Discover whether Mylar or plastic bags are better for food storage. Learn why 5 gallon Mylar bags and heavy duty Mylar bags offer superior protection.
When it comes to storing food for the long term, one question always comes up — Which is better: Mylar or plastic bags?
Both have their uses, but if you’re serious about preserving food, preventing spoilage, and keeping moisture out, the clear winner is Mylar. Specifically, 5 gallon Mylar bags and heavy duty Mylar bags have become the go-to choice for preppers, homesteaders, and anyone who wants reliable long-term storage.
Let’s explore why Mylar outperforms plastic, how both materials work, and which is best for your storage needs.
At first glance, Mylar and plastic bags may look similar, but they’re built very differently.
Plastic bags are made from polyethylene or polypropylene. They’re lightweight, flexible, and affordable. You use them every day — grocery bags, freezer bags, or trash liners.
Mylar bags, on the other hand, are made from metalized polyester film — a material that reflects light and blocks oxygen. This makes them far more effective at protecting food from environmental factors like:
Oxygen exposure
Moisture buildup
UV light
Pests and contaminants
Simply put, Mylar is engineered for preservation, while plastic is designed for convenience.
If you plan to store food for years, 5 gallon mylar bags are far more reliable than standard plastic. Here’s why.
Mylar forms an airtight and moisture-proof seal, which keeps food fresh for decades. Plastic bags, even thick ones, allow oxygen and light to pass through over time.
That’s a problem — oxygen encourages bacteria and mold growth, causing your food to spoil much faster.
In contrast, heavy duty Mylar bags block out 99% of oxygen and light, maintaining taste, texture, and nutrition for up to 30 years.
With proper sealing and oxygen absorbers, Mylar bags can preserve dry goods like rice, beans, pasta, and flour for decades.
Plastic bags, even vacuum-sealed ones, typically last 6 to 12 months before air and moisture start to leak in.
So, if you’re thinking long-term, Mylar is the obvious choice.
High-quality heavy duty Mylar bags are built to withstand rough handling and temperature fluctuations.
Regular plastic bags easily tear or puncture when stacked, moved, or stored for long periods. Once that happens, air and moisture quickly destroy the contents inside.
Thicker Mylar — typically 5 to 7 mils — resists damage and keeps your stored items fully protected.
When comparing Mylar and plastic, size and structure also matter. The 5 gallon Mylar bag has become the standard for bulk food storage — and for good reason.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
Perfect size for large quantities of grains, legumes, or dry foods.
Fits inside food-grade buckets for extra protection.
Ideal thickness (5–7 mils) for durability and easy sealing.
Compatible with oxygen absorbers for maximum freshness.
You can easily line a 5-gallon bucket with a Mylar bag, fill it with food, drop in an oxygen absorber, and heat seal it shut. The result? An airtight storage system that lasts decades.
Plastic can’t match that level of performance.
| Feature | Mylar Bags | Plastic Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Metalized polyester film | Polyethylene or polypropylene |
| Oxygen Barrier | Excellent (airtight) | Poor to moderate |
| Light Protection | 100% opaque | Transparent or translucent |
| Durability | Puncture and tear resistant | Easily damaged |
| Shelf Life | 20–30 years | 6–12 months |
| Resealability | Can be heat-sealed multiple times | Limited |
| Best Use | Long-term food storage | Short-term food or everyday use |
Clearly, Mylar bags outperform plastic in every important category for preservation and protection.
To be fair, plastic bags still have their place.
They’re convenient for short-term storage, everyday organization, or for items you access frequently. For example:
Freezer storage for meat or produce
Storing snacks, leftovers, or pet food
Packing travel supplies
Plastic bags are inexpensive and disposable — perfect for temporary needs. But they simply can’t replace the airtight security of heavy duty mylar bags for long-term preservation.
Some people hesitate to buy Mylar because it’s slightly more expensive than plastic. However, when you consider the longevity and protection it provides, it’s actually the smarter investment.
Here’s why heavy duty Mylar bags are worth every penny:
Thicker construction (5–7 mil) makes them reusable and resistant to wear.
Reflective surface blocks light and radiation.
Longer lifespan means fewer replacements and less waste.
Food-safe and non-toxic, perfect for preserving edibles.
For those serious about food storage — preppers, survivalists, or homeowners — 5 gallon Mylar bags deliver unmatched reliability.
If you decide to switch from plastic to Mylar, the process is simple:
Choose your bag size. For bulk storage, go with 5 gallon Mylar bags.
Add dry goods. Only store foods with low moisture and fat content — like grains, beans, and dehydrated produce.
Insert oxygen absorbers. This removes any remaining air that could spoil your food.
Seal with heat. Use a heat sealer, clothes iron, or flat iron for a tight closure.
Store in a cool, dark place. Ideally, place your sealed bags in food-grade buckets for extra durability.
That’s it! Your food will now stay safe and fresh for decades.
While both materials are non-biodegradable, Mylar bags can be reused multiple times, reducing overall waste.
Plastic bags, on the other hand, are typically single-use and contribute heavily to environmental pollution.
By choosing heavy duty Mylar bags, you can create a more sustainable storage system while keeping your supplies protected.
If you’re new to Mylar, here are some tips to avoid common mistakes:
Don’t store moist or oily foods. They can spoil even in sealed bags.
Don’t skip oxygen absorbers for long-term storage.
Don’t reseal damaged or dirty bag edges.
Don’t store bags where rodents can reach them — use buckets for safety.
By following these guidelines, your 5 gallon Mylar bags will last for decades without losing integrity.
So, which is better — Mylar or plastic bags?
The answer is clear: Mylar wins when it comes to durability, protection, and longevity. 5 gallon Mylar bags and heavy duty Mylar bags create an airtight, lightproof barrier that keeps food fresh for years — something plastic bags simply can’t do.
Plastic bags may be fine for short-term or everyday use, but if you’re serious about long-term food preservation, there’s no competition.
When you invest in heavy duty Mylar bags, you’re not just storing food — you’re protecting your future.
So next time you plan your storage setup, skip the flimsy plastic and go with the proven strength of 5 gallon Mylar bags.
