Top 5 Benefits of Choosing Mylar Bags for Storing Freeze-Dried Food

When it comes to storing freeze-dried food, Mylar bags are the superior choice. Mylar bags provide an unbeatable combination of durability, affordability, and protection for your freeze-dried food. Whether you’re looking for a way to store food for the long term or just looking to keep food fresh in the short term, Mylar bags provide numerous benefits that make them the perfect choice. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top five benefits of choosing Mylar bags for storing freeze-dried food.

1) What are Mylar bags, and how do they work for food storage?

Mylar bags are food-grade safe bags made from a type of polyester film. They are commonly used for preserving dry and low-fat foods such as freeze-dried food. Mylar bags have gained popularity in recent years due to their effectiveness in keeping food fresh for long periods. When stored correctly using Mylar bags, some foods can last up to 25 years. It's important to note, however, that Mylar bags are not rodent-proof and should be stored in a secure location.

For optimal preservation, food should be packed with 10% or less moisture when using a Mylar bag. The quality of the Mylar bag or pouch is determined by the thickness of the film and the dimensions of the pouch. Mylar and aluminum foil are different materials but can be fused for specific uses.

Mylar bags have many uses beyond just food storage. They are commonly used for food packaging, vacuum bags, storage, gift wrapping, decorations, and foil containers. With the growing popularity of preparedness and SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) scenarios, Mylar bags have become a crucial component of food storage and preservation. When properly used, they provide an effective barrier against oxygen, light, and moisture, making them an essential tool for long-term food storage. When it comes to food storage, Mylar bags have some clear advantages over other options. Their unique properties make them an excellent choice for keeping food fresh for an extended period. This is particularly important in emergency situations, where having a stockpile of food can be crucial for survival. Preparedness is key, and Mylar bags offer a practical solution for storing food for the long term. Whether you're stocking up for SHTF scenarios or want to ensure you have a reliable food supply, Mylar bags are a must-have.

In the next section, we'll look at why Mylar bags are superior to other alternatives for storing freeze-dried food. But first, let's examine why these alternatives are problematic.

2) The Problem with Alternatives to Mylar Bags

When it comes to storing freeze-dried food, many preppers turn to alternatives such as glass bottles or vacuum bags. However, these options come with their own set of disadvantages. Glass bottles are fragile and do not protect food from light, which can lead to spoilage. Vacuum packaging, while effective in removing oxygen, is not a replacement for proper food preservation methods such as refrigeration or home canning.

Moreover, while vacuum packaging may prevent the growth of bacteria that cause spoilage, it does not eliminate the risk of pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum surviving without oxygen. This poses a serious health hazard and highlights the importance of maintaining a clean and sanitary environment when using this method at home. Additionally, vacuum-sealing certain foods, such as onions, mushrooms, and garlic, can lead to botulinum concerns.

On the other hand, mylar bags offer a solution to all of these problems. Mylar bags are made of durable material that protects food from light and oxygen. They also work well with oxygen absorbers, which remove any remaining oxygen from the bag to ensure the longest possible shelf life for your freeze-dried food. Overall, choosing mylar bags for storing freeze-dried food is a reliable and safe option for any prepper looking to protect their food supply.

3) Benefit #1 - Protection from Oxygen

When it comes to long-term food storage, oxygen is the enemy. It's the primary cause of spoilage and can cause rancidity, off-flavors, and discoloration. That's why Mylar Bags and Oxygen Absorbers are a cost-effective way to store food long-term.

Mylar Bags have barrier properties to oxygen and moisture to the 4th decimal place, making them an excellent option for food storage. While food-grade buckets are oxygen-resistant, any type of plastic lets through too much oxygen for an oxygen absorber to handle.

Compared to other types of packaging, Mylar Bags are a better oxygen and moisture barrier, often by a factor of 100 or more. Heat-sealing Mylar Bags creates a molecular-level barrier, as opposed to a ziplock, which is only a mechanical barrier.

If you're looking to store freeze-dried food or other long-term food storage items, we recommend using the 3.5 mil one-gallon Mylar bag. This type of bag is perfect for storing food for up to 7 years, but it's important to note that it's not the best option for pokey pasta like spaghetti.

Overall, Mylar Bags are an excellent choice for long-term food storage because they provide a reliable and effective barrier against oxygen, ensuring your food stays fresh and flavorful for years to come.

4) Benefit #2 - Increased Shelf Life

One of the main reasons why Mylar bags are such an excellent method for long-term food storage is their ability to increase the shelf life of stored food. When food is stored in Mylar bags, it is protected from the elements that typically cause food to spoil or go bad, including contamination, oxygen, moisture, and light. In particular, the Mylar material used in these bags creates a barrier that does not allow oxygen to pass through, which is essential in keeping food fresh for long periods.

Mylar bags are incredibly puncture resistant and can store certain foods for up to 30 years, making them a popular choice for preppers and food suppliers who want to package food for shipment and increase shelf-life. The thickness of the Mylar bags used for long-term storage is between 5mil and 7mil, which ensures the bags will not easily puncture or tear.

It is important to note that the length of time food can be stored in Mylar bags depends on how it is packaged and the type of food. For instance, low-moisture content foods such as whole grains, dried foods, and dehydrated or freeze-dried foods are the best foods to store in Mylar bags. Freeze-dried food is particularly suited for Mylar bag storage because it is extremely lightweight, making it easy to store large quantities.

To maximize the shelf life of stored food, oxygen absorbers can be included inside the Mylar bags before sealing them. Oxygen absorbers help to eliminate any remaining oxygen within the bags, further protecting the food from spoiling.

Overall, Mylar bags are an excellent choice for long-term food storage. Their ability to reduce the factors that cause food spoilage and their long-lasting durability make them an indispensable tools for anyone looking to store food for long periods.

5) Benefit #3 - Versatile Storage Options

One of the greatest benefits of Mylar bags for food storage is their versatility. Mylar bags come in various sizes and thicknesses, allowing you to choose the best option for your specific storage needs. When storing freeze-dried food, it is important to consider the quantity and type of food you plan to store, as well as the length of time you wish to store it.

Non-perishable foods, dry goods, and bulk foods are ideal candidates for Mylar bag storage. You can use Mylar bags to store items such as rice, pasta, beans, sugar, flour, and other pantry staples. Mylar bags are also an excellent choice for storing dehydrated fruits and vegetables. When using Mylar bags for bulk food storage, it is recommended to use Oxygen Absorbers to extend the shelf life of your food.

Another great aspect of Mylar bags is their flexibility when it comes to storage locations. You can store Mylar bags in various locations, such as basements, closets, and pantries, without fear of them falling and breaking. However, it is important to note that controlling moisture and storing the bags in a cool and stable environment is crucial to their longevity and the freshness of your food.

Preparedness enthusiasts and those who value food storage for emergencies and disasters find Mylar bags to be an excellent option due to their durability and effectiveness at keeping food fresh. In addition to freeze-dried food, Mylar bags can also be used to store canned food, snacks, and other items that can benefit from extended shelf life.

Overall, Mylar bags offer an ideal solution for anyone looking for a versatile, long-term food storage option. Whether you are a prepper or simply looking to extend the shelf life of your pantry staples, Mylar bags are a reliable choice for ensuring that your food stays fresh and ready to use whenever you need it. But ….stay away from windowed bags for long-term storage. Sure, it looks nice to see whats inside the bag, but they are notorious for letting in oxygen.