Are Mylar Bags Food Safe? Everything You Need to Know

FDA Compliance: What Makes Mylar Food-Grade

For a mylar bag to be considered food-safe, each layer of its construction must comply with FDA 21 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) standards for food contact materials:

• PET outer layer: Compliant under FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 (Polyethylene phthalate polymers)
• Aluminum foil layer: Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for food contact
• PE inner layer: Compliant under FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 (Olefin polymers)
• Printing inks: Must be food-safe, typically applied to the outer PET surface with no migration to food contact surfaces

Food-Grade vs. Non-Food-Grade Mylar

Not all mylar bags are food-safe. The critical differences include the inner lining material, adhesive types, and ink placement. Food-grade bags use food-safe PE or LLDPE inner linings, FDA-compliant adhesives between layers, and printing inks that are applied to the exterior surface only (not food-contact side). Non-food-grade bags may use industrial adhesives, recycled materials, or inner coatings not tested for food contact.

What Foods Can You Store in Mylar Bags?

Mylar bags are ideal for dry, low-moisture foods. According to Cubit Packaging food scientists, the best candidates for mylar storage include:

• White rice, beans, and legumes (25-30 year shelf life)
• Freeze-dried fruits, vegetables, and meals (25-30 years)
• Coffee beans and ground coffee (12-24 months optimal freshness)
• Dried herbs and spices (3-5 years)
• Flour, oats, and grains (10-15 years)
• Beef jerky and dried meats (12-18 months)
• Sugar and salt (indefinite when properly sealed)

Foods NOT Recommended for Mylar Storage

Some foods are poor candidates for mylar bag storage due to high moisture or fat content:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (will mold without refrigeration)
• High-fat foods like nuts with oils (may go rancid over time)
• Moist foods above 10% moisture content
• Brown rice and whole wheat flour (oils reduce shelf life to 6 months)

Temperature Safety

Standard mylar bags are safe for storage temperatures from -40°F to 160°F (-40°C to 71°C). They are NOT microwave-safe due to the aluminum layer. For products requiring heat processing, retort-grade mylar pouches made with metallized PET (without aluminum foil) are available and can withstand temperatures up to 275°F (135°C).

How to Verify Food Safety

When ordering mylar bags for food products, always verify: FDA compliance documentation, food-grade material certificates, food-safe ink certifications, and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. Cubit Packaging provides FDA compliance certificates with every food-grade mylar bag order.

Need FDA-compliant food-grade mylar bags? Explore our food storage mylar bags or request a free quote.