Best Alternatives to Mylar Bags – Long Term Food Storage

Can’t get a hold of mylar bags? No worries! While mylar bags and oxygen absorbers are one of the best ways to extend the life of foods, there are many reasons why mylar bags may not be a good fit for you. Whether it’s price or you simply can’t get them where you live, there are other options to extend the life of your food storage. 

Here are the best alternatives to mylar bags:

Mason jars – these are great options because almost everywhere in the world sells mason jars. If you can get a hold of oxygen absorbers, even better. If no oxygen absorbers, but you can get a vacuum seal attachment, use that to vacuum out the air. Because mason jars are typically clear, keep them in a dark cabinet or bin or bucket. 

Vacuum sealer – this is something that seems to be more readily available in most areas of the world. Vacuum sealing foods will work just as good for most types of foods. You don’t even need an oxygen absorber. Because most bags are clear, make sure to place them inside of a bin or bucket to keep it away from light. 

Ziploc bags – this is a second to last resort, but zipper bags can be used, if you can try to suck or push out as much air as possible before zipping up, that’s even better. Keep these out of light, as well, inside of a bin or bucket with a tight lid.

The original packaging is the last resort and is usually not ideal. The original packages are not designed to last a long time, they’re designed for you to use the products within a few months. If you have some Tupperware, that would even be better than its original packaging. However, if you decide to leave them in their original packaging, simply place them in a bin or bucket and keep the lid closed stored in ideal temperature conditions. One thing you’ll have to keep a close eye on when in the original packaging, is bugs. If you would like, you can place the food, in their original packages, in the freezer for a few days to kill off any potential eggs. Do not do this with sugar or salt, it will turn them into bricks. 

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No matter what your situation may be, sometimes it may be the best option to simply rotate more often. Just because food can last 20+ years, doesn’t mean it should or it’s even the right option for your situation. Rotate more often and keep food as fresh as possible.