The Ultimate Guide to Long-Term Food Storage: Mylar Bags vs. Vacuum Sealing (Bags & Jars)
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Mylar bags and vacuum sealers are excellent tools for extending the shelf life of your food, whether you’re prepping for an outdoor adventure or simply stocking your pantry. While these methods can more than triple the shelf life of foods, they each have their own advantages and drawbacks – the best method depends on what you’re storing, how long you need it to last, and your storage preferences. Understanding their differences will help you choose the right option based on your needs and budget. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of each.Â
Mylar Bags
Best for:
- Dehydrated and freeze-dried foods
- Dry goods such as rice, beans, and grains
- Powdered ingredients
- On-the go snacks
Pros:
- Excellent for long-term food storage – can preserve dry foods for years when paired with oxygen absorbers.
- Strong and durable – protects against moisture, air, and pests.
- Lightweight and space-efficient – makes storage easier compared to jars or containers.
- No need for a vacuum sealer – Can be heat-sealed without specialized equipment.
- Cost-Effective –Â Mylar bags are more budget friendly than a vacuum sealing set-up.
Cons:Â
- Single Use – they must be cut open, and while some come with resealable zippers, zipper seals alone are best suited for shorter-term storage of ingredients or snacks. Single-use also creates more waste.
- Not ideal for vacuum sealing – the smooth, non-porous surface of the bags prevents a proper vacuum seal with standard machines.
- Not suitable for liquids – their primary function is to create a barrier against oxygen and moisture; standard mylar bags don’t have strong enough seals to hold liquids.
- Requires oxygen absorbers – without them, food may not stay fresh as long.
- Can become brittle in freezing temperatures – not ideal for freezer storage.
Vacuum Sealing Bags
Best for:
Dehydrated meals for backpacking
- Nuts and seeds
Bulk grains and legumes
Hard cheeses
- Meat, poultry, and fish (raw or cooked)
- Freezer items
Sous vide cooking
Pros:
- Versatility – Vacuum sealing bags are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of food items, including solids, liquids, and powders.
- Best for long-term storage – Sealing food in vacuum bags removes nearly all oxygen, reducing the risk of freezer burn and spoilage.
- Customizable Size –You can choose the size of the vacuum-sealing bags to fit the specific amount of food you want to preserve.
- Lightweight and space-efficient – Bags can be stored stacked and flat, taking up the minimal amount of storage space.
- Cost-Effective: Vacuum sealing bags are generally more affordable than vacuum-sealing jars.
- Freezer-safe – Vacuum sealing bags are designed to withstand freezing temperatures.
- Ideal for sous vide cooking – Many vacuum-sealed bags are heat-resistant, making them perfect for sous vide cooking.Â
Cons:
- Single Use – Vacuum sealing bags are generally single-use, contributing to more waste. While they can technically be resealed, doing so requires extra material upfront, as you’ll need to cut the seal to reopen the bag.
- Limited use for delicate items – Items like soft berries, freeze-dried goods or baked goods may get crushed under pressure.
- Durability – Bags can be punctured or torn (even by sharp or hard foods), compromising the seal and potentially leading to food spoilage.
- Costly Eco-Friendly Options – There are compostable vacuum sealing bags out there, but they’re more than 10x the price of regular vacuum sealing bags.
Vacuum Sealing Jars
Best for:
- Items you use frequently and want to reseal
- Soft or delicate foods like crackers or marshmallows
- Flour, sugar, and baking ingredients
- Snacks and homemade granola
Pros:
- Versatility – vacuum sealing jars are versatile and can be used for a wide range of food items.
- Better for delicate foods – unlike vacuum bags, jars protect fragile items from getting crushed.
- Strength and Durability – jars are less likely to break, crack, or get punctured, and they also create a secure, airtight seal.Â
- Environmentally and financially sustainable – glass jars are more eco-friendly and can be used repeatedly without generating plastic waste. Being able to reuse your supplies also reduces the amount you need to buy over time.
- Visibility – The transparent glass allows you to see the contents and their condition easily (but make sure to store them out of sunlight as this reduces the shelf-life of foods)
Cons:
- Bulkiness – jars take up a lot of storage space.Â
- Less effective for long-term oxygen removal – while vacuum-sealed jars extend shelf life, they don’t remove as much air as vacuum-sealed bags, which can impact long-term storage.
- Initial Cost – the upfront cost of purchasing jars, lids and a sealer (or attachment) can be high.
- Not super freezer-friendly – while some mason jars are freezer-safe, they are still prone to breakage if not handled properly.
So, Which Should You Choose?
If you’re looking for maximum longevity and space efficiency, vacuum sealing bags (or possibly even mylar bags) are the way to go – especially for dehydrated meals, and bulk food storage.
However, if sustainability, easy access, and protection for delicate foods are your priorities, vacuum-sealed jars are the better choice.
For many outdoor enthusiasts and meal preppers, a combination of both methods is the best approach. Mylar or vacuum-sealed bags are great for lightweight backpacking meals, while jars work well for keeping pantry staples fresh at home.Â
Ultimately, the best storage method depends on your specific needs, but using a mix of both ensures you get the benefits of long-term preservation, convenience, and sustainability.
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What’s your preferred method for storing foods long-term? Let us know in the comments!
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The Foodie Behind the Screen
Hi there! I'm Bri.
I create and share nutritious and flavourful recipes for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
