Mylar Bags vs Mason Jars: Which Is Better for Long-Term Food Storage?

Mylar bags are the norm when it comes to long-term dry food storage. On the other hand, mason jars are a better option for regular pantry use, canning, and foods that need to open repeatedly.

Mylar bags are made from BoPET stock that is known to block light, air, and moisture. With the addition of oxygen absorbers, Mylar bags are a reliable option for storing rice, beans, grains, and freeze dried meals. Mason jars are different from Mylar bags. They are durable, reusable, and transparent. They are best to store jams, pickles, and other daily usage products.

The suitable choice from these depends on the food, storage time, and how frequently the container will be opened. In this guide, we’ll compare both options so you can analyze and select the ideal one for your food-storage needs.

What Are Mylar Bags?

Mylar bags are flexible food storage bags made from durable stock. Plenty of food storage Mylar bags include a foil or metalized layer that helps block light, oxygen, as well as moisture.

Mylar bags are most commonly used for long term storage of:

• Rice.

• Beans.

• Grains.

• Oats.

• Pasta.

• Flour.

• Sugar.

• Salt.

• Powdered milk.

• Freeze-dried food.

• Instant coffee.

Mylar bags are lightweight and easy to store. For extra protection of items from pests, moisture, and damages, Mylar pouches can be placed inside food grade buckets.

What Are Mason Jars?

They are made from glass having a screw-on lid on top that seals. People use them for food storage, canning, meal prep, and organization of items in their pantry.

Mason jars are:

• Reusable.

• Clear.

• Easy to clean.

• Easy to label.

• Good for small portions.

They are heavy and can break easily if dropped. Another drawback of mason jars is that they let light in which can compromise the quality of stored food items.

Mylar Bags vs Mason Jars

Both the Mylar bags and mason jars are used to securely pack food items but they work best in separate situations.

Mylar bags are a better option for long-term food storage for large amounts of dry food. Whereas mason jars are better for smaller amounts of food that need to be used often.

Difference Between Mylar Bags vs Canning

Many people compare Mylar bags with canning, but they are not the same thing.

Mylar bags are a storage container whereas canning is a food preservation method. Mason jars are mostly used for canning, but they can also be used for simple dry food storage.

Mylar bags

Mylar bags are best for dry, low-moisture foods. They are sealed with heat and often used with oxygen absorbers.

They are not a replacement for canning.

Canning

Canning is the process of using heat to preserve food in sealed jars. Common food items suitable for canning include:

• Jams.

• Jellies.

• Pickles.

• Sauces.

• Soups.

• Vegetables.

• Fruits.

• Some meat.

Which Packaging Protects Food Better?

Oxygen Protection

Oxygen can compromise the freshness, color, flavor, and shelf life of dry food items.

Mylar bags as well as mason jars can be included with oxygen absorbers to prevent this factor from harming the integrity of the food products. But still there is a difference. The bag fits around the packed food item when air is removed from it while the jars stay the same which creates chances of air filling the space again after opening. Plus, the jars are oversized usually so choosing suitable oxygen absorbers is tough.

Moisture Protection

Moisture or water droplets in air can get soaked in dry food items which can result in clumping and spoilage.

Mylar bags and mason jars, both provide a good level of moisture protection if sealed properly.

However, Mylar bags are better for long-term storage of food items because they have fewer opening points and can be sealed tightly around the food.

Light Protection

Light can affect the quality of many dry foods if exposed for longer duration.

From Mylar bags and mason jars, the former is better at blocking UV light as it is opaque and made from barrier protective metalized layers. The latter is made of glass which easily lets light pass through.

If you are considering using mason jars, then store them where there is no sunlight contact.

Pest Protection

Pests can damage stored food.

Mason jars are harder for many pests to enter because they have a solid glass body and a sealed lid. However, glass jars can break.

Mylar bags block out light and protect food items from air and moisture, but rodents can chew through the BoPET material which defeats the idea of long-term storage.

To ensure this doesn’t happen, you can store your food in Mylar bags and then place the packed bags inside storage buckets.

Temperature & Storage Conditions

Both Mylar bags and Mason jars work best in cool, dry, and dark places.

Don’t keep them:

• Near a stove.

• Near a dishwasher.

• In direct sunlight.

• In a damp basement.

• Near heat sources.

• In areas with large temperature changes.

A stable, cool storage area helps protect food quality.

Common Food Storage Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes if you are planning to store food items for long-term:

• Putting wet food in Mylar bags.

• Using oxygen absorbers with foods that spoil quickly.

• Reusing old canning lids for long-term storage.

• Storing food near heat or sunlight.

• Leaving Mylar bags near sharp objects.

• Forgetting to label food with the name and packing date.

• Storing Mylar bags without extra protection from pests.

• Assuming a sealed container makes unsafe food safe.

Need Custom Mylar Bags or Mason Jars for Food Storage?

At Print247, we offer both the packaging options. Whether you want custom Mylar bags and food storage pouches for your dry food items, coffee, tea, snacks, and supplements, or you are looking for a mason jar for short term storage and organizing your pantry, we’ve got you covered.

From mason jars with top quality lids to Mylar bags in stand up, lay flat, pillow, and other styles with zippers, gussets, and tear notches, we have it all. All you just have to do is place the order for your required packaging and leave the rest to us.

To get started, give us a call at +1 (832) 807-3429 or reach us by sending an email at support@print247.us.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the two types of packaging choices that are suitable for long term storage of food items. One is Mylar bags and the second is mason jars. Both have their positives and negatives.

The best choice from both these options depends on your use case. If you need to organize your pantry or for canning, mason jars are best for you. And if you need long term storage of dry food items Mylar bags are the optimum option.

Whichever option you choose, at Print247, we can create both with your choice of customization and printing. We offer wholesale pricing on all orders for custom printed Mylar bags as well as mason jars.

FAQs

Are Mylar bags better than Mason jars for long-term food storage?

From both the packaging options, Mylar bags are usually better for long-term storage of dry foods. On the other hand, mason jars are more suited for storing everyday usage products plus canning.

Can I store rice and beans in Mylar bags?

Yes. White rice and dry beans are the most common items for long term storage in Mylar bags. The reason is simple, the BoPET material blocks out external factors from seeping in and harming the food items.

Are Mason jars suitable for long-term food storage?

Under some conditions, yes mason jars can be used for long term food storage. One, you pair them with oxygen absorbers. Two, don’t open the jars frequently. Three, keep them stored in a dark place.

Do Mason jars need oxygen absorbers?

Mason jars can use oxygen absorbers for dry foods. They are most useful when the jar has a lot of empty space or the food will be stored for a long time.

Can I put wet food in Mylar bags?

No. Mylar bags are not suitable for wet foods, high-moisture foods, or foods that need canning. Use proper canning methods and jars for those foods.

Are Mylar bags rodent proof?

No. Rodents may chew through Mylar bags. For extra protection, place sealed Mylar bags inside food-grade buckets or sturdy storage bins.

Which is cheaper: Mylar bags or Mason jars?

Mylar bags usually cost less upfront. Mason jars cost more upfront but can be reused for years.