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The Shelf Life of Your Vacuum Sealed Food
How long does vacuum sealed food last? What if we put our food in the freezer, refrigerator, or pantry? Does food stored in vacuum sealed bags last longer than in traditional food containers?
These are the common questions most people ask us. So in this article, we will answer all these questions and provide helpful information on vacuum sealing.
Table of Contents
How Long Does Vacuum Sealed Food Last?
Your food's shelf life depends on its type, initial state (freshness), and storage. On average, vacuum sealed food stored in the freezer lasts up to 2 to 3 years. That’s much better than storing it in other ways, which lasts an average of 6 to 12 months only.
To make things more straightforward, we’ll break everything down by food type. Let’s get started!
Shelf Life of Meats
Meat products normally need to be consumed within a few days of purchase to avoid its spoilage. However, vacuum sealing keeps your meats fresh longer and helps you reduce food waste.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed meats last:
| Meats | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Beef, Pork, Poultry, and Lamb | Freezer | 6 Months | 2-3 Years |
| Fish | Freezer | 3-12 Months | 2 Years |
| Ground Meat | Freezer | 4 Months | 1 Year |
| Lobsters and Shrimp | Freezer | 6-12 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Crab | Freezer | 2 Months | 8-10 Months |
| Duck and Goose | Freezer | 6 Months | 2-3 Years |
| Venison | Freezer | 3-4 Months | 2 Years |
Shelf Life of Fruits
Like most people, you might ask, “What is the healthiest snack?” Well, there’s nothing healthier than vacuum sealed fruits. Vacuum sealing helps keep their freshness and nutritional value for longer, so you can get all the nutrients you need.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed fruits last:
| Fruits | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Tomatoes | Freezer | 1-2 Weeks | 6-12 Months |
| Mangoes | Freezer | 6-12 Months | 1-3 Years |
| Plums and Peaches | Freezer | 6-12 Months | 1-3 Years |
| Apricots | Freezer | 6-12 Months | 1-3 Years |
| Pineapple | Refrigerator | 1-2 Weeks | 4 Weeks |
| Apples | Refrigerator | 2-4 Weeks | 2 Months |
| Citrus Fruits | Refrigerator | 1-2 Weeks | 4 Weeks |
Shelf Life of Vegetables
Vegetables, whether you source or grow them yourself, can also be vacuum sealed to retain their nutrients for a longer period of time. Additionally, seasonal veggies can be maintained for a longer period of time.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed vegetables last:
| Vegetables | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts | Freezer | 8 Months | 2-3 Years |
| Mangoes | Freezer | 8 Months | 2-3 Years |
| Corn (Cob or Kernel) | Freezer | 8 Months | 2-3 Years |
| Green Beans | Freezer | 8 Months | 2-3 Years |
| Asparagus | Freezer | 8 Months | 2-3 Years |
| Cabbage and Cauliflower | Freezer | 8 Months | 2-3 Years |
| Snap Peas | Freezer | 8 Months | 2-3 Years |
Shelf Life of Cheeses
Cheese is a dairy product that is rich in protein and minerals. Vacuum sealing a whole block, or even just a slice, of cheese keeps its freshness and nutritional value longer.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed cheeses last:
| Cheeses | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Swiss | Freezer | 1-2 Weeks | 4-8 Months |
| Cheddar | Freezer | 1-2 Weeks | 4-8 Months |
| Parmesan | Freezer | 1 Month | 4-8 Months |
Shelf Life of Baked Goods
Vacuum sealing baked goods such as breads, cookies and pastries is the best way to keep them fresh for a longer period of time. This also helps you avoid throwing away any leftover slices.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed baked goods last:
| Baked Goods | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Muffins | Freezer | 6-12 Months | 2 Years |
| Waffles | Freezer | 1 Month | 1 Year |
| Cookie Dough | Refrigerator / Freezer | 1-2 Days / 3 Months | 1 Year |
| Bread, Bagels, and Pastries | Refrigerator / Freezer | 2-3 Months | 1-3 Years |
| Cookies (packaged) | Refrigerator / Freezer | 1 Month / 12-18 Months | 3 Months / 2 Years |
| Cookies (homemade) | Pantry | 3-5 Days / 6-12 Months | 2 Weeks / 2 Years |
| Pancake Mix | Pantry | 6-9 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Croutons | Pantry | 6 Months | 1 Year |
Shelf Life of Berries
Berries are normally available from spring through summer, and vacuum sealing your favorite berry increases their shelf life. It also keeps them from rotting and getting overripe even after the summer season.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed berries last:
| Berries | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Strawberries | Refrigerator / Freezer | 1-3 Days / 3 Months | 1 Week / 6 Months |
| Grapes | Refrigerator / Freezer | 4-6 Days / 4 Months | 2 Weeks / 8 Months |
| Blackberries and Raspberries | Refrigerator / Freezer | 1-3 Days / 3 Months | 1 Week / 6 Months |
| Blueberries | Refrigerator / Freezer | 3-6 Days / 4 Months | 2 Weeks / 8 Months |
| Cranberries | Refrigerator / Freezer | 3-6 Days / 4 Months | 2 Weeks / 8 Months |
| Huckleberries | Refrigerator / Freezer | 3-6 Days / 4 Months | 2 Weeks / 8 Months |
Shelf Life of Nuts
Nuts like almonds and pistachios are protected from oxygen and moisture by vacuum sealing them. Vacuum sealing slows oxidation and mold growth on nuts, which you can still enjoy eating on your later binge-watch.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed nuts last:
| Nuts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Peanuts | Pantry | 6 Months | 2 Years |
| Sunflower Seed | Pantry | 6 Months | 2 Years |
| Almonds | Pantry | 6 Months | 2 Years |
| Pistachios | Pantry | 6 Months | 2 Years |
Shelf Life of Dry Foods
Dry foods such as pasta and rice can be vacuum sealed to maintain their quality. Additionally, it prevents pest and bug infestations.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed dry foods last:
| Dry Foods | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Pasta | Pantry | 1-2 Years | 2-3 Years |
| Rice (white) | Pantry | 1-2 Years | 2-3 Years |
| Rice (brown) | Pantry | 6 Months | 1 Year |
| Beans and Grains | Pantry | 6 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Uncooked Cereals | Pantry | 1 Year | 1-2 Years |
| Ready-to-eat Cereals | Pantry | 1 Year | 1-2 Years |
| Crackers | Pantry | 1-2 Weeks | 4-8 Weeks |
| Chips | Pantry | 1-2 Weeks | 4-8 Weeks |
Shelf Life of Coffee and Tea
Vacuum sealing coffee and tea significantly increases their shelf life. It is also an effective method to prevent insect infestation and mold growth. This means you can drink your favorite coffee and tea all year round.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed coffee and tea last:
| Coffee and Tea | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Coffee Beans | Pantry / Freezer | 1-3 Months / 6-8 Months | 1 Year / 2-3 Years |
| Ground Coffee | Pantry / Freezer | 1-2 Months / 4-6 Months | 5-6 Months / 2 Years |
| Tea (loose or in bags) | Pantry / Freezer | 8-12 Months | 1-2 Years |
Shelf Life of Powdery Foods
Air absorption causes foods that are powdery, such sugar, baking soda, and wheat, to quickly become hard. Vacuum sealing powdery foods keeps the air out and prevents them from becoming hard. Additionally, it keeps them dry.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed powdery foods last:
| Powdery Foods | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Flour | Pantry | 5-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Flour (whole or wheat) | Pantry | 5-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Dry Milk | Pantry | 5-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Baking Powder | Pantry | 18 Months | 2 Years |
| Baking Soda | Pantry | 2 Years | 2-3 Years |
| Dried Coconut | Pantry | 5-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Gelatin | Pantry | 18 Months | 2 Years |
| Sugar and Brown Sugar | Pantry | 5-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
Shelf Life of Prepared Liquids
Vacuum sealing your sauces, stews, and other prepared liquids is the best way to keep them fresh for a longer period of time. It also keeps your food from spoiling and going to waste.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed prepared liquids last:
| Prepared Liquids | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Soups | Freezer | 3-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Sauces | Freezer | 3-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Stews | Freezer | 3-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
| Oil (no preservatives) | Freezer | 3-6 Months | 1-2 Years |
Shelf Life of Spices
Are you a meal prepper? Then you should know how frustrating it is to see your spices grow mold.
According to the study, molds that are present in spices leave behind toxins that can pose a threat to your health. Fortunately, vacuum sealing prevents mold, fungus, and bacterial growth on spices by eliminating air. This ensures your spices are clean, safe, and ready for your cooking.
Here’s how long vacuum sealed spices last:
| Spices | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Foods | Stored In | Normal Shelf Life | Vacuum Shelf Life |
| Herbs / Spice Blends | Pantry | 1 Year | 1-3 Years |
| Spices (ground) | Pantry | 6 Months | 1 Year |
| Spices (whole) | Pantry | 1-2 Years | 2-3 Years |
Important Notes:
- Follow the safety guidelines for vacuum sealed food.
- The shelf life of different foods mentioned in this article may vary depending on the initial state (freshness), the way of preparation, the storage, and the vacuum sealer bags you used.
- Ensure you’ve written labels on your bags. Labels may include the name of the food, the date it was vacuum sealed, and other important information.
Final Thoughts
Vacuum sealing significantly increases the shelf life of food. On average, vacuum sealed food can last up to 2 to 3 years in the freezer. But to be that successful, you’ll first need high-quality bags.
The OutOfAir bags and rolls are perfect for the job. They are manufactured for short-term and long-term storage and can keep your food fresh 5 times longer!
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