Best Mylar Bags for Long-Term Food Storage
The best mylar bag is the one that fits your container. The gallon, 5-gallon and quart sizes we rank, and which to use for what.
At a glance
| Product | Score | Barrier & Thickness | Seal & Durability | Sizing & Value | Owner Satisfaction | Value | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wallaby 1-Gallon Mylar Bags, 30 Count (with 400cc Absorbers) Wallaby · mid-range | 89 | 100 | 99 | 93 | 81 | 78 | Buy → |
| Wallaby 5-Gallon Mylar Bags, 15 Count (Zipper, with 2500cc Absorbers) Wallaby · premium | 87 | 96 | 96 | 99 | 81 | 65 | Buy → |
| Wallaby 1-Quart Mylar Bags, 50 Count (with Labels) Wallaby · value | 84 | 89 | 85 | 97 | 80 | 72 | Buy → |
"Best mylar bag" is really a question of size, because the right bag is the one that matches your container and how much you're storing. Here's the size ladder we rank, all thick, heat-sealable and a strong oxygen barrier.
Pick the size, then the mil
Thickness matters, but only after size. A thicker bag resists pinholes; 5 mil is the everyday long-term standard and 7 mil is best for bucket liners. Beyond that, match the bag to the job:
- 1-gallon: the everyday size, right for most staples, and usually bundled with the correct oxygen absorbers.
- 5-gallon: the bucket liner for bulk rice, beans and wheat. Drops straight into a food-grade bucket.
- 1-quart: single meals, dehydrated portions, seeds and spices.
The everyday pick: 1-gallon
For most people the 1-gallon bag is the default. It holds a useful amount, seals easily, and comes with absorbers sized to it, so there's nothing else to buy.
Buy the absorbers with the bags when you can. Bundles that include correctly sized oxygen absorbers save you sizing them separately and guarantee the cc matches the bag.
The bulk pick: 5-gallon
For staples you're banking by the bucket, the 5-gallon bag with a resealable zipper is the one. It lines a standard pail and comes with a large absorber to match the volume.
The small pick: 1-quart
For portioning meals or storing seeds and spices, the 1-quart bag with labels is ideal. Thinner is fine here since the portions are small and gently handled.
The verdict
Start with 1-gallon bags for general storage, add 5-gallon bags for bucket liners, and keep quart bags for small portions. Choose 5 to 7 mil, seal them fully, and pair each with an absorber, sized with our calculator.
The best mylar bag is a size decision: 1-gallon for everyday staples, 5-gallon for bucket liners, 1-quart for meals and seeds. Choose 5 to 7 mil for long-term storage, pair each bag with a matched oxygen absorber, and heat-seal it fully.
Frequently asked questions
What thickness of mylar is best for long-term storage?
5 mil is the everyday long-term standard for most staples. Step up to 7 mil for bucket liners or bags that get moved and stacked, and reserve 3.5 mil for shorter-term shelf storage.
Do mylar bags need oxygen absorbers?
Yes, for long-term storage. The mylar blocks light and moisture, but it is the oxygen absorber that removes the air the food would otherwise degrade in. Size the absorber to the bag volume.
How long does food last in mylar bags?
Low-moisture, low-oil staples like white rice, beans and oats can keep 25 to 30 years sealed in mylar with an oxygen absorber and stored cool. Oily foods are limited by rancidity and keep far less.
Some links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes our rankings. Full disclosure.