What to Know about Mylar Bags for Food Storage
To keep food fresh, packaging is equally as important as the product itself. When products are stored for a long period, bad packaging can let in moisture, cause oxidation, and lose nutrients. That's why people all over the world use mylar bags to keep food fresh in their homes and huge food companies.
MTPAK makes and sells high-barrier Mylar bags that are made just for food industries that need dependable storage options. Mylar is still one of the best ways to safeguard product quality and extend shelf life, whether it's for disaster preparedness, retail packaging, or export distribution.
What Are Mylar Bags Made of?
Mylar bags are made out of BoPET (biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate) film. It is a robust, flexible polyester that keeps light, air, and moisture out. Mylar bags are commonly laminated with layers of aluminum foil and polyethylene to build a barrier with multiple layers that helps them work better.
This design keeps oxygen, moisture, and UV radiation out of the bags, which are the main things that make food go bad. This makes the bags superior than normal plastic pouches. In the end, the packaging lasts a long time and keeps everything safe and fresh.
Benefits of Using Mylar Bags for Food Storage
The way the material is created makes Mylar bags perfect for storing food. There are a number of benefits:
Longer shelf life
The high-barrier layers slow down the breaking down of things. When mixed with oxygen absorbers, they keep dry foods like grains, beans, and pasta fresh for years or even decades.
Durability and protection
Mylar bags are better than thinner plastics at keeping food safe from moisture, bugs, and harm that can happen when you handle it or store it.
Flexibility and personalization
Because they come in many shapes, sizes, and ways to close, Mylar bags are great for a lot of different kinds of food. You could even add pictures to them to help your brand stand out and make them easier to find in stores.
Storage at a low cost
Mylar bags are a good alternative for those who are making emergency supplies at home or corporations that are packing a lot of things. They are easy to find and not very pricey.
How Long Does Dehydrated Food Last in Mylar Bags?
One of the main reasons to use Mylar bags to store food is that they keep food fresh by keeping out air, moisture, and light. Dehydrated meals can last anywhere from a few months to several decades, depending on the type of food. To make sure they last as long as possible, store them in a cool place (40–60°F / 4–15°C) and seal them tightly with oxygen absorbers.
| Shelf Life | Foods Stored in Mylar Bags |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | Nuts, crisps, chips, chocolate, candy, dried eggs, crackers, nut butter, brown rice (high oil content)/td> |
| 1 to 3 years | Dehydrated meat (jerky), yeast, dry biscuits |
| 3 to 5 years | Baby formula, cornmeal, ground herbs, full-fat powdered milk, sprouting seeds |
| 5 to 10 years | Alfalfa, gluten, granola, whole herbs, millet, mung beans, quinoa, powdered egg, semi-skimmed powdered milk, rye, wheat flakes, unbleached flour |
| 10 to 20 years | Chickpeas, black-eyed peas, buckwheat, cocoa powder, butter powder, margarine powder, whole wheat flour, white flour, flax, Durham wheat |
| 20 to 30 years | Instant coffee, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, legumes (kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, split peas), skimmed powdered milk, oats, white rice, pasta, potato flakes, dried onions, tea (bags or loose) |
| Indefinite | Baking soda, baking powder, honey, salt, sugar, cornstarch |
This makes Mylar a preferred option for emergency preparedness, bulk storage, and long-term supply chains.
How to Use Mylar Bags for Food Storage?
If you're a brand or a customer who wants to know how to utilize Mylar bags to store food, here are some crucial measures to follow:
1. Pick the correct size and thickness of the bag. Thicker Mylar (5–7 mil) is needed for heavier meals or long-term preservation.
2. Fill with dry items that don't have a lot of moisture. Grains, beans, dehydrated fruits, pasta, or powdered goods work well.
3. Add oxygen absorbers. These packets lower the amount of oxygen in the bag to less than 0.1%, which helps keep food from going bad.
4. Make sure the bag is sealed correctly. Heat sealing is the best way to keep things safe for a long time.
5. Keep it in a cool, dark spot where it won't get too much sunshine or humidity.
Case Example: Food Brand Extending Shelf Life with Mylar
A health food firm that is not too big asked MTPAK to help them make their dehydrated fruit combinations last longer in storage. Their old packaging couldn't keep things fresh for more than a year. MTPAK suggested special Mylar bags that are 7 mils thick, have layers of aluminum foil, and built-in zip locks so they can be resealed.
Results:
| Metric | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Product shelf life | 12 months | 36 months |
| Customer complaints about spoilage | 8% | <2% |
| Distribution reach | Local markets only | Expanded to international shipping |
By switching to Mylar, the brand not only tripled its product shelf life but also expanded into new export markets.
FAQs about Mylar Bags for Food Storage
1. What are Mylar bags made of?
The material that Mylar bags are made of is called BoPET, which stands for biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate. They are often made even safer by putting polyethylene and metal plates on top of them.
2. How long does Mylar bags keep food that has been dried fresh?
Dehydrated foods can last for 20 to 30 years if they are stored correctly and kept safe with oxygen filters.
3. How to use Mylar bags for food storage effectively?
Pick the correct thickness, fill the bag with dry items, add oxygen absorbers, heat seal it, and keep it in a cool, dark area.
4. Are Mylar bags reusable?
Thicker Mylar bags with zippers that can be sealed again can be used again, but they might not work as well after a few uses.
Conclusion: Choose MTPAK for High-barrier Food Storage Solutions
The best approach to keep food secure from light, air, and moisture is to put it in Mylar bags. They are a wonderful choice for homes and businesses that sell food. Businesses can keep their products fresh longer and meet customer expectations if they know what Mylar bags are made of, how to use them, and how long food can stay fresh in them.
At MTPAK, we provide a wide choice of Mylar bags that may be customized in terms of size, thickness, and printing options. This allows brands keep food in Mylar bags in the best way possible while still being good for the environment. Call us today to get a quote, see custom designs, or inquire for samples.
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