Oxygen absorbers work in food packaging by chemically removing oxygen from the sealed environment, slowing down spoilage and extending shelf life. They typically contain iron powder or other oxygen-reactive materials, like ascorbic acid. When the packet is placed in a sealed container, the iron oxidizes—essentially rusts—by reacting with oxygen (O₂) and moisture in the air, converting it into iron oxide. This process pulls oxygen levels down to below 0.01% inside the package, way lower than the normal atmospheric level of about 21%.
This matters because oxygen fuels a bunch of degradation proce
Oxygen absorbers work in food packaging by chemically removing oxygen from the sealed environment, slowing down spoilage and extending shelf life. They typically contain iron powder or other oxygen-reactive materials, like ascorbic acid. When the packet is placed in a sealed container, the iron oxidizes—essentially rusts—by reacting with oxygen (O₂) and moisture in the air, converting it into iron oxide. This process pulls oxygen levels down to below 0.01% inside the package, way lower than the normal atmospheric level of about 21%.
This matters because oxygen fuels a bunch of degradation processes in food. It promotes the growth of aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts, which can rot or ferment the contents. It also drives oxidation, breaking down fats and oils into rancid compounds (think stale chips or rancid nuts) and fading colors or flavors in things like spices or dried fruits. By starving these reactions of oxygen, absorbers keep the food fresher, tastier, and nutritionally intact for longer.
They’re especially clutch for dry goods—think jerky, grains, or powdered milk—where low moisture already limits microbial growth, and oxygen is the main enemy left. The absorbers don’t mess with the food itself since they’re sealed in little packets that let oxygen in but keep the iron out. Pair them with good packaging (like airtight bags or jars), and they can stretch shelf life from months to years, all without refrigeration or chemical preservatives. It’s a simple, passive trick that punches above its weight.
Most car insurance companies are kind of banking on you not noticing that they’re overcharging you. But unlike the olden days where everything was done through an agent, there are now several ways to reduce your insurance bills online. Here are a few ways:
1. Take 2 minutes to compare your rates
Here’s the deal: your current car insurance company is probably charging you more than you should be paying. Don’t waste your time going from one insurance site to another trying to find a better deal.
Instead, use a site like Coverage.com, which lets you compare all of your options in one place.
Most car insurance companies are kind of banking on you not noticing that they’re overcharging you. But unlike the olden days where everything was done through an agent, there are now several ways to reduce your insurance bills online. Here are a few ways:
1. Take 2 minutes to compare your rates
Here’s the deal: your current car insurance company is probably charging you more than you should be paying. Don’t waste your time going from one insurance site to another trying to find a better deal.
Instead, use a site like Coverage.com, which lets you compare all of your options in one place.
Coverage.com is one of the biggest online insurance marketplaces in the U.S., offering quotes from over 175 different carriers. Just answer a few quick questions about yourself and you could find out you’re eligible to save up to $600+ a year - here.
2. Use your driving skills to drop your rate
Not every company will do this, but several of the major brand insurance companies like Progressive, Allstate, and Statefarm offer programs that allow you to use a dash cam, GPS, or mobile app to track your driving habits and reduce your rates. You just have to do it for a month typically and then they’ll drop your rate.
You can find a list of insurance companies that offer this option - here.
3. Fight speeding tickets and traffic infractions
A lot of people don’t realize that hiring a lawyer to fight your traffic violations can keep your record clean. The lawyer fee oftentimes pays for itself because you don’t end up with an increase in your insurance. In some cities, a traffic lawyer might only cost $75 per infraction. I’ve had a few tickets for 20+ over the speed limit that never hit my record. Keep this in mind any time you get pulled over.
4. Work with a car insurance company that rewards you for your loyalty
Sticking with the same car insurance provider should pay off, right? Unfortunately, many companies don’t truly value your loyalty. Instead of rewarding you for staying with them, they quietly increase your rates over time.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Some insurers actually reward long-term customers with better deals and additional perks. By switching to a company that values loyalty - like one of the loyalty rewarding options on this site - you can enjoy real benefits, like lower premiums, better discounts, and added coverage options tailored just for you.
5. Find Out If Your Car Insurance Has Been Overcharging You
You can’t count on your car insurance provider to give you the best deal—they’re counting on you not checking around.
That’s where a tool like SavingsPro can help. You can compare rates from several top insurers at once and let them pitch you a better price.
Did you recently move? Buy a new car? Get a little older? These changes can mean better rates, and SavingsPro makes it easy to see if switching providers could save you money.
All it takes is a few minutes to answer these questions about your car and driving habits. You’ll quickly see if it’s time to cancel your current insurance and switch to a more affordable plan.
These are small, simple moves that can help you manage your car insurance properly. If you'd like to support my work, feel free to use the links in this post—they help me continue creating valuable content. Alternatively, you can search for other great options through Google if you prefer to explore independently.
Oxygen absorbers work by removing or reducing the presence of oxygen in sealed food storage containers. They typically contain iron powder, which reacts with oxygen (O2) in the air to form iron oxide (rust). This chemical reaction consumes oxygen, thereby lowering its concentration inside the container.
Here’s how they work in more detail:
1. Chemical Reaction :- Oxygen absorbers contain a mixture of iron powder, salt, clay, and other ingredients. The iron powder is the key component that reacts with oxygen.
2. Activation :- When the absorber packet is exposed to air and sealed within a container
Oxygen absorbers work by removing or reducing the presence of oxygen in sealed food storage containers. They typically contain iron powder, which reacts with oxygen (O2) in the air to form iron oxide (rust). This chemical reaction consumes oxygen, thereby lowering its concentration inside the container.
Here’s how they work in more detail:
1. Chemical Reaction :- Oxygen absorbers contain a mixture of iron powder, salt, clay, and other ingredients. The iron powder is the key component that reacts with oxygen.
2. Activation :- When the absorber packet is exposed to air and sealed within a container, the iron powder starts to oxidize. The oxidation process is accelerated by moisture present in the package.
3. Consumption of Oxygen :- As the iron powder oxidizes, it absorbs oxygen from the surrounding atmosphere inside the container. The oxygen molecules react with the iron to form iron oxide (rust).
4. Reduced Oxygen Levels :- Over time, the oxygen absorber depletes the oxygen content within the container to less than 0.01%, creating an environment that inhibits the growth of aerobic bacteria, mold, and other spoilage organisms.
5. Preservation of Food :- By reducing oxygen levels, oxygen absorbers help to preserve the color, flavor, and nutritional value of food. They also prevent the growth of insects and help maintain the quality of packaged goods.
Oxygen absorbers are commonly used in packaged foods like dried fruits, nuts, grains, and jerky, as well as in pharmaceuticals and other products sensitive to oxidation. It’s important to note that oxygen absorbers are not the same as desiccants (which absorb moisture) although they may be used together to enhance preservation.
Q: Are there safe alternatives to plastic food storage containers?
A: Wow! I am surprised that no one actually gave you a good answer
- I know plenty of people (my wife included) that don't want plastic touching their food, even if it is food grade plastic, their reasoning is valid for them
- So all-plastic containers are out
- Stainless steel containers are out because the lids don't seal, no matter how tight the handle is pressed down (Yes we had those for years)
- So what I purchased for my wife more than 10 years ago and she still uses them every day are glass containers that have a plastic lid with an
Q: Are there safe alternatives to plastic food storage containers?
A: Wow! I am surprised that no one actually gave you a good answer
- I know plenty of people (my wife included) that don't want plastic touching their food, even if it is food grade plastic, their reasoning is valid for them
- So all-plastic containers are out
- Stainless steel containers are out because the lids don't seal, no matter how tight the handle is pressed down (Yes we had those for years)
- So what I purchased for my wife more than 10 years ago and she still uses them every day are glass containers that have a plastic lid with an o-ring seal
- Although the lid is plastic:
- it is long lasting (permanent) so it doesn't add to plastic waste
- it doest touch the food
- it is for safe and does not smell
- Since the lid has a proper o-ring seal it stores food longer than all-plastic containers
- They come in a variety of rectangular and round shapes so they replace the all-plastic containers directly
- The gas container does not absorb anything at all so:
- it will never smell
- it will never turn red because you put red sauce (tomato) into it
- it does not react with acidic foods
- it remains crystal clear so you can always see inside it (plastic containers turn opaque after years of use)
- They are stackable and their rectangular shape saves space in the fridge (yes we have two round ones that we did not know that we could replace with large rectangular ones
Flexible packaging is widely used for food storage because of its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to preserve food quality. Here are the key reasons why it is preferred:
1. Extended Shelf Life
- Flexible packaging materials, such as multi-layer films, provide excellent barrier protection against oxygen, moisture, and light, preventing spoilage and maintaining freshness.
2. Lightweight & Space-Saving
- Compared to rigid packaging, flexible packaging is lightweight and takes up less space, reducing shipping costs and storage requirements.
3. Cost-Effective
- Lower material and production costs
Flexible packaging is widely used for food storage because of its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to preserve food quality. Here are the key reasons why it is preferred:
1. Extended Shelf Life
- Flexible packaging materials, such as multi-layer films, provide excellent barrier protection against oxygen, moisture, and light, preventing spoilage and maintaining freshness.
2. Lightweight & Space-Saving
- Compared to rigid packaging, flexible packaging is lightweight and takes up less space, reducing shipping costs and storage requirements.
3. Cost-Effective
- Lower material and production costs make flexible packaging an economical choice for manufacturers and consumers alike.
4. Customizable & Versatile
- It can be designed in various shapes, sizes, and formats (pouches, bags, wraps, etc.), making it suitable for different food products like snacks, frozen foods, dairy, and dry goods.
5. Convenience for Consumers
- Features like resealable zippers, easy-tear openings, and stand-up pouches enhance usability, portion control, and on-the-go consumption.
6. Sustainability & Reduced Waste
- Many flexible packaging materials are recyclable or use fewer resources than traditional rigid packaging, reducing environmental impact.
7. Better Protection & Tamper Resistance
- High-quality seals and advanced materials ensure food safety, prevent leaks, and keep contaminants out.
8. Improved Branding & Marketing
- High-quality printing and customizable designs allow brands to enhance product appeal and provide clear labeling for consumers.
Because of these advantages, flexible packaging is widely used across the food industry, from fresh produce and meat to snacks and ready-to-eat meals.
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Oxygen absorbers enhance food storage and preservation by removing oxygen from packaging, which slows down the degradation of food. By creating an oxygen-free environment, these absorbers inhibit the growth of aerobic bacteria and mold, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life.
They also help maintain the food's freshness, color, and nutritional quality by reducing oxidative reactions that can cause rancidity and nutrient loss. Oxygen absorbers are commonly used in vacuum-sealed packaging, making them particularly effective for dried foods, snacks, and long-term food storage. Overall, they
Oxygen absorbers enhance food storage and preservation by removing oxygen from packaging, which slows down the degradation of food. By creating an oxygen-free environment, these absorbers inhibit the growth of aerobic bacteria and mold, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life.
They also help maintain the food's freshness, color, and nutritional quality by reducing oxidative reactions that can cause rancidity and nutrient loss. Oxygen absorbers are commonly used in vacuum-sealed packaging, making them particularly effective for dried foods, snacks, and long-term food storage. Overall, they play a crucial role in maintaining food quality and safety.
Mylar bags are made from metalised polyester. The air is removed by the addition of oxygen absorbers. Why should I use a mylar bag? Using Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers removes up to 99.99% of oxygen. Even the greatest vacuum sealer on the market only removes around 99.5% oxygen. Mylar is a brand name for what is essentially a plastic or polyester sheet. Mylar bags made and sold for food packaging comply with FDA regulations. Oxygen absorbers are small packs that well, absorb oxygen. When dry food is placed in mylar bags with the correct amount of oxygen absorbers and sealed properly, you ha
Mylar bags are made from metalised polyester. The air is removed by the addition of oxygen absorbers. Why should I use a mylar bag? Using Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers removes up to 99.99% of oxygen. Even the greatest vacuum sealer on the market only removes around 99.5% oxygen. Mylar is a brand name for what is essentially a plastic or polyester sheet. Mylar bags made and sold for food packaging comply with FDA regulations. Oxygen absorbers are small packs that well, absorb oxygen. When dry food is placed in mylar bags with the correct amount of oxygen absorbers and sealed properly, you have protected the dry food from infestation, oxidation, and moisture.
Using Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers removes up to 99.99% of oxygen. Even the greatest vacuum sealer on the market only removes around 99.5% oxygen. Sure, that seems insignificant, but that little bit of air really can make the difference in freshness
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I confess that I don’t do much with Oxygen absorbers. I keep some stuff (like spices) vacuum packed, relatively cool, dark and dry. I try to keep food stock rotated for timely use. Mostly I pressure can. That’s about it.
By allowing a hermetic seal to be made. Two of the main things leading to food spoiling are oxygen and moisture. Mylar acts as a barrier to both. If you take a mylar bag, fill it with a low moisture food, add an oxygen absorbing packet, force most of the extra air out of the bag, and then hermetically seal the top with something like a heat impulse sealer, the oxygen absorber will remove most of the remaining oxygen from the air in the bag (and in the process cause the bag to shrink around the food). This will allow the food in the bag to last up to 20 years, depending on the type of food.
If y
By allowing a hermetic seal to be made. Two of the main things leading to food spoiling are oxygen and moisture. Mylar acts as a barrier to both. If you take a mylar bag, fill it with a low moisture food, add an oxygen absorbing packet, force most of the extra air out of the bag, and then hermetically seal the top with something like a heat impulse sealer, the oxygen absorber will remove most of the remaining oxygen from the air in the bag (and in the process cause the bag to shrink around the food). This will allow the food in the bag to last up to 20 years, depending on the type of food.
If you try to store a food with a high moisture or oil content, the lifetime is drastically reduced. Even though no new moisture can pass through the bag, the existing moisture is high enough to cause spoilage. The same if you don’t include an oxygen absorbing packet, or allow too much air to remain in the bag so that the oxygen absorber is not able to absorb all of the oxygen in the air remaining in the sealed bag.
They are probably going to be mostly used-up by the time you get them.
If you want to try to reuse them, check if the contents are soft (still powdered iron). If they are, then they are probably not completely oxidised. If they feel hard and crystalline, they are probably fully oxidised.
The best thing to do is to buy new ones instead of trying to reuse existing ones.
Can I suggest including some usable information in a question? What “food”?
Type of bag (vinyl, polypropylene, polyethylene, Mylar) makes little or no difference.
The OP seems confused about what Mylar is. It’s Biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BOPT), a polyester film, that when used as a laminate with aluminum, reduces transmission of some gases, (especially oxygen). It’s well known in the food industry, developed in the mid-1950s, originally by DuPont, ICI, and Hoechst.
Thats a good question. As far as food storage goes, mylar is amazing because it is non-porous, impermeable to gas, reflects light, flexible, durable and puncture resistant. The key to long-term food storage is the removal of moisture. These bags are made of a polyester film and do a great job acting as a barrier to protect against air, moisture, bugs, a...
What oxygen absorbing packs? Generally they flood a pacage with nitrogen or CO2. The pacjets in food is almost always silica gel, to keep everything dry while its sealed.
Silica gel pack can be reused to keep tools in bags dry. Just reheat them in an oven at less than 451°f and it re-dries the silica crystals. Store in a sealed bag with as little air as possible.
Mylar is a DuPont trade name for polyester film
Food storage bags are never just polyester- they’re usually either polyester with polyethylene or just polyethylene (to be precise a copolymer of polyethylene)
Polyester doesn’t really shine as a freezer dwelling container. Polyethylene or EVA are a good fit for low temperatures and slow moisture loss in the freezer
Here are some below methods, Company’s are using to Package their food and Food Videography Packages helps them for marketing of their products very well.
Food Storage Packaging Methods
- Foil Pouches. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE) and foil laminate pouches are exceptional food containers.
- Glass Canning Jars With Screw-on Lids.
- Plastic (PETE) Bottles.
Oxygen absorbers work in food packaging by chemically reacting with oxygen inside the package, effectively removing it and creating a low-oxygen environment. This process slows or prevents the growth of aerobic bacteria, molds, and yeasts, which require oxygen to thrive. By reducing oxygen levels, oxygen absorbers help preserve the food’s freshness, prevent spoilage, and inhibit oxidation, which can lead to rancidity, loss of flavor, and nutritional degradation. As a result, they extend the shelf life of food, maintaining its quality, taste, and nutritional value for a longer period.
They are not oxygen absorber packets.
They contain silica gel or beads. These are hygroscopic and absorb water like the chemicals in diapers do.
It is a desiccant. You cannot leave any desiccant out in room air and expect it to do anything except make its way to you without spoiling or the electronics getting wet. Once the container is opened (the packaging) and left in ambient atmosphere it is not
They are not oxygen absorber packets.
They contain silica gel or beads. These are hygroscopic and absorb water like the chemicals in diapers do.
It is a desiccant. You cannot leave any desiccant out in room air and expect it to do anything except make its way to you without spoiling or the electronics getting wet. Once the container is opened (the packaging) and left in ambient atmosphere it is not worth keeping.
You can reactivate the silica b...
Yes. You can use glass containers with steel caps.
In India, stainless steel dabbas (cylindrical vessels with fitting lid - not screw type - just push down) are very common in many kitchens for storing foods.
Ceramic or glass jars are used for pickles that would corrode stainless steel vessels.
Food grade plastic containers are generally safe, in my view.
No one requires you using Mylar bags for food storage. Mylar may be the best for a given application but no one is forcing you to use them. e.g. Long term storage of dry ready to eat foodstuffs will last longer if kept away from air and sunlight. Mylar (vacuum deposited aluminum on thin film plastic - “Mylar” is actually one manufacturers trade name for their product.) is the lightest and lowest volume material that meets the airtight and light tight specification.
Mylar bags are highly effective for food storage and preservation due to their durability and excellent barrier properties. They provide a strong barrier against moisture, light, and oxygen, which are the primary causes of food spoilage. This helps extend the shelf life of stored food significantly. Mylar bags are also puncture-resistant and can be heat-sealed for an airtight closure, preventing contamination and maintaining freshness. Additionally, they are versatile and can be used for a variety of food items, from dry goods to freeze-dried products, making them a popular choice for long-ter
Mylar bags are highly effective for food storage and preservation due to their durability and excellent barrier properties. They provide a strong barrier against moisture, light, and oxygen, which are the primary causes of food spoilage. This helps extend the shelf life of stored food significantly. Mylar bags are also puncture-resistant and can be heat-sealed for an airtight closure, preventing contamination and maintaining freshness. Additionally, they are versatile and can be used for a variety of food items, from dry goods to freeze-dried products, making them a popular choice for long-term storage.
If your plastic food containers have a good seal and you carefully wash and sterilize them before refilling, they will do just fine. You can remove some of the air as well and use this as a signal that the seal failed (lid pops up flat)
I wouldn’t use either plastic or mylar for room temperature storage - too much chance of inadvertent damage. while moving things around on shelves. Mylar and plastic are best for short term refrigerator/freezer storage and mylar is excellent for vacuum pack storage with the top heat sealed long term storage in a freezer.
Just because it's permeable cheap soft plastic. They don't make good plastic anymore but it's a soft plastic that discolors easily from the types of materials used in the making process. Be careful of PCB used in the making of that stuff but that has died down quite a bit from when the issue came up from some years ago. But that is not far from the truth as to why plastic stains but don't worry. It's natural and won't harm anything. I have a bunch of plastic stains on mine and it won't bother me any.
Properly sealed food storage containers are preventative for insect infestation. If insects were able to get in then either the stored food was already infested, or the container was left unsealed.
Oxygen absorbers keep food fresh by removing oxygen from packaging. They contain iron powder, salt, and clay that rust and absorb oxygen inside sealed bags. This lowers oxygen levels to prevent bacteria and mold growth, extending the shelf life of foods like dried fruits and nuts. They're crucial for storing food safely for longer periods.
the bags are to make airtight storage bag with a sealer. Your pails can be made somewhat airtight. The food just won’t be in airtight bags. You can also dry can beans. Look up the process on youtube
Oxygen absorbers are small packets that contain an iron powder that is activated by moisture. They work by absorbing oxygen from the air, which prevents oxygen from spoiling food. Oxygen absorbers are safe to use for long-term food storage, but they should be used with caution.
I think these pros and cons will help you a little bit.
Advantages: low cost, not easy to crack, non-toxic at room temperature, safe to use.
The advantages look good, but the disadvantages are inevitable:
1. Easy to wear and aging
Plastic tableware is prone to wear and tear during use. If worn, the originally smooth plastic surface will become rough, and some plastic tableware will have plastic chips falling off, which should be replaced as soon as possible.
Plastic products also have a shelf life. After the expiration date, the plastic will age, discolor and become brittle. If the plastic box used
I think these pros and cons will help you a little bit.
Advantages: low cost, not easy to crack, non-toxic at room temperature, safe to use.
The advantages look good, but the disadvantages are inevitable:
1. Easy to wear and aging
Plastic tableware is prone to wear and tear during use. If worn, the originally smooth plastic surface will become rough, and some plastic tableware will have plastic chips falling off, which should be replaced as soon as possible.
Plastic products also have a shelf life. After the expiration date, the plastic will age, discolor and become brittle. If the plastic box used is found to be yellow or no longer transparent, it should be replaced as soon as possible.
2. The temperature resistance is worse than that of metal
If the temperature exceeds their heat resistance limit, plasticizers may be released, so long-term use of high-temperature heating plastic lunch boxes to heat food should be avoided.
Plastic grocery bags are not airtight and should not be used. Reusable silicone food storage bags are the recommended bags for storing food. These food bags are reusable, recyclable and hermetic airtight seal extends the life of your food.
Mylar bags effectively protect against light, moisture, and insects. They create a good oxygen barrier which allows the oxygen to be removed and extends the shelf life of the food products. Bags can be created in a variety of sizes.
All plastic breaths a small amount, even food storage buckets and containers. If you want the best, use food-grade 5.4 mil mylar bags, which cuts this air transfer down to almost nothing.
Flexible packaging is often used for food storage because it's lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly
Matt Henry, your question imposes as a fact that plastic food storage containers are unsafe.
Just the opposite is true. The very reason that plastic food containers are so ubiquitous today is that there are few alternative container packaging materials available as effective and as food-safe as plastic.
I believe your question is more an ecological statement than a food safety question.
MY FINAL ANSWER: To my knowledge the best, most versatile, most cost effective containerizing and storage material for food IS: plastic.
The PROBLEM is not food safety. The problem is the volume of discarded plasti
Matt Henry, your question imposes as a fact that plastic food storage containers are unsafe.
Just the opposite is true. The very reason that plastic food containers are so ubiquitous today is that there are few alternative container packaging materials available as effective and as food-safe as plastic.
I believe your question is more an ecological statement than a food safety question.
MY FINAL ANSWER: To my knowledge the best, most versatile, most cost effective containerizing and storage material for food IS: plastic.
The PROBLEM is not food safety. The problem is the volume of discarded plastic materials in uncontrolled environments. And the problem with THAT is you and me; it is not with plastics.
OUR problem with plastics is we do not have an equally genius solution to recycling or repurposing plastics, nor do we have a method or means of deconstructing or destroying or neutralizing plastics in the environment.
Matt Henry, it is not the plastic - it is us who are polluting our environment. It is not the gun that kills, it is the person pulling the trigger that kills. It is not the automobile that kills, it is the drunken fool at the wheel who kills.
WE invented Plastic. We like, even love plastic. It is up to US; it is WE, who must be accountable for how we use plastic throughout it’s lifecycle. We can deny our responsibility and search for other solutions, for alternatives. But that feel-good attitude is absolutely non-productive horse puckey. We DO have a plastics problem and looking around on the ground for a shiny penny will not, does not, cannot help.
NO!!! THERE ARE NO SAFE ALTERNATIVES TO PLASTIC FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS!!!
I will now return you to your normal programming.