Exactly How Long Does Food Last in a Vacuum Sealed Bag

In this busy life of yours, going grocery shopping every now and then is challenging and most of us can relate. Even with freezing and refrigeration, there is some limitation that makes you think about whether there are better ways to preserve food.

One of the key limitations is preserving food taste, which can be easily solved with a very popular technique these days. And it is vacuum sealing. From both a taste and safety perspective, it’s a fantastic option to extend the storage period by 3 to 5 times.

Now you must be wondering, exactly how long does food last in a vacuum sealed bag and whether it’s actually any good use in your case.

Let’s Know how long does vacuum sealed food last

By using the best vacuum sealer, you can store foods by getting rid of any air from the packaging. And this creates an airtight space for your storable food to stay as it is since now the mold and bacteria growth is no more possible.

According to FoodSaver.com, the exact storage period can vary depending on whether food is going into refrigerator, freezer, or simply in your pantry with room temperature. Here’s the answer based on each of these cases.

If You Are Refrigerating

Foods without vacuum sealing usually last somewhere between one to twenty days in a refrigerator. If you don’t have a freezer and this is all you’ve got, then investing in some quality vacuum sealer can really help to extend its storing period. Here’s a basic idea of how long things last with a vacuum sealer inside a refrigerator.

1. Meats usually last two-three weeks when vacuum sealed. Beef will last you 30 to 40 days. While if you are storing pork then it will stay good for two to three weeks. In case of any roasted meat, you can use vacuum sealing and make it last for 8 to 12 days.
2. Whole fish does not last a very long time even with vacuum sealing. You can store it for a maximum of five days.
3. You can store vegetable vacuum sealed for a good one to two weeks. The same goes for storing any type of fruit with sealing.
4. The cheese will stay fresh for 13 to 60 days depending on if it is hard to soft. Usually, the hard cheese lasts longer, almost one to two months. While the soft version will stay fine with storing for 13 to 15 days.
5. In terms of cooked foods for meal prepping, you can keep them in good condition inside the refrigerator with vacuum sealing for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure you don’t put the food while it is hot sine this can cause bacteria growth. Bring it to room temperature and then go for vacuum sealing.

If You Are Using Freezer

A freezer is normally better at preserving food for a longer period of time compared to a regular refrigerator. You can literally store items for months and in some cases years with vacuum sealing combined.

This is true for not just meat and poultry but also vegetable storing. You can also take one extra step to preserve better by including a freezer bag that will hold the vacuum-packed food. Here’s the basic idea:

1. The answer to how long does vacuum sealed frozen meat last will vary on what type you’re referring to. However, typically you can make vacuum-sealed frozen meat last for one to three years. In the case of minced or ground meat, it can stay good for one year. While regular meat or poultry can be stored for two to three years. Before vacuum packing, wash and dry them properly. Sharp bones should also be taken care of with proper covering or removal. Or else it can damage the packing.
2. If you want to store vacuum-sealed fish in your freezer, then it will stay good for two to three years easily.
3. You can also store vacuum sealed vegetables and fruits inside your freezer for 2 to 3 years. Just make sure you blanch veggies by boiling in water for not more than five minutes. Then put them in ice water, remove them after a while, dry, and store.
4. In the case of soups, stews, and sauces storing, they will stay fresh vacuum sealed for 1 to 2 years. Just make sure to clean the vacuum packing’s surface before using it.
5. Storing coffee beans in the freezer with vacuum sealing will keep them good for two to three years.
6. You can also keep bread inside your freezer vacuum-sealed to store for one to three years.

Storing in Room Temperature

Usually, we keep all the baking ingredients and dry foods in our pantry. But can they be vacuum-sealed too? They can for sure. In fact, with vacuum sealing, you actually increase the longevity of freshness even with these dry items. Here’s an idea about how long that can be.

1. You can store bread vacuum sealed for a week at least in your pantry or at room temperature.
2. Raw rice and pasta are storable for almost a year if vacuum sealed.
3. Storing cereals with vacuum sealing will allow them to stay fresh for six to twelve months depending on what type.
4. In the case of flour and sugar items, you can keep them good for one to two years.
5. Different types of nuts can also be vacuum sealed for almost 2 years of storing.
6. Cookies that are vacuum-sealed will stay fresh for 3 to 6 weeks.
7. You can store tea and coffee for a year with vacuum sealing.

Wrap Up

So now you have a broad idea about how long does food last in a vacuum sealed bag. From meal prepping to saving your leftovers, there are a lot of things that get sorted with proper food storing habits. It’s not just about taste that stays good even with prolonged storing but also the fact you don’t miss out on any safety factor.

Because now you know that with vacuum sealing, you’re preventing the bacteria and mold growth. As a result, the food you eat and let your kids have are not going to be a reason for a hospital visit any time sooner. And at the same time, you can buy bulk items at cheap rates when in season and store them without any trouble.