ingredients - bouillon, mashed potatoes, pancake mix, etc.
• Candy and chocolate
• Spices and herbs

Storing these types of stable foods in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers can extend freshness and prevent spoilage for 5-10 years or more. The key is making sure the bags are properly sealed and stored in cool, dark conditions.

How to Seal Mylar Bags

To get the full benefits of mylar bag food storage, proper sealing is a must. Here are some tips for achieving an airtight, long-lasting seal:

• Use high quality bag sealer - A good electric heat sealer designed for mylar bags will ensure an airtight, durable seal.
• Wait for bag to cool - After sealing, let the bag sit for at least 15 seconds to allow the melted plastic to fully fuse and cool.
• Fold and reinforce the seal - Make two or three tight folds over the sealed seam to reinforce it.
• Check for holes - Visually inspect the sealed seam on both sides and use your fingers to feel for any gaps or holes.
• Add oxygen absorbers - Include a proper number of oxygen absorbers in the bag before sealing to extend freshness.
• Label bag contents - Write the contents and date sealed on the exterior with a permanent marker for easy identification.

Where to Buy High Quality Mylar Bags

It's important to source high quality mylar bags to get the most out of long term food storage. Here are some of the best places to buy food grade mylar bags:

• Online preparedness & survival retailers - Sites like USA Emergency Supply have a huge selection of mylar bags and sealer machines.
• Big box stores - Walmart, Costco and Sam's Club sell storage kits with mylar bags and oxygen absorbers.
• Amazon - A wide variety of bag shapes, sizes and quantities can be found on Amazon.
• Restaurant supply stores - Mylar bags are used commercially to store bulk foods.
• Direct from manufacturers - Companies like Sorbent Systems sell direct to consumers online.

When purchasing mylar bags, look for thickness of at least 3-4 mil, high quality construction, and name brand reputation for longevity. Avoid cheaply made import bags that can tear or fail.

Using Mylar Bags with Food Buckets

For organized bulk food storage, gamma-sealed mylar bags are designed to be used with 5 or 6 gallon plastic food buckets. This pairing creates an ideal storage container:

• The bucket protects the bag from rips and punctures.
• The gamma seal lid allows easy access without undoing the mylar bag seal.
• The bag can be reused by resealing it with the gamma lid.
• Buckets neatly stack for compact storage and transport.

When used properly, mylar lined food buckets can keep grains, beans, and other dried foods fresh for up to 25 years. The buckets also provide solid protection against pests, water damage, and physical hazards.

Cautions When Using Mylar Bags

While incredibly useful for food storage, there are a few precautions to keep in mind when using mylar bags:

• Don't reuse bags after opening. The seal and oxygen protection are compromised.
• Avoid storing very oily foods like nuts or pulverized items that could puncture the bag.
• Don’t place bags directly on cement or dirt floors. Use shelves or pallets.
• Inspect stored bags periodically for any damage or moisture issues.
• Use standard food rotation practices - first in, first out. Don't just keep piling new bags on old.

The Benefits of Long Term Food Storage

• Prepare for personal hard times like job losses or unexpected bills.
• Get through weather disruptions like storms, floods or blizzards.
• Have food security in times of geopolitical instability or conflict.
• Ride out catastrophic events like economic collapse or power grid failures.
• Be ready for unpredictable disasters both natural and man-made.

Rotating and consuming stored food before it expires keeps supplies fresh and avoids wasting money. Many foods sealed in mylar bags have shelf lives of 10 years or longer if packaged correctly.

Storing Food-Grade Products in Mylar Bags

In addition to storing standard food items, mylar bags can also help extend the shelf life of other household products, like:

Seeds

Storing extra seeds for your garden helps ensure you have backups and varieties to plant following any disruptions. Sealed in mylar, most seeds stay viable for 5-10 years.

Grains and Flours for Milling

Having whole grains and legumes allows for milling into fresh flours when needed. Mylar bags will keep these ingredients fresher for DIY flour production.

Medicinal Herbs and Tea Leaves

Dried medicinal plants like chamomile, ginger, valerian root, echinacea and others stay potent much longer in mylar with oxygen absorbers. The same goes for tea leaves.

Prescription Medications

As long as kept cool and dry, many prescription medications can safely be stored in sealed mylar bags to extend their effective shelf life beyond the labeled expiry date.

Powdered Milk and Butter

Because mylar blocks oxygen and moisture, it can preserve powdered dairy products for years without losing as much taste or nutritional value compared to plastic containers.

Pet Food

Dry pet food and bird seed stored in mylar bags avoids vitamin degradation from heat, light, and oxygen. Just be sure to transition pets slowly when rotating older food.

Storing Items Other Than Food in Mylar Bags

In addition to consumable food items, mylar bags are also useful for protecting many other emergency preparedness supplies, such as:

Extra Batteries

Mylar bags help block humidity and oxygen from degrading the power and shelf life of spare alkaline, lithium, and rechargeable batteries for flashlights, radios, and other devices.

Emergency Medical Supplies

Bandages, gauze, ointments, medications, and other medical essentials will stay fresher when stored in mylar bags versus plastic containers susceptible to humidity.

Fire Starters and Tinder

Keeping fire starting aids like magnesium sticks, ferrocerium rods, vaseline gauze, and dryer lint extremely dry increases their viability and burn time.

Documents and Photographs

Important documents, cash, and cherished photos can be protected from moisture, mildew, and pests when sealed in mylar bags.

Ammo and Magazines

For firearm preparedness, mylar bags help guard ammunition and magazines against corrosion, tarnish, and dirt.

Tips for Successful Long Term Food Storage

• Store what you eat, and eat what you store - Rotate foods and supplies that your family already enjoys.
• Include comfort foods along with staples - Things like coffee, chocolate and spices make hard times more bearable.
• Have meals and recipes in mind - Know how ingredients can combine into meals without power or kitchen tools.
• Balance nutrients and calories - Store a variety of protein sources, fruits and vegetables, grains and legumes, oils and dairy.
• Keep an inventory and use oldest first - Follow a first in, first out rotation faithfully.
• Store in cool, dark place - Basement, closet or under beds work better than attics or garages.
• Use both large and small bags - Have large bags for big #10 cans, and smaller servings for grab-and-go evacuation.
• Include needed tools like can openers, grinders, camp stoves, utensils.
• Have water storage and filtration plans - Food needs safe water to be edible and palatable.

With the right supplies and system, a home food storage plan using mylar bags is one of the most affordable and reliable forms of emergency preparation. Investing in a robust reserve helps provide safety against the unexpected.

FAQs

What foods can be stored in mylar bags?

Many foods with low moisture content can be stored in mylar bags long term, including grains, beans, pasta, dried fruit, nuts, spices, coffee, tea, powdered milk, and more.

How long does food last in properly sealed mylar bags?

With oxygen absorbers, foods stored in high quality mylar bags can last 5-10 years or longer if kept cool and dry. Some foods may last up to 25 years.

Can you reuse mylar bags after opening?

It's not recommended to reuse mylar bags after opening as the airtight seal is compromised. New oxygen absorbers should be used with each long term sealing.

What is the best way to seal mylar bags?

Use a good quality electric heat sealer designed for mylar. Allow the seal to fully cool before handling, then reinforce it with tight folds on both sides.

Where is the best place to store mylar bags?

Mylar bags with food should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light. Basements, closets and under beds work well. Avoid attics or garages with extreme temperatures.