When Mylar bags are used correctly, they can be a great way to protect your food from oxygen, moisture, and pests that can cause the food to spoil. The amount of time that food will remain fresh in Mylar bags depends on the type of food stored, the environment in which it is stored, and whether or not you included oxygen absorbers in their packaging.

Food stored in Mylar bags can last anywhere from 5 to 30 years when sealed with oxygen absorbers and kept in a cool, dark place. Dry foods like rice, beans, flour, and pasta last the longest, while high-fat foods have shorter shelf lives.

• Dry foods stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers can last 10 to 30 years in cool, dark storage.

• Oxygen absorbers reduce oxygen levels inside Mylar bags to below 0.1%, slowing spoilage and insect activity.

• Mylar bags block up to 99% of light, helping prevent nutrient and flavor degradation.

• Mylar has an oxygen transmission rate up to 100 times lower than standard plastic packaging.

• Food stored below 75°F in Mylar bags can last twice as long as food stored at higher temperatures.

Why Mylar Bags Extend Food Shelf Life

Mylar bags are made from polyester film material which provides excellent protection against moisture/air, after heat sealing they become almost air tight. When you put oxygen absorbers into the mylar bag it removes all the remaining oxygen that is left inside and it keeps the food from oxidizing, growing mold and killing any insects.

By combining these processes the freshness of the food will last much longer than just putting the food in a plastic container/vacuum bag alone.

Knowing how long food lasts is only half the equation. If you want to maximize shelf life, follow our How to Store Food in Mylar Bags: Step by Step Guide to seal, label, and store food the right way.

How Long Dry Foods Last in Mylar Bags

Dry foods see the biggest shelf life improvement when stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

Rice, wheat, oats, and corn can last 20 to 30 years when stored in a cool, dark environment.

Beans and lentils typically last 10 to 25 years, depending on variety and moisture content.

Pasta and flour can last 10 to 15 years, far longer than the 6 to 12 months they last in standard packaging.

Powdered foods like milk powder, drink mixes, and baking ingredients often last 10 to 20 years when sealed properly and kept below 75°F.

How Long Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Foods Last

Dehydrated snacks and foods stored in Mylar bags generally last 5 to 10 years, depending on how well they were dried before storage.

Freeze-dried foods last even longer, often 25 to 30 years, because nearly all moisture has been removed. These foods benefit greatly from Mylar’s moisture and oxygen barrier.

Foods That Do Not Store Well in Mylar Bags

Storage Conditions Matter More Than the Bag

Mylar bags are great for extended storage; however, food storage longevity is also affected by temperature.

Each time you increase the storage temperature by 18 degrees Fahrenheit, the shelf life of the food is cut in half.

As a result, anything stored below 60 degrees Fahrenheit will last significantly longer than if stored in a fluctuating temperature environment such as an attic or garage.

Darkness and low humidity levels will also enhance the preservation of the quality of food.

Maximize Shelf Life with Good Storage Practices

Using food grade Mylar bags, adding the appropriate size of an oxygen absorber, and sealing the bags completely will provide your long term food storage with the best possible shelf life.

Store sealed food grade Mylar bags inside a rigid container such as a bucket or bin to protect from pests (e.g. rodents) and to avoid punctures. All bags should be labelled with the type of food and the date they were packaged, allowing you to efficiently rotate your food supplies if you are not using printed mylar bags. 

So, How Long Does Food Last in Mylar Bags? 

Food in mylar bags can last decades, in many cases. Foods stored with oxygen absorbers in cool, dark conditions can last 5, 10, 20, or even 30 years. When used correctly, Mylar bags remain one of the most reliable and cost-effective solutions for long-term food storage.