This blog will answer the 3 most common questions for storing crackers in mylar bags; Can you store crackers in Mylar bags?, How long will crackers last in Mylar bags?, and How do you store crackers in Mylar bags?
Crackers are one of those foods that seem shelf stable… until they suddenly are not. One day they are crisp and salty, the next they taste like cardboard and disappointment. The reason is simple: crackers contain oils and they absorb moisture from the air extremely quickly. That is why many people looking into long term food storage ask three important questions: can you store crackers in Mylar bags, how long will crackers last in Mylar bags, and how should you store crackers in Mylar bags properly?
Mylar bags are one of the best ways to store crackers long term, especially when paired with oxygen absorbers and stored in a cool, dry place. When done correctly, crackers can stay fresh for years instead of months.
Can You Store Crackers in Mylar Bags?
Yes, crackers can be stored in Mylar bags for long term storage. Mylar bags create a barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light, which helps keep crackers fresh much longer than standard packaging. When sealed with oxygen absorbers and stored in a cool, dry place, crackers can remain crisp and protected for years.
Mylar packaging is composed of layers upon layers of polyester and aluminium that serve as an excellent barrier against the oxygen, moisture and light - three of the primary enemies of dry goods such as crackers.
Once placed in a typical cardboard box or plastic sleeve, crackers also have constant exposure to air. As a result, oxygen will eventually make the oils in the crackers turn rancid, while the humidity will make the crackers to become soft or grow moldy.
Mylar packaging prevents this by creating a sealed environment.
Benefits of storing crackers in Mylar bags include:
• Protection from oxygen
• Moisture barrier to keep crackers crisp
• Protection from light that can degrade oils
• Much longer shelf life compared to standard packaging
• Protection from pests and pantry insects
Mylar bags are widely used by many emergency preparedness communities since they can dramatically extend the shelf life of dry food items such as pasta, rice, grains, cereal and crackers.
However, how you store your food can also affect how long they last. For instance, if you just put crackers into a Mylar bag, and do not remove the oxygen from the bag, the crackers will not have the same shelf life as if you had removed the oxygen from the bag before putting the crackers in.
Read more on our blog post "Why use mylar bags?"
How Long Will Crackers Last in Mylar Bags?
Crackers stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers can typically last 5 to 10 years when kept in a cool, dry environment. The exact shelf life depends on the type of cracker and its oil content, but removing oxygen and sealing the bag greatly slows spoilage compared to normal packaging.
The shelf life of crackers in Mylar bags depends on several factors including the type of cracker, storage conditions, and whether oxygen absorbers are used.
Generally speaking:
Crackers stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers can last 5 to 10 years.
This is a huge improvement over the normal shelf life of crackers, which is typically only 6 to 12 months in standard packaging.
Shelf life estimates often look like this:
• Original packaging in pantry: 6 to 12 months
• Airtight containers: 1 to 2 years
• Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers: 5 to 10 years
Some crackers may last even longer depending on the ingredients. Crackers that contain higher fat levels tend to have slightly shorter shelf lives because oils eventually oxidize.
Examples:
• Saltine crackers often store very well long term
• Whole grain crackers may have shorter storage life due to natural oils
• Cheese flavored crackers usually have shorter storage potential
Storage conditions also play a huge role. For the longest shelf life, crackers should be stored:
• In a cool location (ideally under 70°F)
• In a dry environment
• Away from sunlight
• Inside sealed containers or buckets if possible
Temperature is one of the biggest factors affecting food longevity. Every 10°F increase in storage temperature can significantly shorten shelf life.
How to Store Crackers in Mylar Bags
To store crackers in Mylar bags, place the crackers inside a thick Mylar bag, add an appropriately sized oxygen absorber, and heat seal the bag to remove air exposure. Store the sealed bags in a cool, dry location, preferably inside a protective container or bucket to prevent damage and extend shelf life.
Proper storage is the difference between crackers lasting a few months and lasting several years. Fortunately, the process is simple once you understand the steps.
Step 1: Choose the Right Mylar Bags
Thicker Mylar bags provide better protection for long term storage. A thickness of 5 mil or higher is usually recommended.
Thicker bags help prevent punctures and provide a stronger oxygen barrier.
Stand up pouches or flat Mylar storage bags both work well depending on how much food you are storing.
Step 2: Add Oxygen Absorbers
Oxygen absorbers are critical for long term storage.
They remove oxygen from inside the sealed bag which slows oxidation and prevents insects from surviving inside the package.
Typical oxygen absorber sizes:
• 300cc absorber for small bags
• 500cc absorber for medium bags
• 1000cc absorber for large gallon sized bags
The goal is to remove as much oxygen as possible from the environment inside the bag.
Step 3: Pack Crackers Carefully
Crackers break easily, so packing them correctly helps preserve their structure.
Some people place crackers inside smaller plastic sleeves before placing them inside the Mylar bag. This helps keep them from crumbling during storage.
Another common method is stacking crackers vertically inside the pouch.
Step 4: Seal the Mylar Bag
Mylar bags are typically sealed using heat.
Common sealing methods include:
• Household clothes iron
• Hair straightener
• Dedicated heat sealer
• Impulse sealer
Press the heated edge across the bag opening for a few seconds until the material melts together and creates an airtight seal.
Once sealed, the oxygen absorber will begin removing
oxygen from the bag and you may notice the bag tightening slightly within several hours.
Step 5: Store Bags in Protective Containers
Although Mylar bags are strong, many people place them inside buckets or bins for additional protection.
This helps prevent:
• Rodents chewing through bags
• Accidental punctures
• Moisture exposure
Food grade buckets are commonly used for this purpose.
Tips for Storing Crackers Long Term
If your goal is to store crackers for many years, a few small details can make a big difference.
Helpful tips include:
• Avoid crackers with high oil content
• Always use oxygen absorbers
• Store bags in cool locations like basements or storage rooms
• Label bags with the packaging date
• Rotate stored food every few years
Rotating stored food ensures freshness and prevents waste.
Even long lasting foods should be checked occasionally to make sure packaging remains sealed and undamaged.
Why Many Brands Use Custom Mylar Packaging
Custom Mylar packaging is widely used by many food manufacturers to ensure the long-term quality and shelf life of their products and is not just a means for emergency food storage.
Flexible modern packaging keeps snacks fresh and crisp by preventing exposure to oxygen, moisture, and light. Therefore, most snack foods are typically packaged in foil lined pouches instead of plain plastic bags.
High barrier packaging for products such as crackers/nuts/candy/dehydrated foods allows them to remain fresh and continue to look good on store shelves for extended periods of time before they are sold.
Final Thoughts
So can you store crackers in Mylar bags? Absolutely. In fact, it is one of the most effective methods for long term cracker storage.
Using oxygen absorbent materials along with the proper conditions while stored allows for an increase in the shelf life of cracker products from only a couple of months to several years or more.
For this reason, Mylar bags have become a very popular choice for both emergency food supply storage and bulk food storage (i.e., preparedness planning).
The use of Mylar bags allows you to enjoy your snacks while keeping them crispy, preventing spoilage, and allowing you easy access to them at any time you want.
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