Preserving food is crucial for extending its shelf life, maintaining freshness, and preventing spoilage. Two popular methods for achieving this are using mylar bags and vacuum sealing. While both techniques aim to remove air (xoygen) and moisture, which can cause food to deteriorate, they differ in their approach and suitability for various situations.
HaiPak Product Page
Mylar bags are made of aluminum-coated polyester, creating an impermeable barrier against air, moisture, and light. They're often used with oxygen absorbers to create an anaerobic environment that slows oxidation and microbial growth. Vacuum sealing removes air from plastic bags or containers using a vacuum sealer machine, creating an airtight seal that minimizes air exposure and spoilage risk.
In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using mylar bags vs. vacuum sealing for food preservation, helping you choose the suitable method for your needs.
Mylar bags, also known as sealable mylar pouches, are a popular choice for long-term food storage. These bags are made from a specialized material called mylar, which is a combination of polyester and aluminum. The aluminum layer provides an impermeable barrier against air, moisture, and light, while the polyester offers durability and strength.
The key properties of mylar bags that make them suitable for food preservation include:
Oxygen absorbers are often used with mylar bags to remove residual oxygen, creating a truly anaerobic environment for optimal preservation.
The principles behind mylar bag packaging revolve around minimizing factors that contribute to food spoilage, such as oxygen, moisture, light, and microbial growth. By removing these elements, mylar bags can significantly extend the shelf life of various food items for long-term storage.
Vacuum sealing is a food preservation method that involves removing air from a plastic pouch or container and creating an airtight seal. This process prevents oxidation and inhibits microbial growth, extending food's shelf life.
The principles involve removing air (containing oxygen and moisture) from packaging. This anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment inhibits the growth of aerobic bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms that thrive in the presence of oxygen.
Vacuum sealers come in two main types: external and chamber vacuum sealers.
External vacuum sealers are the most common and affordable option for home use. These sealers have a removable vacuum chamber where the open end of a plastic bag is inserted. The machine then removes the air from the bag and seals it shut, creating an airtight package.
Chamber vacuum sealers are typically used in commercial or industrial settings. With these sealers, the entire bag or container is placed inside a vacuum chamber. The chamber is then depressurized, removing all air from the packaging before sealing it. Chamber vacuum sealers are more expensive but offer a higher level of vacuum and are better suited for packaging liquids or delicate items.
There is no one-size-fits-all packaging solution for food preservation. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the ideal choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
Here's an objective comparison to help you make an informed decision:
Mylar bags are an excellent choice for long-term storage of dry goods and dehydrated foods, emergency preparedness, and bulk storage with limited space. Their impermeable barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light creates an ideal environment for preserving the quality and shelf life of these types of foods.
To maximize the benefits of mylar bags, follow these practical tips:
Mylar bags are particularly suitable for long-term storage for preppers, emergency preparedness, and food security scenarios, as well as for outdoor enthusiasts who need compact and lightweight food storage solutions.
Vacuum sealing is a versatile method suitable for short to medium-term storage of various food types, including wet and fresh foods. It's also an excellent choice for portion control, meal prep, and sous vide cooking.When using vacuum sealing, consider these practical tips:
Vacuum sealing is particularly beneficial for budget-conscious consumers looking to reduce food waste and extend the shelf life of various food items, as well as for those who enjoy sous vide cooking or marinating meats and vegetables.
Want more information on custom vacuum seal bags? Feel free to contact us.
Both mylar bags and vacuum sealing can effectively preserve food when used correctly. Consider your specific needs, storage duration, food types, and budget to determine the most suitable method for your situation.
The choice between mylar bags and vacuum sealing for food preservation depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Mylar bags excel for long-term storage of dry goods and dehydrated foods, offering an impermeable barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light. Their compact nature also makes them suitable for emergency preparedness and bulk storage.
Vacuum sealing provides versatility, accommodating various food types, including wet and fresh items. It effectively extends shelf life through an airtight seal, making it ideal for short to medium-term storage, portion control, and sous vide cooking.
Both mylar bags and vacuum sealing can be effective when used correctly in appropriate scenarios. Understand the nuances, follow best practices, and choose the approach that best suits your lifestyle and goals.
For keeping food fresh and lasting longer, vacuum sealers and vacuum-sealed storage containers are the most familiar products we know of on the market. And which one is better for storing food? Depending on the food type, we have to choose different ways to store it.
That's to say; there’s not just one answer for every food. But we are here to help you discover the pros and cons of the vacuum sealer and the vacuum-sealed storage container, which is the best choice for storing your food.
Seal food for sous vide cooking and marinating, and dry and moist mode for an airtight seal. Vacuum seal bags can prevent freezer burn; suited for meal prep and portioning; simmer and microwave safe.
You cannot start vacuum sealers without electricity. Even if vacuum sealers are usable, vacuum seal bags are not. So you have to keep buying single-use plastic bags that are harmful to the environment.
Without bulky machines, vacuum-sealed containers are cheaper than vacuum sealers. This price on the market would be:
Most vacuum containers on the market need to be used with pumps you have to buy separately. However, a few vacuum canisters that can be used without extra equipment are the kind of vacuum containers we will compare in this blog.
Easy to use, no extra equipment needed, cover the lid for airtight mode, and twist or press the lid to seal the vacuum.
Some vacuum containers are stackable, making your fridge and pantry tidy and clean. Then you don’t need to worry about food dropping down from the shelf. Prevent food stab out of the package and protect food from being crushed by vacuum seal pressure. So you can store bread, chips, lettuce, and other delicate food.
Available for daily usage, such as cereal, nuts, coffee beans, bread, etc.
Vacuum-sealed storage containers are reusable. Clean them after use, and store other food for vacuum seal again. And can be recycled at the end of a product’s life.
Cannot be used in a microwave, oven, or boil. Not preferred for meat storage.
Compared to vacuum seal bags, vacuum-sealed containers take more space on the shelf.
See the below table to find which vacuum seal ways fit your food storage,
So now you ask, with vacuum sealer vs. vacuum-sealed storage containers, which should I choose?
Truthfully, both are great options. It all just depends on your individual needs.
Ask yourself these questions as a good starting point:
At Ankomn, we care about keeping food fresh and lasting longer, which is why we are available to help you make the best decision on vacuum seal products.
To learn more about vacuum-sealer containers, check this out!. As an eco-friendly brand, each turn on the lid of Turn-N-Seal vacuum-sealed container eliminates the use of a single-use plastic bag.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit retort pouch manufacturers.