Get your free Mylar Bag Food Storage Chart and learn exactly how to store dry goods for long-term freshness — no guesswork, no overwhelm.
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There’s nothing better than opening your pantry and knowing everything on your shelves is stocked, sealed, and ready when you need it.
If you’re serious about long-term food storage, Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers are the gold standard. They protect dry goods from air, moisture, light, and pests — basically, everything that causes food to spoil.
That’s why I teamed up with Ola at Pack Fresh USA, to put together this free, easy-to-use Mylar Bag Food Storage Chart. It tells you exactly which size oxygen absorbers to use for each bag size and food type, so your pantry stays fresh for years.
Let’s walk through the basics, and then you can grab your free chart below.
Food Categories in the Mylar Bag Food Storage Chart
This free chart breaks down how many cc oxygen absorbers you need based on bag size and food type. Here’s what’s included:
- Beans
- Cereal/Crackers
- Coffee Beans
- Dehydrated Fruits/Vegetables
- Dried Corn
- Flour
- Herbs/Spices
- Lentils
- Nuts
- Oatmeal
- Pasta
- Potato Flakes
- Powdered Milk/Drinks
- Rice
- Seeds
- Wheat Berries
Each food behaves differently in storage, so having a guide like this helps you keep everything fresh and safe long-term.
Why Mylar Bags?
Mylar bags are the MVP of long-term food storage.
They:
- Block oxygen
- Block moisture
- Block light
- Prevent pests
- Hold up for years
Thanks to their aluminum-coated polyester layers, they’re stronger than vacuum sealer bags and ideal for long-term pantry staples like rice, beans, flour, and dehydrated foods.
If you want your food to last, Mylar is worth the investment.
What Oxygen Absorbers Do
Oxygen is the enemy of long-term storage — it causes food to oxidize, turn rancid, and lose nutritional value.
Oxygen absorbers fix that.
They:
- Remove nearly all oxygen inside the bag
- Prevent oxidation and rancidity
- Extend shelf life dramatically
- Keep dry goods stable and high quality
They also work in:
- Food-grade buckets (with a tight seal)
- Mason jars (great for light-sensitive foods if kept in a dark spot)
If you’re storing anything long-term, oxygen absorbers are a must.
Storing Food like a Pro with Mylar Bags & Oxygen Absorbers
Long-term storage isn’t just filling bags with rice — it’s about creating the right environment.
That’s where your chart comes in.
It tells you exactly:
- Which bag size to use
- How many oxygen absorbers to include
- Which foods store best
- When to rotate or replace items
Combine Mylar bags with the correct oxygen absorbers, and you’ll have a pantry that can last years with minimal maintenance.
How to Seal Mylar Bags
A proper seal = long shelf life.
Here’s how to seal your bags depending on the size:
Small Bags (Pint/Quart/Gallon)
Use one of these:
- Hair straightener
- Mini-hand sealer
Clamp along the top edge and seal across the bag. Quick and easy.
Large Bags (5-Gallon)
Use:
- A household iron (high heat, no steam)
- An impulse sealer
Run the iron slowly across the top, or press the impulse sealer firmly. Check for weak spots.
For full step-by-step instructions, PackFreshUSA has great tutorials:
Tips for Storing Food in Mylar Bags
If you’re taking the time to store food long-term, do it right the first time!
If you’re stocking your pantry for the long haul, don’t forget freeze-dried options too. I have simple guides for freeze-drying milk, eggs, cheese, and green beans — all great staples to keep on hand.
Rotate your stash
Dehydrated foods last a long time, but try to rotate every 3 years to keep everything tasting its best.
Storing flour
- White flour: up to 10 years
- Whole wheat flour: 1–2 years (the natural oils make it spoil faster)
High-fat foods
Nuts, whole grains, and brown rice don’t last as long. Rotate every 1–2 years to avoid rancidity.
Rice, sugar & salt
- White rice: lasts decades
- Brown rice: 6 months–1 year
- Sugar & salt: no oxygen absorbers needed — just keep them dry.
Sugary foods & drink mixes
Oxygen absorbers help, but expect a little clumping. It’s normal and doesn’t mean they’ve gone bad.
Whole grains & brown sugar
- Whole grains: store 6 months–1 year
- Brown sugar: loves to clump — use a brown sugar saver to keep it soft.
Seeds for sprouting or planting
Skip the oxygen absorbers here. Seeds need a little air to stay viable
For more storage tips, PackFreshUSA’s Learning Library is full of solid information.
Download the Mylar Bag Food Storage Chart
Ready to build a long-lasting pantry without the guesswork?
This free chart shows:
- Exact oxygen absorber sizes
- How much you need per bag
- The best foods for long-term storage
- What to rotate and when
It’s the easiest way to store food the right way.
More Free Printables for Your Home
If you’re loving this Mylar Bag Food Storage Chart, you’re gonna want to grab these other free printables, too! Keeping a stocked pantry and running a smooth homestead takes planning, and these guides make it way easier.
- Pantry Staples List — keep your essentials stocked
- Ounces to Pounds Conversion Chart — perfect for bulk cooking
- Spice List — organize your spice drawer
Download as many as you like and make stocking your pantry and running your home simple and stress-free.
Very helpful thanks. I have never used these bags but I have heard of them.
Question –
Where do you go to download the .PDF? I don’t see a link or anything to do that. Thanks!
Hi Susan, the download link is now in the post. Sorry about that! Technical glitch. 🙂