Vacuum Seal Bags For Prepping

Vacuum seal bags are a crucial component of any well-thought-out disaster preparedness plan. They can be a lifesaver, allowing you to store essential items securely and compactly. Here, we’ll explore ten subtopics that discuss various aspects of using vacuum seal bags when prepping for disaster.
Are Vacuum Seal Bags Good For Long-Term Storage?
Yes, vacuum seal bags are excellent for long-term storage. They work by removing the air from the bag, which helps to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and other organisms that can spoil or damage the stored items, making them particularly suitable for preserving food. Additionally, vacuum seal bags protect items from external elements like water, dust, and pests, which is crucial for storing important documents, clothing, and other non-perishable essentials. Given their ability to maintain the quality of the stored items and maximize storage space, vacuum seal bags are a practical solution for long-term storage needs.
How Long Can Vacuum Sealed Last?
When considering vacuum-sealed food items, here are some general guidelines on their potential storage times:
Dry Foods and Grains:
- Rice and Pasta: Can last up to 2 years.
- Flour and Sugar: Can be stored for around 1 to 2 years.
Coffee Beans:
Whole coffee beans can remain fresh for 2 to 3 years, whereas ground coffee may last up to 1 year.
Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables:
These can last from 5 to 10 years if vacuum sealed and stored properly.
Meats:
- Refrigerated Vacuum Sealed Meat: This can last up to 1 to 2 weeks.
- Frozen Vacuum Sealed Meat: Typically, it can last up to 2 to 3 years.
Nuts and Seeds:
Nuts can last up to 2 years, while seeds can be viable for planting for about 3 to 4 years.
Cheese:
Hard cheeses can last up to 1 year.
Canned Goods:
Vacuum-sealed canned goods can last up to 5 years.

Can Bacteria Grow In Vacuum Seal Bags?
Yes, bacteria can grow in vacuum-sealed bags, particularly anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen to grow. While vacuum sealing significantly reduces the presence of oxygen, making it difficult for aerobic bacteria to survive, it creates an environment conducive to the growth of anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum, which can lead to botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness.
To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to practice proper food safety, such as refrigerating or freezing perishable vacuum-sealed foods, ensuring that the foods are fresh and uncontaminated before sealing, and cooking vacuum-sealed foods to the proper temperatures before consumption. Additionally, acidic foods, foods high in salt and sugar, and foods stored at low temperatures are generally less prone to bacterial growth, even in a vacuum-sealed environment.
Can Bacteria Grow In Vacuum Seal Bags?
Yes, bacteria can grow in vacuum-sealed bags, particularly anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen to grow. While vacuum sealing significantly reduces the presence of oxygen, making it difficult for aerobic bacteria to survive, it creates an environment conducive to the growth of anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum, which can lead to botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness.
To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to practice proper food safety, such as refrigerating or freezing perishable vacuum-sealed foods, ensuring that the foods are fresh and uncontaminated before sealing, and cooking vacuum-sealed foods to the proper temperatures before consumption. Additionally, acidic foods, foods high in salt and sugar, and foods stored at low temperatures are generally less prone to bacterial growth, even in a vacuum-sealed environment.
What Not To Pack In Vacuum Seal Bags?
While vacuum-sealing is an excellent method for preserving and protecting a multitude of items, both food and non-food, it’s critical to acknowledge that not everything is suitable for vacuum packing. Some items can pose safety risks, others can be damaged in the process, and certain foods can spoil due to the anaerobic environment created inside the sealed bag. For instance, delicate, fragile objects and sharp, pointed tools can be problematic to vacuum-seal due to the risk of damage to the bag or the item. Understanding the limitations and risks is crucial to effectively utilizing vacuum-sealing technology without compromising the integrity, usability, or safety of the items being packed.
Food
While vacuum packing is immensely useful, there are items and certain foods that are not suitable for vacuum packaging due to safety and quality concerns. Here are some of the things you should avoid vacuum packing:
Fruits and Vegetables:
- Some fresh fruits and vegetables release gases and can cause the bag to expand, compromising the vacuum seal. Blanching vegetables before vacuum sealing can mitigate this issue.
Soft or Crunchy Foods:
- Delicate items like bread or chips can be crushed by the vacuum process, losing their texture and shape.
Foods with High Moisture Content:
- High moisture foods like soup can be challenging to vacuum seal without special equipment and can potentially compromise the seal.
Raw Mushrooms and Soft Cheeses:
- These can release gases and may spoil, even in a vacuum-sealed environment.
Items with Sharp Edges:
- Foods with bones or shells, or any items with sharp edges, can puncture the bag, leading to loss of vacuum seal.
Fermenting Foods:
- Foods that are fermenting release gases and can expand the bag, posing a risk of bursting and compromising the food’s quality.
Unpasteurized Dairy Products:
- Due to the risk of bacterial growth, unpasteurized dairy products should not be vacuum-packed.
Non-Food
Vacuum-sealing can indeed be beneficial for a variety of non-food items, however, some non-food items may not be suitable for vacuum packing, and caution should be taken with:
Sharp or Pointed Objects:
- Items like knives or other sharp tools can pierce the vacuum bag, compromising the seal.
Fragile and Delicate Items:
- Glassware, delicate ornaments, or any fragile items that can be damaged due to the pressure created during the vacuum-sealing process should not be vacuum-sealed without proper cushioning.
Electronics:
- Certain electronic devices, particularly those sensitive to pressure, may not be suitable for vacuum packing.
Aerosol Cans:
- Vacuum packing can increase pressure in the bag, which can be risky with items like aerosol cans that are already under pressure.
Items Sensitive to Humidity:
- Objects that are sensitive to even small amounts of moisture, like certain types of artwork or photographs, may be damaged in vacuum-sealed bags if any residual moisture is present.
Living Organisms:
- Obviously, pets or plants should never be vacuum-sealed as they require air to live.
Items with Loose Pieces:
- If you are sealing items that have loose pieces, ensure they are secured or wrapped to prevent movement or damage to the bag or other items during the vacuum-sealing process.
Do I Need A Vacuum Sealer?
Using a vacuum sealer offers numerous benefits, foremost among them being the remarkable extension of the shelf life of perishable goods, which is achieved by eliminating the air within the package and thereby inhibiting bacterial growth. This preservation method allows for less frequent grocery shopping and contributes to significant savings by reducing food waste. Another advantage is the maintenance of food quality; vacuum sealing preserves the flavors, nutrients, and textures of foods by preventing exposure to oxygen and environmental contaminants. Lastly, vacuum sealers are incredibly versatile, providing optimal storage solutions not just for foods, but also for a range of items including important documents, clothing, and other valuables, protecting them from moisture, dust, and pests.

Can I Seal Tight Without A Vacuum Sealer?
While having a vacuum sealer is optimal for ensuring a tight and secure seal, it is possible to vacuum seal bags without this specialized equipment, albeit with some limitations. Here are some methods to seal bags without a vacuum sealer:
Water Displacement Method:
This method involves partially sealing a zip-top bag with your items inside and then submerging it in water, allowing the water pressure to force the air out of the bag before completing the seal. It’s a practical option for sealing foods but won’t achieve the same level of vacuum as a machine.
Straw Method:
You can also use a straw to suck the air out of a zip-top bag manually before sealing it quickly. This method is less effective than using a vacuum sealer or the water displacement method, but it can be handy in a pinch.
Manual Pump:
Some vacuum seal bags come with a small manual pump allowing you to draw the air out of the bag manually. While not as efficient as a vacuum sealer, it can be a more economical option for occasional use.
What Are The Top Five Benefits Of Using Vacuum Seal Bags For Prepping?
When prepping for a disaster, utilizing vacuum seal bags can offer substantial benefits to ensure your supplies remain intact and usable. They are a very important element of any prepper survival equipment and preparation process. Here are the top 5 main benefits of using vacuum seal bags in such scenarios:
- Extended Shelf Life of Supplies – One of the paramount benefits of vacuum-sealed bags is the considerable extension of the shelf life of perishable goods, preventing spoilage and waste by creating an airtight seal that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast.
- Protection from External Elements – Vacuum-sealed bags protect items from exposure to air, moisture, dust, and pests, safeguarding essential supplies such as food, clothing, and important documents from deterioration, contamination, or damage during a disaster.
- Optimized Storage Space – By removing air, vacuum-sealed bags reduce the volume of stored items, allowing for more compact and efficient storage. This space optimization is crucial when dealing with limited storage capacity, particularly in emergency shelters or vehicles.
- Preservation of Nutritional Value and Flavor – For food items, vacuum sealing preserves their nutritional content and flavor by preventing oxidation and freezer burn, ensuring that your food supply remains nutritious and palatable during times of crisis.
- Organized and Convenient Packaging – Vacuum seal bags offer a systematic approach to packaging, allowing for organized, individual packaging of items. This convenience ensures quick and easy access to supplies when needed, reducing the stress and chaos during emergency situations.
What Are The Cons Of Vacuum Seal Bags?
While vacuum seal bags offer myriad advantages, there are also some cons to consider:
- Initial Cost – Purchasing a high-quality vacuum sealer can be relatively expensive. Additionally, specialized bags used for vacuum sealing can also be more costly compared to regular storage bags.
- Anaerobic Bacteria Growth -Vacuum sealing creates an oxygen-free environment which, while inhibiting the growth of aerobic bacteria and molds, can encourage the growth of anaerobic bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, which can be harmful.
- Sealing Limitations – Some foods with high moisture content or sharp edges can be challenging to seal properly. Also, delicate, crushable items may be damaged during the vacuuming process.
- Storage Space – While vacuum-sealed bags are compact, the vacuum sealer machine itself can be bulky and may take up significant space in your kitchen or storage area.
- Learning Curve – There might be a learning curve involved in using a vacuum sealer effectively, and improper sealing can lead to spoilage of the stored items.
- Limited to Non-Perishables and Dry Goods – Not all items, especially certain fresh produce, are suitable for vacuum sealing due to their tendency to release gases or the risk of being crushed.
Hey there! I’m Mark from Preppers UK. With nearly a decade under my belt in the prepping world and a dash of martial arts expertise, I’ve created this space to share insights, tips, and tricks.