Many wonder "Can you store dehydrated foods in mylar bags?" The answer is: Yes, you can store dehydrated foods in Mylar bags, and it is one of the best methods for long term storage. Mylar bags protect dehydrated foods from oxygen, moisture, and light, which are the main causes of spoilage. When sealed properly with oxygen absorbers and stored in a cool, dry place, dehydrated foods in Mylar bags can last 10 to 25 years depending on the food type and storage conditions.
Long term storage of dehydrated food is often considered a good choice due to its light weight properties, nutrient rich content and stable shelf life when it is packed properly.
This guide will explain the steps involved with storing dehydrated food in Mylar bags, why Mylar performs better than other types of containers, and how to achieve maximum shelf life while maintaining quality.
Why Mylar Bags Are Ideal for Dehydrated Food Storage
Mylar bags are manufactured to protect dehydrated foods from the three main threats they face: oxygen, moisture, and light.
Mylar is a multi-layered polyester material, unlike regular plastic storage bags or containers; when combined with an oxygen absorber, you can preserve the quality of dehydrated foods for many years rather than just 3 to 6 months.
The Mylar bags that are used to store dehydrated foods have a number of beneficial features:
- Strong barrier against moisture and oxygen
- Protection against UV rays
- Resistant to tearing and puncturing
- Various sizes for storage purposes
Because of these qualities Mylar bags are often used with foods kept in case of emergencies, meal bags for backpackers and commercial food packaging.
Best Dehydrated Foods to Store in Mylar Bags
Different kinds of dehydrated foods store better or longer than others. Foods that have both low moisture left in them along with having a low amount of fats will store longer than a food that has one or both high. Therefore the list of items that would be best candidates for storing in mylar would include the following:
- Dehydrated fruit such as apples, bananas or fruit berries
- Dehydrated vegetable such as carrots, peas, onions or bell peppers
- Dried herbs and spices
- Dehydrated rice, pasta or grains
- Powdered food products such as soup mix or mashed potato products
Foods that have more fat content like nuts or dehydrated meat can still be stored in mylar but have a much shorter shelf life due to the oxidation of the fat.
After opening a bag, many people wonder if it can be reused. You can learn more in our guide on resealing Mylar bags.
How to Store Dehydrated Foods in Mylar Bags Step by Step
While you can use any food storage container, the way you do it is just as important as how long you plan on storing your food.
1. Make sure all your food is properly dehydrated before packaging. Any moisture in your packaging can cause it to spoil.
2. Select a material that is thick enough to stand the test of time, such as 5 mil or thicker Mylar.
3. When filling each bag with dehydrated food, please leave at least 2 inches of open space at the top of the bag to allow for expansion.
4. You will want to add an oxygen absorber appropriate to the size of your bag.
5. Mylar bags must be heat-sealed. You can use either an impulse sealer or household iron to do this.
6. Be sure to label the bag with the content and package date.
7. Store the bags in a dry, cool, dark location to help extend the shelf life of the products.
How Long Dehydrated Foods Last in Mylar Bags
Dehydrated foods when appropriately stored in Mylar bags with O2 absorbers have a shelf life of 5 to 25 years depending on the food type and how properly they are stored.
For a detailed breakdown of shelf life, read our guide on how long food lasts in Mylar bags.
The shelf life of dehydrated foods can depend on;
- The moisture content of the dehydrated food at the time of packaging
- Temperature it is stored at
- Amount of light the dehydrated food is exposed to
- How well the bag is sealed.
By storing your dehydrated food in cool temperatures such as in basements or other climate controlled areas, you slow down the rate of food degradation.
Mylar Bags vs Other Storage Methods
Mylar bags are commonly compared to vacuums sealed and also plastic containers. A vacuum seal will remove the air from the package, but it does not protect from light and it has inferior long-term moisture protection compared to Mylar. Plastic containers are easy to use but they still allow for oxygen transmission and will not be best for storing items long-term.
When looking at shelf life, Mylar provides a better overall solution than vacuum sealing or using plastic containers.
If you’re deciding between different storage methods, we break it down in detail in "Are Mylar Bags Better Than Vacuum Bags?"
Why Brand's are Using Custom Mylar Packaging for Dehydrated Food
For homesteaders, brands, or businesses that sell dehydrated foods, custom Mylar packaging provides you with both protection and presentation. You can include your branding, nutrition information, storage instructions, and regulatory information right on the package with custom printed Mylar bags.
Custom Mylar bags can be made specifically for food storage can also be ordered in a variety of sizes, finishes and barrier levels through companies like Brandmydispo. These custom Mylar bags are great for dehydrated food brands looking for a way to achieve both shelf stability and retail ready packaging.
Common Mistakes When Storing Dehydrated Food
Storing dehydrated foods in high-quality Mylar bags can be done with relative ease; however, there are many common mistakes people make when they store dehydrated foods that can lead to reduced shelf life for the food.
These include:
* Not Using an Oxygen Absorber
* Sealing Your Food When It Is Not Fully Dehydrated
* Store Dehydrated Food in Hot or Humid Environments
* Using Thin Mylar Bags for Long-Term Storage
When you pay attention to the above details, you will be able to identify the difference between foods that have a shelf life of 1 year and foods that have a shelf life of 10 years or more.
So, Can You Store Dehydrated Food in Mylar Bags?
Yes. Dehydrated foods can be stored in Mylar bags. When sealed with oxygen absorbers, Mylar bags protect against moisture, oxygen, and light, allowing dehydrated foods to last for many years when kept in a cool, dry place.
Final Thoughts
Mylar bags have consistently been regarded as one of the best means of long-term storage of dehydrated food because of the material, seal method, and storage conditions that allow your food to retain flavor, texture, and nutritional value much longer than traditional methods.
Whether you are preparing for emergencies, storing large quantities of food, or packaging dehydrated food for resale, Mylar bags are still the preferred method of storing food for the long term.
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