Mylar is one of the best tools for long-term food storage. It blocks light, air, and moisture. When used with oxygen absorbers, 1 gallon mylar bags can keep dry food fresh for many years. Many people store rice, pasta, beans, and wheat in Mylar. These foods stay safe and full of nutrition when protected from oxygen. But not every food belongs inside Mylar. Some foods spoil faster. Some contain too much moisture. Some can even become unsafe. That is why you must know what foods should not be stored in mylar bags.

In this guide, you will learn which foods are not safe for long-term Mylar storage. You will also discover safer ways to store those foods. And if you are just getting started, brands like Roylo Globe make it easy with high-quality mylar bags with oxygen absorbers designed for long-lasting protection.

Why Some Foods Do Not Work in Mylar Bags

Mylar works best when storing foods that are dry and low in oil. Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen from inside the sealed bag. Less oxygen means no mold or bugs. But foods that have natural oils or moisture can spoil even without oxygen. They can grow bacteria called botulism inside sealed bags. This makes the food unsafe to eat. That is the main reason many foods should never be stored long-term in Mylar.

Here is an easy rule to remember:

Foods with more than 10% moisture or high oil cannot be stored with oxygen absorbers.

The rest of this guide lists these foods and explains why they are unsafe.

1️⃣ Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are full of healthy oils. Those oils can go bad over time. They become sticky, smell strange, and taste bitter. Even inside 1 gallon mylar bags, the oils will break down. Oxygen absorbers do not stop oil from turning rancid.

Examples include:

• Almonds

• Peanuts

• Cashews

• Pistachios

• Sunflower seeds

• Pumpkin seeds

Better Storage Option:
Freeze or refrigerate nuts and seeds in airtight containers.

2️⃣ Brown Rice and Other Whole Grains with Oil

Brown rice still has its outer bran layer. That layer contains natural oils. These oils spoil faster than white rice. Even with Mylar, brown rice will only last a few months before it turns bad.

Foods to avoid storing long-term:

• Brown rice

• Wild rice

• Quinoa (unwashed)

• Whole-grain flour (like whole wheat flour)

Better Storage Option:
Freeze these grains if storing longer than a few months.

3️⃣ Foods with Moisture

Moist foods are dangerous in sealed bags. They can develop botulism bacteria without oxygen. Botulism is a very serious form of food poisoning. Oxygen absorbers make this risk higher because bacteria grow best in low-oxygen settings.

Foods with over 10% moisture should not be stored in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Examples:

• Fresh herbs

• Raisins or fruit not fully dried

• Jerky with moisture inside

• Soft dried fruits like apricots or mango

• Marshmallows

• Bread

• Cake mixes with oil

If food feels soft, sticky, or chewy, it likely has too much moisture.

Better Storage Option:
Use airtight jars or vacuum-seal and refrigerate.

4️⃣ Sugar and Salt

These foods do not spoil easily. But oxygen absorbers cause problems with them.

• Sugar becomes hard like a rock

• Salt can corrode the absorber packets

They do not need any oxygen protection at all. They can last forever in their own containers.

Better Storage Option:
Store sugar and salt in sealed plastic or glass containers. Keep them away from moisture.

5️⃣ High-Fat Foods

Foods with fat or oil break down quickly. They become rancid even if sealed. They also give off odors that can spread to other foods.

Examples:

• Chips

• Crackers

• Cookies

• Granola or energy bars

• Milk chocolate

• Coconut flour

These foods are meant to be eaten fresh. Not stored for many years.

Better Storage Option:
Store in original packaging and rotate often.

6️⃣ Powdered Milk and Dairy Products

Dairy contains fats. Even powdered milk can spoil over time because the fat breaks down. Sealing dairy in 1 gallon mylar bags with oxygen absorbers will not stop it from going bad.

Foods to avoid storing:

• Whole milk powder

• Cheese powder

• Butter powder

Better Storage Option:
Use original sealed packaging and store in a cool environment.

7️⃣ Spices and Seasonings with Oils

Many spices include natural oils that lose flavor when stored too long. They may even grow mold if moisture content is too high.

Avoid long-term Mylar storage for:

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Paprika

• Curry blends

• Chili flakes

Better Storage Option:
Store in airtight glass containers and rotate regularly.

8️⃣ Freeze-Dried Foods Packaged Incorrectly

Freeze-dried food can be stored in Mylar bags. But only if it is completely dry and sealed with the correct oxygen absorbers. If you store them incorrectly:

• Flavor turns stale

• Texture becomes rubbery

• Nutrients break down

Always follow manufacturer recommendations or choose trusted brands like Roylo Globe, which provide correct packaging supplies.

Why Mylar Bags Work Best with Dry Staple Foods

Here is a quick list of what does store well:

These foods contain little or no oil. They have low moisture. They remain stable in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

Other Storage Tips for Safety

✔ Only use oxygen absorbers rated for food
✔ Use thick Mylar bags, ideally 7–9 mil
✔ Store bags in a dark, cool, dry place
✔ Write the date on every bag
✔ Check that seals are tight with no air leaks

Choosing Roylo Globe products ensures you get strong and durable Mylar bags that help prevent tears or oxygen leaks.

If a Food Has Oil or Moisture: Don’t Store It Long-Term

Here is a quick rule to remember before packaging food:

If the food can spoil in your pantry, it will spoil in Mylar too.

Mylar can protect food from outside harm. But it cannot stop natural oils or moisture from breaking down food inside the bag.

Final Thoughts

Mylar bags are amazing for long-term food storage. They help families prepare, save money, and stay ready for emergencies. But they work best only with the right foods. High-moisture and high-fat foods are not safe to store in Mylar bags. Using oxygen absorbers with those foods can lead to spoilage and health risks.

If you want your stored food to last many years, stick to dry foods like rice, beans, grains, and pasta. Pair 1 gallon mylar bags with high-quality absorbers for best results. And when you want trusted materials, Roylo Globe offers strong mylar bags with oxygen absorbers made for safe and long-lasting storage.

Store smart. Stay prepared. And always choose the right storage tools.