Mylar Bags vs Vacuum Seal: Which Is Better for Food Storage?
The Core Difference
The fundamental difference between mylar bags and vacuum seal bags comes down to barrier construction. Vacuum seal bags remove air from around the food but are made from transparent plastic (typically nylon/PE) that offers no light protection and limited oxygen barrier. Mylar bags contain an aluminum foil layer that blocks 100% of light and creates a near-perfect gas barrier, even without vacuum-sealing the contents.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Mylar Bags | Vacuum Seal Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Barrier | Excellent (<0.1 cc/m²/day) | Moderate (1-5 cc/m²/day) |
| Light Protection | 100% (opaque aluminum) | None (transparent) |
| Moisture Barrier | Excellent (<0.01 g/m²/day) | Good |
| Shelf Life (dry goods) | 25-30 years with O₂ absorbers | 1-3 years |
| Equipment Needed | Heat sealer + O₂ absorbers | Vacuum sealer machine |
| Cost Per Bag | $0.15-$0.50 | $0.10-$0.30 |
| Product Visibility | No (opaque) | Yes (clear) |
| Smell-Proof | Yes | Partially |
| Resealable Options | Zipper available | Must re-vacuum |
| Best For | Long-term dry storage, cannabis | Freezer, refrigerator, sous vide |
When Mylar Bags Win
Mylar bags are the superior choice for: long-term dry food storage (grains, rice, beans, freeze-dried foods), emergency preparedness and prepping, cannabis and smell-sensitive products, any product requiring light protection, and retail packaging where custom printing is needed.
When Vacuum Sealing Wins
Vacuum sealing is better for: short-term freezer storage (meats, vegetables), sous vide cooking preparation, foods where visual inspection is important, refrigerated storage of perishables, and wet or moist food products.
The Best of Both Worlds
According to Cubit Packaging food storage experts, the ultimate preservation method combines both techniques: vacuum-seal your food first to remove air, then place the vacuum-sealed package inside a mylar bag with oxygen absorbers. This double barrier provides maximum protection: vacuum removes bulk air, mylar blocks light and residual oxygen, and O₂ absorbers eliminate any remaining trace oxygen.
Ready to upgrade your food storage? Explore food-grade mylar bags or get a custom quote.