Many people ask "Are Mylar bags better than vacuum bags?" The answer depends on what you are storing, how long you need it to last, and the environment it will be kept in.

In most cases, Yes. Mylar bags are better than vacuum bags because they provide a much stronger barrier against oxygen, moisture, and light. When properly sealed and used with oxygen absorbers, Mylar bags dramatically slow down oxidation and spoilage, allowing products and food to stay fresh for years instead of months. Vacuum bags remove air but still allow oxygen and light to penetrate over time, which limits long term protection. For extended storage, shelf stability, and maximum preservation, Mylar bags are the more reliable option.

Among the many options available for food preservation, Mylar bags & vacuum sealed bags dominate the current conversation. Packaging food items in Mylar and vacuum bags has drastically decreased amount of food spoilage while allowing us to prolong the shelf life of perishable goods. However, the answer depends on a variety of factors such as product type, storage conditions and duration of intended use.

Below is an easy to read guide to determine which of the two methods best suits your needs when choosing the ideal method to package your product(s).

What Are Mylar Bags?

A Mylar bag is made up of laminated polyester film with aluminum layers, thus creating a strong barrier preventing moisture, light, and odors from entering the bag. These are commonly used in packaging supplements, pharmaceuticals, and foods due to the Mylar bag's ability to provide a long-term storage solutions.

When heated sealed properly with oxygen absorbers, Mylar bags can help keep items preserved for years, not just months.

What Are Vacuum Bags?

A vacuum bag is simply a plastic bag used with a vacuum machine that removes the air before sealing the bag. They are commonly used for relatively short to medium term food storage, freezer use, and portion control. Vacuum sealing prevents deterioration of food due to decreased oxygen exposure, but the vacuum bags do not offer as good of a barrier against light and moisture as Mylar.

Vacuum bags require a strong seal created by the vacuum machine to keep the food fresh.

Are Mylar Bags Better for Long Term Storage?

Yes, Mylar bags generally provide superior long-term storage than traditional vacuum storage bags due primarily to the fact that traditional plastic vacuum storage bags allow oxygen to pass through over time, even when vacuum sealed. The aluminum layer associated with Mylar creates a much slower rate of oxygen transfer than that of a typical vacuum storage bag.

This means that Mylar storage bags are best suited for:

• Long-term food storage;
• Emergency preparedness;
• Dry foods (e.g., rice, flour, beans, powdered foods);
• Light-sensitive and humidity-sensitive products.

While vacuum storage bags work well for short-term storage, they do not provide adequate protection for items stored for several years.

Many people actually use both methods together by vacuum sealing food first and then storing it in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. This hybrid approach offers added protection and longer shelf life, which is explained step by step in our guide on Vacuum Sealing Mylar Bags: A How-to Guide.

Shelf Life Comparison of Mylar Bags vs. Vacuum Bags

Food that has been vacuum sealed can last for weeks or even months longer than if it were not vacuum sealed, especially when frozen.

When properly stored in a dark, cool area, however, Mylar bags containing oxygen absorbers can preserve the quality of the stored product for a number of years.

For example:

Vacuum packed dry goods may have a shelf-life of 1 to 3 years.

Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers may have a shelf life from 10 to 25 years, depending on the specific food item.

If you're looking for maximum shelf life, Mylar bags are the best option compared to vacuum bags.

Convenience and Everyday Use

Typically, users find vacuum bags easier to use and access on a regular basis. Although every user will have different experiences with vacuum sealing, they will generally find that they can quickly and safely reseal food items in their vacuum bags. Additionally, they are ideal for freezers with moisture or marinated food items and can easily be opened on a regular basis.

Mylar Bags vs Vacuum Bags: Which Is Better?

Mylar bags are a better option:

• When long term storage is important.
• When it is important to protect food from light and moisture.
• When food that will be stored has several years of shelf life.
• When storing dry or shelf stable foods.

Vacuum bags are more appropriate:

• When short to medium term storage is required.
• When the food is going to be taken out frequently.
• When the primary use of the sealed products will be freezer storage.
• When the convenience factor is more important than a longer shelf life.

Many people use both methods, first vacuum sealing foods and then placing them into a Mylar bag along with oxygen absorbers for the best protection. 

Why Custom Mylar Bags Are Better for Branding and Printing

Custom printed Mylar bags are better options than vacuum bags for printing logos and maintaining the best possible shelf presence with branding. Mylar’s smooth surface allows for extremely high-quality printing of logos and product information and high-quality finishes (e.g. matte, glossy, soft touch or metallic foil). This enables high-quality, clean, and consistent prints.

The Final Answer

So, are Mylar bags better than vacuum bags? For long term storage and maximum protection, yes. Mylar bags offer superior barrier properties, longer shelf life, and better defense against environmental factors.

Vacuum bags still have their place for everyday use and freezing, but they are not a replacement for Mylar when long term preservation matters.

The determining factors in selecting the proper option for your products are likely to be how long you require the product to remain usable, and how frequently you will need access to those products. For many people, the correct solution is to make use of both options as appropriate.