Mylar bags are made from durable, multi-layered materials that provide excellent barriers against light, moisture, and oxygen. When combined with oxygen absorbers, they create an environment that inhibits the growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi, effectively preserving food quality for years.
Placing these sealed bags into food-grade buckets adds an extra layer of protection against physical damage and pests, ensuring your food remains safe and uncontaminated.
Step-by-Step Guide
1 – Choose Appropriate Mylar Bags
Opt for bags that are at least 5 mil thick to ensure durability. Sizes vary from 1-gallon to 5-gallon, depending on your storage needs.
- Food-Grade Materials: Our mylar bags are made using food-grade materials that are safe, Durable, and Tasteless.
- Thicker Thickness: The thickness of the mylar bag is 12 mil, and one side is as thick as 6 mil. It has an added internal layer of aluminum foil which provides excellent durability, and puncture...
- Premium Oxygen Absorbers: Each pack of 1 absorbers comes pre-packaged in a factory vacuum-sealed pouch to reduce product exposure and waste.
- Resealable Zipper Bag: The zipper design can be used repeatedly, which is convenient for foods that are often eaten. Sealable with a hot iron or heat-sealing machine for long-term food storage.
2 – Select the Right Oxygen Absorbers
The size of the absorber (measured in cc) should match the volume of food being stored. For instance, a 5-gallon bag typically requires a 2000cc absorber.
- ✅ 【Preminum Food Grade Oxygen Absorbers】: Our factory have 18 years experience in oxygen absorber, Also we have ISO9001 Certificate, All our oxygen absorbers are preminum food grade material and...
- ✅ 【Extend Shelf Life】: Oxygen absorbers bring about oxidizing enzymes that cause browning and malodor, Oxygen-absorbing packaging reduces the amount of oxygen in food storage containers, With...
- ✅【 Packaging】: Our oxygen absorbers are 10 pack in an individual vacuum bag to minimise the waste, Come with an oxygen indicator to let you know whether it is good for when you received it, if...
- ✅ 【Anti-Oil Film Design】: Our oxygen absorbers are double layer and anti-oil film design that can use for oil food storage oxygen absorb, You can place them with oil and oil-free food storage to...
- O2frepak Oxygen Absorbers Packets help Food extend shelf life
- O2frepak Oxygen Absorber is the highest quality in the industry for Long-Term Food Storage , and have Anti oil function so could use for without oil food and with much oil food.
- Even our packet material was tested under strict regulation for food and 3 times oxygen absorption capacity.
- O2frepak Oxygen Absorber is made from best quality control systems through 4 stages
3 – Prepare Your Food
Ensure the food is dry and free from moisture. See suitable food items in the list below.
4 – Fill the Mylar Bags
Place the food into the Mylar bag, leaving enough space at the top to seal it properly.
5 – Add Oxygen Absorbers
Just before sealing, place the appropriate number of oxygen absorbers on top of the food (see the chart below).
6 – Seal the Bags
Use a heat sealer or a household iron to seal the top of the Mylar bag securely.
7 – Store in Food-Grade Buckets
Place the sealed Mylar bags into food-grade buckets with airtight lids to protect against pests and physical damage. Use Gamma Seal lids if desired.
- Made To Handle More: Tackle bulk storage with a plastic bucket and airtight gasketed tear strip lid made from sturdy 90 mil HDPE plastic. It’s a dependable pick for pantry staples, utility use, and...
- Safe For Food Storage: This food safe bucket is BPA-free and FDA compliant for direct food contact, making it a practical choice for dry ingredients, brewing projects, and emergency supply setups at...
- Easy To Stack And Store: A reinforced stacking ring helps these food storage buckets stay organized and easy to manage. Great for kitchens, garages, workshops, and prep spaces where clean, efficient...
- Sized For Bulk Capacity: Each pail holds 5 gallons (640 oz) and measures 11.9 in diameter x 14.56 in height. Round shape, metal handle, and plastic grip make carrying and storing simple.
- USA 3 PACK COMBO: Red, White & Blue Lids - Made in the USA. Perfect for color coding among different storage uses
- SMART FUNCTIONAL DESIGN: Turn any standard utility bucket into an airtight pet food storage container. Great for storing cat food, dog food, livestock feed, horse feed, bird feed, and more.. Fits...
- KEEPS PET FOOD FRESH: Gamma’s unique 2-piece seal lids lock in freshness and lock out moisture. Protects your dog and cat food from unwanted dust, dirt, bugs, and rodents. Keeps your pet food fresh...
- PEACE OF MIND: Made with heavy duty BPA free HDPE Plastic. Safe to store pet and human food as well as other household items.
How Many Oxygen Absorbers to Use
| Container | Dense Food (wheat, flour, grains) | Less Dense Food (pasta, beans) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Storage Buckets | Total CCs | Total CCs |
| 6-Gallon Food Bucket | 2000 | 2500-3000 |
| 5-Gallon Food Bucket | 2000 | 2500-3000 |
| Mylar Food Storage Bags | Total CCs | Total CCs |
| 20″ x 30″ (4.25, 5, and 6 gal) | 2000 | 2500-3000 |
| 18″ x 28″ (4.25, 5, and 6 gal) | 2000 | 2500-3000 |
| 14″ x 20″ (2 gal) | 1000 | 1500-2000 |
| 14″ x 18″ x 6″ (2 gal) | 1000 | 1500-2000 |
| 12″ x 18″ (1.5 gal) | 500-800 | 1000-1200 |
| 12″ x 16″ x 6″ (1.5 gal) | 500-800 | 1000-1200 |
| 10″ x 14″ (1 gal) | 300-400 | 400 |
| 10″ x 14″ x 4″ (1 gal) | 300-400 | 400 |
| 8″ x 12″ (1/2 gal) | 100-200 | 200-400 |
| 8″ x 12″ x 4″ (1/2 gal) | 100-200 | 200-400 |
| 6″ x 10″ (1/4 gal) | 100 | 100-200 |
| 6″ x 8″ x 2″ (1/4 gal) | 100 | 100-200 |
| Mason Jar Size | Total CCs | Total CCs |
| 1 Gallon | 400 | 400 |
| 1 Quart | 50 | 50 |
| 1 Pint | 50 | 50 |
| 1/2 Pint | 50 | 50 |
| 1/4 Pint | 50 | 50 |
Foods to Stock in Mylar Bags
Following is a list of foods that store exceptionally well in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
Dry Grains and Staples
- White rice
- Rolled oats
- Wheat berries
- Corn (whole kernel or dent)
- Barley (pearled or hulled)
- Quinoa
- Millet
- Bulgur
Legumes
- Pinto beans
- Black beans
- Kidney beans
- Navy beans
- Lentils (all varieties)
- Split peas
- Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
Pasta and Noodles
- Dry pasta
- Ramen noodles (without flavor packets)
Powdered and Dry Dairy
- Powdered milk (non-fat preferred)
- Whey powder
- Cheese powder
- Buttermilk powder
Flour and Baking Goods
- All-purpose flour (best stored short-to-mid term)
- Cornmeal
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt (does not need an oxygen absorber)
- Sugar (do not use oxygen absorbers with sugar—it turns rock hard)
Dehydrated Foods
- Dehydrated fruits (apples, bananas, strawberries)
- Dehydrated vegetables (carrots, peas, onions)
- Dehydrated mashed potatoes
- Dehydrated soup mixes (without oils or fats)
Other Pantry Staples
- Instant potatoes
- Powdered drink mixes
- Coffee (freeze-dried)
- Tea (dried loose leaf or bags)
- Spices (whole spices store longer than ground)
⚠️ Do NOT store high-moisture or high-oil foods (like brown rice, jerky, granola bars, or nuts) long-term in Mylar with O2 absorbers—they can spoil or go rancid.
By following this method and utilizing the recommended products, you can confidently build a reliable food storage system that will serve you well in any emergency situation.