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  • Food Expiration Chart: The Shelf Life of Your Vacuum Sealed Food
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https://outofair.com/cdn-cgi/image/format=auto%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cwidth=1920%2Cquality=70/media/magpleasure/mpblog/post_thumbnail_file/b/d/cache/6/ece9a24a761836a70934a998c163f8c8/bd3ea4cf86e792a63582e0b82d04ed3f.png 2022-08-22 08:09:00

Food Expiration Chart: The Shelf Life of Your Vacuum Sealed Food

Food Expiration Chart: The Shelf Life of Your Vacuum Sealed Food

Food Expiration Chart:
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.


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!

from on August 22, 2022
Wanna add something to this article? Comment down below!

Share this article:

Pam 2 years ago at 6:57 PM
Double bagged Alfredo sauce with ground pork and cooked mushrooms in a seal a meal bag. How long is it good for? No leaks or issues with seal!
Jonathan Laliberte 2 years ago at 6:55 AM
Hi Pam!

Cooked meals like that are usually good for 2-3 years as long as it remains sealed.

If you use OutOfAir bags, you won't have to double bag as our bags are thicker. You should try it! Drop me a message using our contact form (https://outofair.com/contact-us) and I'll send you a sampler.
Cathy B 1 years ago at 10:49 AM
Hormel steak tips and gravy, vacuum sealed, refrigerated, 1.5 months past expiration date.
Jonathan Laliberte 1 years ago at 3:58 PM
I don't think I'd risk it if it wasn't frozen.
Lori Pear 9 months ago at 4:42 PM
What is the life of vacuumed-sealed unbaked cookie/cake mixes?
Jonathan Laliberte 8 months ago at 11:29 AM
Vacuum sealing can significantly extend the shelf life of dry goods, such as unbaked cookie or cake mixes, by preventing exposure to air and moisture, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and fungi. However, the exact shelf life can depend on various factors, including the specific ingredients in the mix, storage conditions, and the quality of the vacuum seal.

As a general rule, an unopened package of commercially-produced cookie or cake mix will have a best before date printed on the package, which is typically between 12 to 24 months from the date of manufacture. However, if stored properly, these mixes can often be used for months or even years beyond this date, although the quality may start to decline.

If you've vacuum-sealed the mix yourself, it's a bit more difficult to give a precise shelf life. However, if the mix is made entirely of shelf-stable dry ingredients (like flour, sugar, baking powder, and dried eggs), and it's sealed and stored properly (in a cool, dark, dry place), it could potentially last for 2 to 5 years. It's always a good idea to check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or color, before using an old mix.

Remember that the shelf life can be reduced if the mix contains ingredients that are more perishable, like fresh nuts or dried milk
Andrew Z 9 months ago at 1:02 PM
Why is the berry chart so short? I vacuum sealed grapes in a hard plastic container and kept it in a fridge and after a month they seemed ok. What is the reason they would not be good?
Jonathan Laliberte 8 months ago at 11:35 AM
As with all things, it depends, so we err'd on the side of caution in our recommendations on the chart.

When it comes to grapes (most things really):

1. The sooner you seal, the better! Fresher grapes will last longer, so don't wait till they're getting squishy.
2. Before you seal 'em up, make sure the grapes are clean AND DRY to keep any nasty stuff at bay.
3. Stick them in the crisper drawer of your fridge. It's a bit cooler and the temperature doesn't fluctuate as much.
4. Don't cram too many grapes into one bag (doesn't apply as much for a container). If they're squished, they'll spoil faster.
Dorothy 8 months ago at 12:08 PM
Found an eye of round roast in freezer in original manufacturer’s vacuum sealed packaging. I was put in freezer when it was bought over three years ago. No discoloration, tears in packaging, etc. Is it still safe to eat?
Jonathan Laliberte 8 months ago at 11:25 AM
Yes, as long as it stayed frozen that entire time, it's good to go.
Cheri 8 months ago at 3:43 PM
How long can I freeze raw liquid eggs that have been frozen and vacuum sealed?
Jonathan Laliberte 8 months ago at 11:30 AM
Raw liquid eggs that have been properly stored can be frozen for up to 12 months. It's crucial to ensure they're stored at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower.

To freeze raw liquid eggs, you should first beat them until they're blended, then pour them into a freeze-safe container or bag, remove as much air as possible (which is where vacuum sealing comes in), and then freeze.

When you're ready to use the eggs, thaw them in the refrigerator or under cold water. It's important to cook them thoroughly after thawing to ensure they're safe to eat. Do not refreeze thawed eggs.

One thing to note is that the texture of the eggs might change slightly when they're frozen and then thawed. This is due to the water content in the eggs forming ice crystals that can break down the structure of the egg, making it a bit more watery when thawed.
Ruth 8 months ago at 5:55 PM
A friend of mine uses precooked meals/vacuum sealed for camping,she says they can be kept in room temperature for the trip.I'm skeptic about if they spoil,what's your thought on this ?
Jonathan Laliberte 7 months ago at 3:42 PM
Hi Ruth,

Unless the foods are shelf-stable (they can be stored in the pantry), I'd say you are correct here.
Vacuum sealing will decrease bacterial growth which causes spoilage, but it doesn't stop it. Refrigeration and freezing help to slow growth down further. Dehydrating can help too (think of things like beef jerky, or meals like ramen noodles where the foods are all dehydrated).

Best,
Jonathan
Harn 6 months ago at 2:08 PM
Hi There,

Wondering how the flavours of foods vacuum sealed and frozen will change with time. The shelf life is extended so does that mean the quality of taste and texture will remain the same or deteriorate with time?
Jonathan Laliberte 5 months ago at 5:02 PM
Hi Harn,

Good question! As with everything, it depends. Some foods will indeed become mushy when frozen, even if vacuum sealed, because the water inside the food expands into ice crystals, which can break down cell structure of the foods.

I have seen great results though with storage in the freezer. I mostly store raw and cooked meats (like Thanksgiving turkey, which I'm still eating from last year), and leftover meals.
The quite on this page is a good place to look for ideas on what to store and what not to store.

Best,
Jonathan
Cassian 5 months ago at 4:39 PM
Can you seal baby formula? And for how long?
Jonathan Laliberte 5 months ago at 5:03 PM
I wouldn't recommend it. When it comes to anything with babies I prefer to err on the side of caution.