How Long Will Food Last Without a Proper Seal?
Most people spend their time considering what is put into Mylar bags. However, many don’t spend nearly enough time considering how they are closed – and that one simple detail can completely change the length of time your food lasts for!
If a seal doesn’t work as it should be, the shelf-life is unpredictable! Many individuals may think they will be able to store food for years or many months, only to discover unexpectedly that the item(s) aren’t fresh, still soft, and/or have degraded before anticipated.
Air is the biggest issue. Oxygen is what contributes to spoilage, even with dry food. If air is gradually leaking into the Mylar bag, it is beginning to break down the items at a molecular level. Changes to the texture occur first, then changes in the flavour, and eventually changes will be evident in the entire quality of the item(s). And by the time you are able to visually see changes, it is usually too late.
Moisture is an additional silent issue. Even if you live in a dry environment, there is always enough humidity in the air that can enter through an improperly sealed bag. Once moisture gets into the bag, it can lead to clumping, creating potential for mold, and/or causing a significant reduction in the usability of the item(s). The amount of moisture required to create this affects will be relatively minor, but over time, it will lead to problems.
Temperature fluctuations will compound the problems. The air within the Mylar bag expands and contracts with temperature changes, creating pressure on the seal. If the seal was not done properly, the expansion and contraction of the air will contribute to breaking down the already weak seal. This is comparable to stress testing a weak point.
The great thing is that there is a very easy way to avoid all of these issues with a proper sealing process. If you want to help ensure that your foods will have the length of shelf-life that they should, refer to this step-by-step guide for Sealing Ziplock Mylar Bags to make sure you do it properly the first time!

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