Imagine a sudden power outage lasting weeks, or a supply chain snag that empties grocery shelves overnight. How secure is your family’s food supply when the unexpected happens? Storing food for the long term is smart planning, but the containers you choose can make or break your efforts. Are you worried about spoilage, pests, or containers that crack under pressure?
Choosing the right long-term food storage container feels like navigating a maze. You need something airtight to keep moisture out, durable enough to last decades, and safe for your food. Many people waste money on containers that fail too soon, leading to frustrating food loss. It’s a critical step in preparedness, yet often the most confusing part of the whole process.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best materials, essential features, and proven methods for selecting containers that truly protect your investment for years to come. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which containers fit your needs and budget. Let’s dive into securing your pantry’s future.
Top Long Term Food Storage Containers Recommendations
- 【VALUE FOR MONEY ALL IN ONE】- Includes: 35 pcs large size 1 gallon mylar bags 10.2x13.8 inches, 45 pcs of medium size quart mylar bags 7.1x10.2 inches, 20 pcs small size 1/2 pint mylar bags 4.3x6.3 inches.Comes with 55pcs individually sealed 400cc oxygen absorbers and 100 labels, for better food storage and differentiation, reducing mishandling and waste
- 【UPGRADED 400cc OXYGEN ABSORBERS】- With the addition of 400cc of oxygen absorber, your oxygen absorber will remove oxygen faster than ever. Each 5 packs of oxygen absorbers (400cc) are individually packaged in a vacuum bags to avoid product exposure and waste
- 【THICKER LAYERS】- 11.8 mil thickness, with a maximum thickness of 4.7 mil on each side. Durability and puncture resistance are enhanced by an additional internal layer of aluminum foil. To ensure longer food storage, prevents light and air permeation
- 【LONG-TERM STORAGE & FOOD-GRADE MATERIALS】- Our mylar bags are made of food-grade material that is safe, eco-friendly, durable, and tasteless. There are three layers to these bags: PET, aluminum foil, and PE. Our mylar bags can protect your food from air, moisture, and pests while retaining its flavor and nutritional value
- 【RESEALABLE ZIPPER MYLAR BAGS】- The zipper design allows for repeated use, which is useful for frequently consumed foods. Long-term food storage requires the use of a hot iron or a heat-sealing machine. The standing type allows for easier cabinet storage
- AIRTIGHT SCREW ON LID INCLUDED – Our lids are leak-proof, double-gasketed lid design to fit snugly to keep everything fresh.
- DURABLE AND HEAVY DUTY - Made with high-grade HDPE plastic, our BPA-free buckets are made to last. Perfect for a wide variety of foods including soup, kitchen storage, meal prep, flour, deli meats and rice storage. They are dishwasher and microwave safe.
- FOOD GRADE STORAGE -These sturdy food safe containers are wonderful for bulk food like rice, grains and large bags of flour and sugar. Perfect brining size for turkey, ribs, pork or any larger cut of meat. The plastic bucket will fit on the counter or in the refrigerator for as long as you need.
- ALL-PURPOSE AND REUSABLE - There are too many options to list for this 5-gallon utility pail. Store your laundry detergent, dog food or birdseed inside. It also works great for water changes when cleaning out a fish tank or aquarium because it is large enough and BPA Free (a must for fish).
- MADE IN USA - ePackageSupply is a United States veteran-owned and operated company based in Evansville, Indiana. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we want to ensure you are happy with these containers.
- ✅ 【Preminum Food Grade Oxygen Absorbers】: Our factory have 18 years experience in oxygen absorber, Also we have ISO9001 Certificate, All our oxygen absorbers are preminum food grade material and tested under strict food regulation, Very safe to be used with foods and pharmaceuticals storage.
- ✅ 【Extend Shelf Life】: Oxygen absorbers bring about oxidizing enzymes that cause browning and malodor, Oxygen-absorbing packaging reduces the amount of oxygen in food storage containers, With our oxygen absorbers these phenomenon will not happen aslo can extending product freshness and shelf life.
- ✅【 Packaging】: Our oxygen absorbers are 10 pack in an individual vacuum bag to minimise the waste, Come with an oxygen indicator to let you know whether it is good for when you received it, if the color is pink means it is ok to use
- ✅ 【Anti-Oil Film Design】: Our oxygen absorbers are double layer and anti-oil film design that can use for oil food storage oxygen absorb, You can place them with oil and oil-free food storage to extend the shelf life of these foods.
- ✅ 【Widely Use in Daily Life】Oxygen absorbers widely used in daily life food storage, such as homemade jerky, nuts, spices, candy, medicines, pet food, etc, It can help maintains the original taste, flavor, color, and nutritive value of food to keep food fresh for a long time
- [SIZE & QUANTITY] . Pack of 30 mylar bags of 1 gallon for long term food storage - With 400cc oxygen absorbers (30) & Stickers (30) - Very thick 14,8 Mil layers made of PET & Mylar foil - Mylar bag of 10"x15" Inch
- [MULTI USAGE] Our Zipper & heat sealable mylar bags are used mainly to store dehydrate food, including grains, beans, oats, dried fruit, candies, coffee beans, tea, etc.
- [FOOD GRADE & AIR TIGHT] Our oxygen absorbers 400 cc (6 Packs of 5 = 30 Pcs) will efficiently remove oxygen after sealing the bag. Our 1 gallon mylar bags for food storage are FDA compliant and BPA Free.
- [EASY TO FILL & SEAL] Our 14 Mil mylar bags for food storage are designed with a 4.3" gusset to stand-up right, So much easier to fill and to organise! It support temp range 0°F-183°F.
- [LONG TERM & DURABLE] Our Mylar ziptop bags are extremely durable for long term food storage. Heat sealing preserves mylar vacuum seal bags for longer time. mylar bags for food storage 1 gallon, mylar bags 7 mil each side
- Pack of 3 White Buckets with Blue double gasket screw on Lids
- Food Grade Made in USA containers
- Durable round commercial grade container can be used to safely store or ship products including food, dairy
- Buckets good for packaging solutions for food products, paints, liquids, powders, honey, oil, agricultural products, fertilizers, and more..
- 3 SIZES to MEET YOUR NEEDS : 55 pack resealable mylar bags for food storage include 15 mil 5 Gallon (17"*26") x 5 pcs, 9.45 mil 1 Gallon (10"*14") x 20 pcs, 9.45 mil 1 Quart (6"*9") x 30 pcs 3 size bags, colorful labels x 100 pcs,Sealing clips x 5 pcs
- Great Value For Long Term Food Storage : Smell proof bags with large mylar bags for food storage 5 gallon it is a good choice for long term food storage containers. With mylar bags for food storage, so they are well isolated from air and sunlight and can be used for long term food storage. Perfect for rice, coffee beans, dehydrated food, freeze dryer, candies, cookies, soap, etc
- Up To 15 Mil Thickness For Better Quality : Aluminum foil provides good durability and puncture resistance, this mylar food storage bag is made up of three layers - PE/Aluminum foil/PET, with a thickness of 15 mil making it more strong
- Stand-Up Bags With Ziplock : Stand-up pouch design makes it easier to load things. With a sealed zipper, it can be sealed, opened and resealed, perfect for short time storage. This food storage bags can be heated sealed above the zipper for long storage food
- Great For Long Term Food Storage : With 5 gallon , 1 gallon and 1 quart 3 size mylar bags for food storage, meet your multiple storage needs
- [SIZE & QUANTITY] 10 extra large 5 gallon mylar bags for food storage. Includes 2500 cc. oxygen absorbers + 10 labels. Made out of strong and thick PET & Aluminium foil. Perfect for pantry food like flour, sugar, rice, freeze dried, dehydrated foods.
- [THICKER LAYER] 10 Mil thick, 5 Mil on each side. Our Resealable Mylar bags are made of 3 strong layers and aluminium reinforcement to provides extra resistance and durability. Mylar vacuum seal bags for long term food storage. Fits 5 gallon bucket.
- [2500cc OXYGEN ABSORBERS] Each oxygen absorber has the highest absorbing power and is vacuum packed individually to maximize usability and effectiveness. No more wasting oxygen absorbers with our 5 gallon mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.
- [EASY TO USE] Our 5 gallon zipper seal bags prevent your food from exposure to air, light, odors, and moisture. U-shaped tear on the side for easy opening. Zip seal and reseal your 5 gal mylar bags or heat-seal for long term food storage.
- [NOTE] - The Mylar bags 5 gallon won't have a Vacuum-Packed Look after using the oxygen absorbers, the oxygen absorber only works for absorbing O₂, which is about 21% of the air. 4/5 of air will remain no matter how many oxygen absorbers are used.
- NOTE - Bags may NOT shrink like a vacuum bag when the oxygen has been removed. Absorbers do NOT absorb air; they absorb oxygen which is only 20% of the air. About 1/5 of the air volume will be gone, 4/5 remains no matter how many absorbers are used. food grade oxygen absorbers o2 absorbers food grade
- FOOD GRADE & SAFE - Our Oxygen Absorbers packaging is made of food-grade material and passed strict food testing, so it can be safely stored with food without peculiar. Products are strictly tested to ensure the highest level of compliance to safety standards.
- 400CC CAPACITY - Perfect for use in 1-Gallon Mylar bags and other airtight containers to extend the shelf life of dry goods - grains, beans, powders, pastas, and cereal, as well as dehydrated and freeze dried foods.
- Double layer and anti oil film design
- FIVE PACKS OF OXYGEN ABSORBERS - Offered as sets of five, absorbers are packaged and heat sealed closed immediately after production. Never repackaged in order to prevent oxygen exposure and maximize their potency and shelf life.
Your Essential Guide to Long-Term Food Storage Containers
Storing food for the long haul keeps your family safe and saves money. The right containers make all the difference. This guide helps you pick the best ones for your pantry or basement bunker.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important features first. They ensure your food stays fresh and protected for years.
1. Airtight Seals
This is the most important feature. A container must seal tightly. Air and moisture ruin stored food quickly. Look for strong gaskets or locking lids. These keep bugs and air out.
2. Durability and Stacking Strength
Long-term storage often means stacking heavy containers. You need strong walls that won’t crack under pressure. Check reviews for reports of lids breaking or sides bowing.
3. Pest Resistance
Mice, rats, and insects can chew through weak plastic. Choose containers made of thick, hard plastic or metal. Metal cans offer the best protection against chewing pests.
4. UV Light Protection
Sunlight degrades food quality and plastic over time. If you store containers in a lit area, choose opaque (not clear) containers. Clear containers are fine for dark storage areas like basements.
Important Materials for Longevity
The material dictates how long your food stays good and how safe the container is.
- Food-Grade Plastic (HDPE or PET): High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is very common. It’s strong and usually safe for food. Make sure the plastic is marked “Food Grade.”
- Mylar Bags: These flexible bags are excellent barriers against oxygen and light. They work best when paired with an oxygen absorber and stored inside a hard bucket for protection.
- Metal (Galvanized Steel or Stainless Steel): Metal containers offer superior protection against pests and physical damage. They are often used for bulk grains or canning supplies.
Avoid plastics that are thin or have a strong chemical smell. These plastics might leach bad things into your food.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few simple choices can drastically change how long your food lasts.
Improving Quality:
- Oxygen Absorbers: These packets remove the air inside the container. This stops spoilage and keeps dried foods crisp for decades.
- Desiccants (Moisture Absorbers): If you store things like flour or beans, these keep moisture levels low, preventing mold growth.
- Proper Labeling: Always label the outside with the contents and the date you stored it. Good labels reduce confusion later.
Reducing Quality:
- Using Non-Airtight Lids: Simple snap lids often leak air quickly.
- Storing in Hot Areas: Heat speeds up food breakdown. Keep storage areas cool (below 70°F is ideal).
- Reusing Damaged Containers: Never use a plastic container that has deep scratches or cracks, even if you think you can seal it.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the containers affects the best choice.
For Bulk Grains and Beans:
Large, 5-gallon buckets made of HDPE plastic are the standard choice here. They hold a lot of food, stack well, and you can easily fit an oxygen absorber inside before sealing.
For Small Items and Spices:
Smaller, square containers work best for things like dried herbs, coffee beans, or freeze-dried meals. Square shapes waste less shelf space than round ones.
Ease of Access:
Think about how often you need to get into the food. If you need items often, choose containers with easy-open latches. If it’s for deep emergency storage, a very tight seal that takes more effort to open is fine.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Long Term Food Storage Containers
Q: How long can food stay safe in these containers?
A: With proper sealing (and oxygen absorbers for dry goods), foods like white rice or dried beans can last 25 to 30 years. Other items might last 5 to 10 years.
Q: Do I really need oxygen absorbers?
A: Yes, for most dry foods. Oxygen causes oxidation, which makes fats go rancid and reduces vitamin quality. Absorbers create a near-vacuum environment.
Q: Are clear plastic containers safe for long-term storage?
A: They are safe if stored in a completely dark environment, like a closed cabinet. Sunlight will damage the food inside them over time.
Q: What size container is best for a family of four?
A: For basic survival needs, aim for one gallon of storage space per person per week. Use a mix of 5-gallon buckets for grains and smaller containers for specialty items.
Q: Can I use containers that previously held non-food items?
A: No, you should not. Old containers might have chemical residues that can transfer to your food. Always use new, food-grade containers.
Q: How do I clean storage containers before using them?
A: Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse them very well. Make sure they are completely dry before putting any food inside them. Moisture causes mold.
Q: What is the difference between a gasket and a simple snap lid?
A: A gasket is a rubber or silicone ring that compresses when the lid closes, creating a truly airtight barrier. A simple snap lid relies only on plastic-on-plastic contact, which lets air slowly leak in.
Q: Should I store my food off the floor?
A: Yes, always. Storing containers on shelving protects them from accidental water leaks, flooding, and pests that prefer to stay close to the ground.
Q: Are metal trash cans good for long-term food storage?
A: Galvanized metal cans are okay for bulk items, but they must be lined with thick Mylar bags first. The metal itself can sometimes react poorly with acidic foods over many years.
Q: How important is the temperature of the storage area?
A: Temperature is extremely important. Cool, stable temperatures (ideally 50°F to 60°F) double or triple the shelf life of stored food compared to warm areas.