About Mylar Bags #
Mylar bags can greatly extend the shelf-life of dry goods, if an oxygen absorber is included in the sealed bag. Mylar bags are harder to puncture than plastic bags. In addition, they help prevent light from entering the bag. Mylar bags are not rodent-proof. Many people store mylar bags in buckets for extra protection against heat, light, pests, and external conditions.
Why you shouldn’t use vacuum sealer bags for long-term food storage
Use mylar bags (with oxygen absorbers) instead. Why? Vacuum sealer bags lose their seal over time, allowing air to penetrate. In addition, vacuum bags allow light to penetrate. Vacuum bags are great for storing frozen foods up to 2 years, but you should not use them for long-term storage of dry goods. Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers will keep dry goods fresh many years longer, especially when stored in buckets and kept away from excessive heat. As an extra precaution, you can vacuum seal mylar bags, if you use a chamber or nozzle-type sealer that works with smooth flat bags.