Mylar bags are one of the extensively used in the food industry to ensure long-term food storage. Perishable products generally have a low life span and are stored in Mylar bags for an extended time.
PET is a primary material that is used to create moisture-resistant flexible packaging for long-term food storage. A few considerations must be taken when customizing Mylar bags wholesale. One of which is the correct size of the bag according to the product’s packaging needs.
However, some high-density food items need to be stored with oxygen absorbers and a degassing valve. Read this blog to explore a guide to Mylar bag food storage chart!
Why are Mylar bags used for Food Storage?
Mylar bags are known for their excellent barrier properties against oxygen, moisture, and contamination. This is why they are often used for long-term food storage, because they extend the shelf life of perishable food items by keeping them safe from oxygen. Before you delve into the details of the Mylar bag food storage chart, understand how it works to protect the food. Some food items need to be protected from the gases these products release, such as coffee. For such products, a degassing valve is attached to the Mylar bags to prevent oxygen from entering and let gases escape from the bag.
Oxygen Absorbers Mylar Bags for High-Density Food
When it comes to long-term food storage, keep in mind that perishable food items also come in a variety of different forms. Most dry and powdered food items require oxygen absorbers for an extended shelf life. Oxygen absorbers are small sachets containing iron powder, salt, and clay, used to remove oxygen from sealed packages.
They improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Mylar bag packaging. Aerobic bacteria and insects cannot thrive in the vacuum-sealed mylar bags when customized with oxygen absorbers. The capacity of each oxygen absorber packet varies.
You need to know how many oxygen absorbers your limited product quantity requires for an extended shelf life. For example, for 5 5-gallon food Bucket Storage, you will need 20 packets of oxygen absorbers, each with a 100 cc capacity.
Mylar Bag Food Storage Size Chart
Different quantities of food items require different sizes of Mylar bags for proper storage. You can customize the size of Mylar bags according to your products’ needs. However, you must know some standard sizes of Mylar bags that are often used for packaging a variety of different food items. Have a look at some standard Mylar bag sizes and their dimensions:
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Small Mylar Bags
The size of the mylar bag can be measured by considering the Height x Width formula. The following dimensions are based on the space available inside for holding the product. Three standard sizes for small mylar bags (fit for making single-serving food packages) include :
- 2”x3”
- 3”x4”
- 4”x6”
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Medium Mylar Bags
Food products like snacks are packed in medium-sized Mylar bags that come in the following three different dimensions:
- 5” x 7”
- 6” x 8”
- 7” x 9”
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Large Mylar Bags
Food items like herbs, spices, nuts, grains, and flour in large quantities are packed in large Mylar bags that can be customized in the following dimensions:
- 8” x 10”
- 9” x 12”
- 10” x 14”
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Extra-Large Mylar Bags
Food in bulk quantities is packed in extra-large Mylar bags that can have the following different dimensions:
- 12” x 16”
- 14”x 18”
- 16” x 20”
Also, the following chart shows what sizes are ideal for a certain powered food item quantity for long-term storage:
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Mylar Bag Sizes for Powdered Products |
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Mylar Bag Dimensions |
Powdered Food Weight |
|
13" x 9" x 4" |
Max. 1500 grams |
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12" x 8" x 3" |
Max. 850 grams |
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9" x 6" x 3" |
Max. 450 grams |
|
6" x 4" x 2" |
Max. 120 grams |
|
5.5" x 3.5" |
Only 3.5 grams |
Mylar Bag Food Storage Chart According to Shelf Life
Generally, different products have different life spans when they are not sealed or stored in Mylar bags. When they are packed in the Mylar bags in the right conditions and temperature, their life span increases. The following chart clearly shows how different food items have different life spans and increase when stored in vacuum-sealed Mylar bags:
Shelf Life of Food Items in Normal vs. Vacuum-Sealed Mylar Bags
| Type of Food Item | Normal Life | Life in Vacuum Sealed Mylar Bags | Storage Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus Fruits | 2 Weeks | 4 Weeks | Refrigerator |
| Mangos, Apricots | 6 Months | 2–3 Years | Freezer |
| Pineapples | 3–6 Days | 4–6 Weeks | Refrigerator |
| Apple, Pears | 2 Weeks | 3 Months | Refrigerator |
| Plum, Peaches | 3 Months | 1–2 Years | Freezer |
| Broccoli, Sprouts, Brussels, Corn | 8 Months | 2–3 Years | Freezer |
| Fish | 6 Months | 2.5 Years | Freezer |
| Beef, Pork, Poultry, Lamb | 6 Months | 2–3 Years | Freezer |
Types of Mylar Bags for Food Storage
The types of Mylar bags depend on their style, which makes them user-friendly and ensures secure closure of your products. You can consider the following Mylar bags when exploring the Mylar bag food storage chart:
- Ziplock Mylar Bags
- Spout Mylar Pouches
- Resealable Mylar Bags
- Vacuum Sealed Mylar Bags
- Child-Resistant Mylar Bags
- Vacuum Sealed Mylar Bags
Conclusion!
Concluding the discussion on the Mylar bag food storage chart, with the fact that the significance of Mylar bags is undeniable in the food industry. You can customize Mylar bags however you want by finding the right packaging partner and ensuring the extended shelf life of your products!
You should avoid packing sharp objects in the Mylar bags that can create tears and harm people during handling. Also, food items that release gases and ferment and are high in moisture should not be packed in Mylar bags.
High-density food items like grains and beans can be stored in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers for up to 20 years.
The purpose of a degassing valve on mylar bags, particularly those used for products that release gases, is to allow excess carbon dioxide (CO2) to escape and prevent oxygen from entering. A degassing valve prevents the bag from bursting due to gas buildup and helps maintain the freshness and flavor of the product by minimizing oxidation. One of the examples of a degassing valve for long-term food storage is custom coffee Mylar pouches.
