Want to prep smarter, pack tighter, and protect your pantry? Mylar bags might be the simplest answer to your food storage questions and the most effective solution to pantry storage problems.
Whether you’re stashing away rice, flour, or a full emergency pantry, using Mylar bags the right way helps your food last for years, safely and affordably.
You won’t need high-tech tools or power-hungry appliances to make it work. Let’s walk through the basics: what to buy, how to seal it, and how to store it all properly.
What Are Mylar Bags?
Are you wondering what mylar bags are? You’ve probably held one without realizing it. That shiny, crinkly pouch that feels like foil but isn’t? That’s a Mylar bag.
Mylar is made from multiple layers of PET plastic and aluminum, fused together to form a tough barrier that blocks light, moisture, and air.
The name originally came from a DuPont brand, but today, it’s used to describe any bag made from this ultra-durable material.
So why do people use Mylar bags for food storage?
Well, imagine you’ve stocked up on oats or rice and tossed them in a regular zip-top bag.
Seems fine until a few months go by, and you find clumps, stale smells, or worse…bugs. That’s what oxygen and humidity can do.
Mylar bags, on the other hand, seal out those threats. They’re built to keep dry food safe for years, sometimes even decades, without needing a fridge or freezer.
Rather than letting your supplies slowly spoil, they give you time.
Time to store, time to rotate, and time to prepare, all without worrying what’s happening inside the bag.
So if you’re asking, what are Mylar bags? Think of them as long-term insurance for your pantry. They’re reliable, tough, and surprisingly easy to use.
Why Are Mylar Bags So Popular in Long-Term Food Storage?
It’s all about protection.
Imagine storing food in a basic container. Over time, air sneaks in. Humidity builds. Maybe even pests get comfortable. With Mylar? None of that gets through.
When you seal a Mylar bag with oxygen absorbers and keep it in a cool, dark spot, you’re locking out everything that causes spoilage. And here’s the best part: your food can stay good for up to 30 years.
For instance, preppers love them for emergency kits. But so do families who buy in bulk or want backup during supply chain hiccups. If long-term food security matters to you, Mylar bags are the reliable choice.
How Do Mylar Bags Work?
Mylar bags work because they block everything that causes your food to go bad.
Barrier protection comes first. The aluminum layer shuts out light and air, while the plastic layers stop moisture and resist tearing. It’s like armor; thin, but tough where it counts.
Next up: sealing. You don’t need fancy tools. A heat sealer or even a flat clothes iron does the job. Once sealed, the bag holds tight. No air in, no freshness out.
Now imagine dropping in an oxygen absorber. That little packet quietly pulls leftover oxygen from the bag. Mold, bugs, and spoilage don’t stand a chance.
With oxygen gone and moisture locked out, your food stays dry and stable, not just for months, but decades.
Rather than vacuum sealing or tossing things in the freezer, Mylar bags give you long-term security that works even without power.
Sizes and Thickness: Choosing the Right Mylar Bag
Not every Mylar bag fits every job. Choosing the right size and thickness depends on what you’re storing and how much of it.
For instance, 1-gallon bags are perfect for portioning out bulk grains or flour. They're easy to seal, store, and rotate when needed. On the other hand, 5-gallon bags are your go-to for big batches. Think rice, beans, or wheat stored in food-grade buckets.
Thickness matters too. Aim for 5 to 7 mils or more. Thinner bags might tear, especially if stacked or bumped around.
If you’re just getting started, Wallaby Goods makes it easy. Their 5-gallon kits come with the right thickness, plus oxygen absorbers sized to match.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Mylar Bags
Now that you know what Mylar bags are and how they work, you’re probably wondering, How do you actually use them right?
It’s simpler than it sounds, but there are a few easy mistakes that can ruin your effort before you even get started.
Here’s what to avoid if you want your food to last.
Forgetting the oxygen absorbers? That’s the fastest way to waste good food. They’re essential, not optional.
Improper sealing is another common issue. Make sure your seal is smooth, tight, and free of wrinkles. A flat iron works in a pinch; just take your time.
Storing sealed bags in humid spots? Big mistake. Even the strongest Mylar bag can’t protect against damp air and moldy corners. Keep your stash somewhere dry and cool.
And don’t pack wet or oily foods.
Mylar works best with dry foods, like oats, pasta, and powdered milk. Jerky and nuts sound smart, but they’ll spoil faster than you’d think.
What Foods Can You Store in Mylar Bags?
- These foods are great for storage in mylar bags:
- White rice
- Rolled oats
- Pasta
- Lentils
- Dried beans
- Dehydrated fruits and veggies
- Powdered milk
- Instant potatoes
- Wheat berries
- Sugar (don’t add O2 absorbers)
These foods are not ideal for storage:
- Brown rice (high oil content)
- Nuts and seeds (also oily)
- Jerky or meats (unless fully freeze-dried)
- Fresh produce
Still unsure what to pack? Start with low-moisture, low-oil foods that are shelf-stable. Wallaby Goods offers a starter pack with suggestions, which makes this even easier.
How To Store Mylar Bags After Sealing
Once sealed, don’t just toss them into the garage. Treat them like pantry gold.
- Bucket It: Place large sealed bags into food-grade buckets with lids. This protects them from rodents, punctures, and water damage.
- Label Clearly: Mark the bag with the food type and date sealed.
- Keep It Cool and Dark: Ideal storage temp is 50 to 70°F. Avoid high humidity and direct sunlight.
Why Are Wallaby Goods Mylar Bags Worth It?
So, what are Mylar bags really doing for you? They’re protecting your dry goods from oxygen, moisture, and light, the main causes of spoilage.
When sealed properly, they give you a low-cost, low-effort way to store food for years. But not all bags offer the same level of protection when it comes to storing food for up to three decades.
Wallaby Goods offers Mylar bags that are thick, reliable, and come with perfectly matched oxygen absorbers. Whether you're starting a prepper pantry or just want to keep bulk food fresh longer, their kits are a smart investment in food security.
Ready to make storage simple? Explore Wallaby Goods’ Mylar Bag options and start packing with confidence.
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