Mylar Bags: The Key to Emergency Food Storage

I remember my grandmother always talking about the importance of storing food properly. She grew up in a time when wasting food wasn’t an option, and she knew how to make things last. One of her best-kept secrets? Mylar bags.

She would store rice, beans, and flour in these special bags, sealing them tightly to keep out air, light, and moisture. “This way, it’ll stay fresh for years,” she’d say. And she was right; years later, the food was still as good as new.

Now, I do the same. Whether for emergencies or just keeping my pantry stocked, Mylar bags are the best way to protect food from going bad. Here, we’ll explore why Mylar bags are important, how they work, and how to use them for emergency food storage. 

What Are Mylar Bags?

Mylar bags are strong, flexible, and airtight storage bags made from a special plastic called biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET). The inside of the bag has a shiny, foil-like layer that helps block air and light. Unlike regular plastic bags, custom Mylar bags don’t let air or moisture pass through, which means food inside stays fresh for much longer. When combined with oxygen absorbers, Mylar bag can keep food in perfect condition for 10 to 25 years! However, many people use these bags for emergency food storage, camping supplies, and survival kits. They are also best for storing bulk food like rice, pasta, and dried beans.

Why Are Mylar Bags So Good for Food Storage?

1. They Keep Food Fresh for Years

Mylar bags protect food by blocking oxygen, moisture, and light, which are the biggest reasons food goes bad. If you store food correctly, it can last for decades without losing quality.

2. They Keep Out Bugs and Mold

Bugs love to get into food, but Mylar bags make it impossible for them to chew through. Also, because Mylar bags block moisture, mold cannot grow inside.

3. They Stop Light from Damaging food

Did you know that light can make food lose its nutrients? The shiny metal layer inside Mylar bags blocks UV rays, which helps food stay full of vitamins and flavor for years.

4. They Work for Many Types of Food

Mylar bags come in different sizes to store anything from small portions of snacks to large amounts of grains. Some people even store pet food in Mylar bags!

5. They Save Space and Are Easy to Store

Since Mylar bags are thin and flexible, they don’t take up as much space as plastic containers or glass jars. You can store them flat or stack them inside a plastic bin for easy organization.

How to Use Mylar Bags for Emergency Food Storage

Using these bags correctly is important if you want your food to last as long as possible. Follow these simple steps to store food the right way:

Step 1: Choose the Right Size and Thickness

These bags come in different sizes and thicknesses. Thicker bags give better protection, but they may be harder to seal.

• 3.5 mil bags: Good for short-term storage (under 5 years).

• 5 mil bags: Great for most foods and long-term storage.

• 7 mil bags: The thickest and best for extra protection.

For bulk food storage, use 1-gallon or 5-gallon bags.

Step 2: Choose the Right Foods to Store

Not all foods are good for Mylar bags. Foods with high moisture or fat content can spoil even inside a sealed bag. Here are some of the best foods to store:

Best Foods for Mylar Bags:

• White rice (not brown rice)

• Dried beans and lentils

• Pasta and oats

• Flour and grains

• Dehydrated fruits and vegetables

• Powdered milk

• Sugar and salt

Foods to Avoid:

• Brown rice (too much oil)

• Nuts and seeds (go rancid quickly)

• Fresh or moist foods

• Cheese and dairy products

Step 3: Use Oxygen Absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are small packets that remove oxygen from the Mylar bag, which helps food last much longer.

• 1-gallon Mylar bag → Use 300–500cc oxygen absorbers

• 5-gallon Mylar bag → Use 2000–2500cc oxygen absorbers

Oxygen absorbers are unnecessary for sugar and salt because they don’t spoil easily.

Step 4: Seal the Mylar Bag Properly

After putting food and oxygen absorbers inside the bag, seal it tightly so air doesn’t get in. You can use:

• A heat sealer (best option)

• A hair straightener (easy and works well)

• A regular clothes iron (set on high heat)

Make sure to leave some space at the top of the bag before sealing it so there’s enough room to close it properly.

Step 5: Store the Bags in a Cool, Dry Place

Even though Mylar bags are strong, they can be chewed through by rodents. To protect them, store the bags inside plastic buckets or bins. Keep them in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a basement or pantry. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Sting the Wrong Foods: Moist and oily foods don’t last long in Mylar bags.

Forgetting Oxygen Absorbers: If you skip this step, your food won’t last as long.

Not Sealing Bags Properly: Even a small gap can let air in and ruin the food.

Storing in a Hot or Humid Place: Heat and moisture can make food spoil faster.

Read: Why use Mylar bags for food storage? 

How Long Can Food Last in Mylar Bags?

Here’s how long different foods can last when stored properly in these bags with oxygen absorbers:

Food Type Shelf Life in Mylar Bag

White Rice 20–30 years

Dried Beans 25–30 years

Pasta    20–25 years

Flour                     10–15 years

Powdered Milk 15–20 years

Oats                       20–30 years

Summary

If you want to keep food fresh, safe, and ready for emergencies, these bags are the best solution. They protect food from air, moisture, and light, ensuring it lasts for years or even decades. Following proper storage techniques, you can build a reliable food supply to keep your family safe and prepared for any situation.