
Vacuum packing food can help you save money by reducing food waste. In fact, studies have shown that up to 40% of the food produced globally is lost or wasted.
By vacuum packing food, you can extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage. This means you can buy food in bulk and enjoy it over a longer period.
Food waste can be a significant expense, especially for households that produce a lot of organic waste. According to the article, households that produce a lot of organic waste can save up to $1,000 per year by reducing their waste.
Reducing food waste also has a positive impact on the environment. By reducing the amount of food that ends up in landfills, you can lower your carbon footprint and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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Benefits of Vacuum Packing
Vacuum packing is a game-changer for food storage, and it's not just about preserving leftovers. By removing air from the package, you can prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of your food.

Extending shelf life is a significant advantage of vacuum packing. By removing the air, you reduce the risk of bacterial growth that can cause spoilage and reduce the product's shelf life. This means you can enjoy your food for a longer period.
Vacuum packing also saves space in your freezer or fridge. By removing the air from the package, you reduce the size of the package, making it easier to store and transport. This is especially helpful when you have limited storage space.
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Tastes Better
Vacuum packing is a game-changer for food storage. Vacuum sealed food tastes better than those that are stored using common sealing methods.
The reason for this is that vacuum sealing keeps the juices, moisture, and the flavor of the food inside the package. This preservation of flavor is what makes vacuum packed food so delicious.
Whether you're storing meat, vegetables, or leftovers, vacuum packing is a great way to keep food fresh and flavorful.
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The Benefits of

Vacuum packing extends the shelf life of food by removing the risk of bacterial growth that can cause spoilage. This is especially important for perishable items like baby food and powdered milk.
By removing the air from the package, you can prevent freezer burn, which is caused by the air in the packaging dehydrating the food and causing it to develop ice crystals. This can affect the texture, color, and flavor of the product.
Vacuum sealed packages take up less space, making them easier to store in your freezer or fridge. This is especially useful for items like nuts, seeds, and coffee beans, which can be stored in a compact form.
Vacuum sealing your food can help maintain its freshness by preventing oxidation, which can cause the product to become stale or lose its flavor. This is especially important for items like bread and oatmeal, which can become stale quickly.

Here are some of the best foods to vacuum seal to make your food last longer:
- Avocados
- Baby food
- Powdered/formula milk
- Bread
- Oatmeal
- Shredded hard cheese
- Chocolate
- Coffee beans
- Cold cuts, sausages, deli meat
- Rubs and dry mixes
- Fish fillets
- Seasonal fruits
- Seasonal vegetables
- Homemade breading
- Croutons
- Herbs
- Nuts
- Marinades
- Meat jerky
- Snackables
- Pancake mixes
- Dried pasta
- Salad mixes
- Seeds
- Cannabis
- One-pot meals
- Soups and stews
Some items, like raw mushrooms and fresh bananas, should be avoided when vacuum sealing due to their ripening process or potential for mold growth.
How to Vacuum Pack
To get started with vacuum packing, you'll need a few basic items: a vacuum sealer, vacuum seal bags or rolls, pens and labels, and the food you want to pack.
Make sure the area you're using is clean and dry to minimize contaminants.
You should choose a vacuum seal bag or roll that's the right size for your food, with enough space to hold it and about an inch at the top for sealing.
Measure the food to determine the bag size, adding the width and height for the bag width, and the length and height for the bag length.
Fold about an inch and a half at the top of the bag to keep the seal area dry.

For food like meat and fish, consider portion sizes and cut them into manageable pieces before sealing.
Leave at least three to four inches at the top of the bag to ensure a good seal and avoid wasting bags.
Simply put the open end of the bag into the sealing machine, press the start or seal button, and let the vacuum sealer do the rest.
Preservation and Storage
Vacuum sealing is a cost-effective way to preserve your food, removing oxygen exposure that stops the growth and accumulation of bacteria or other microorganisms, preventing food spoilage.
By sucking out most of the oxygen, vacuum sealing traps the moisture of the food in an airtight vacuum plastic bag, preventing chemical reactions that cause spoilage.
This method keeps food fresh even after months of storage, and prevents freezer burn by creating an airtight barrier that protects food from ice crystals and dehydration.
Vacuum sealing preserves the natural taste and texture of food, without drying up meat fibers or changing the food's natural taste, unlike other preservation methods like dehydration or salting.
It also keeps delicate flavors and natural oils, such as those found in omega 3-rich foods like salmon, intact, making it a great way to prolong food freshness and extend its expiry date.
Save Money

Buying food in bulk can be a great way to save money, but it can be intimidating if you're worried about spoilage. Vacuum sealing is a cost-effective way to preserve your food, removing oxygen exposure that stops the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
You can buy food in bulk during flash sales at the supermarket and divide it into portions, vacuum sealing them to get a better value for your dollar. This can save you a lot of money throughout the year.
Buying home-packaged or bulk foods can give you value for money, and with a vacuum sealer, you can save your family a lot of money all year round. Bulk buying is a great way to stock up on non-perishable items.
With a vacuum sealer, you can buy food in bulk and store it without worrying about spoilage, which means less waste and more savings on your grocery bill. This is a simple and effective way to reduce food waste and save money.
Keep Fresh

You can keep food fresh for a long time with vacuum sealing. This method removes oxygen, preventing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that cause spoilage.
Vacuum sealing extends the shelf life of food, especially when compared to traditional storage methods. For example, fresh meat can last up to 2-3 years in the freezer when vacuum sealed, whereas it typically lasts only 6 months.
To keep food fresh, you should vacuum seal it as soon as possible after purchasing or preparing it. This prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage.
Some foods are more suitable for vacuum sealing than others. For example, avocados, baby food, and powdered milk are great candidates for vacuum sealing.
Here's a list of some of the best foods to vacuum seal:
- Avocados
- Baby food
- Powdered/formula milk
- Bread
- Oatmeal
- Shredded hard cheese
- Chocolate
- Coffee beans
- Cold cuts, sausages, deli meat
- Rubs and dry mixes
- Fish fillets
- Seasonal fruits
- Seasonal vegetables
- Homemade breading
- Croutons
- Herbs
- Nuts
- Marinades
- Meat jerky
- Snackables
- Pancake mixes
- Dried pasta
- Salad mixes
- Seeds
- Cannabis
- One-pot meals
- Soups and stews
However, some foods should be avoided when it comes to vacuum sealing. Raw mushrooms, fresh bananas, and soft cheeses like bleu cheese, brie, and ricotta are not recommended for vacuum sealing.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can keep your food fresh for a long time and enjoy it whenever you want.
Equipment and Techniques

To vacuum pack food, you'll need a vacuum sealer machine, which can be purchased at a relatively low cost, around $20-$50.
A vacuum sealer machine removes air from a bag, preventing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause food to spoil.
Using a vacuum sealer machine can help extend the shelf life of your food by up to 5 times, making it a great option for meal prep and food storage.
Increase Space Efficiency
Vacuum sealing is a game-changer for keeping your food organized and freeing up space in your kitchen. By removing all the air from the vacuum plastic bag, you can significantly reduce the size of the package.
This means you can store more food in the same amount of space, which is especially useful in small kitchens or pantries. The reduced size also makes it easier to stack and organize your food, keeping your kitchen clutter-free.

A vacuum sealer can help you make the most of your storage space, and it's not just limited to the refrigerator – you can also use it in your pantry or freezer. With a vacuum sealer, you can store food more efficiently and make the most of your kitchen's square footage.
Containers and Bags
You want to choose thick plastic bags that keep food safe to avoid freezer burn. These bags should be able to withstand heat and temperature changes.
Not all plastic bags are created equal, and it's essential to select bags that are BPA-free and can weather through wear and tear.
If you're packing food with sharp edges, it's best to double-pack it to prevent punctures in the vacuum bags. You can also use a folded piece of wax paper or paper towel to cover the sharp edge.
Some vacuum-sealing containers and bags can get expensive, but it's worth investing in high-quality ones to save money in the long run.
Save Money & Reduce

Using a vacuum sealer can be a game-changer for your wallet. You can buy food in bulk without worrying about spoilage, which means you can save a lot of money throughout the year.
With a vacuum sealer, you can store food for a longer period, reducing the need for frequent trips to the grocery store. This saves you time and money.
Buying in bulk is a great way to get value for your dollar, and a vacuum sealer makes it possible. You can save money on bulk purchases and enjoy the convenience of having food stored for a long time.
Divide your bulk purchases into healthy portions and vacuum seal them, and you'll be able to save a lot of money throughout the year. This is especially helpful for families who need to plan meals and snacks in advance.
By reducing food waste, you'll also be saving money on your grocery bill. With a vacuum sealer, you can keep your food fresh for a longer period, reducing the likelihood of spoiled or expired food.
In fact, buying home-packaged or bulk foods can give you a better value for your dollar. With a vacuum sealer, you can enjoy the benefits of bulk buying without worrying about spoilage.
Extend Shelf Life
Extending shelf life is one of the most significant benefits of vacuum packing food. By removing air from the package, you can reduce the risk of bacterial growth that can cause spoilage and reduce the product's shelf life.
According to Example 4, vacuum sealing preserves food up to 5 times longer than common sealing methods that utilize containers or plastic bags. This is because the lack of air exposure inhibits the growth of mold, fungus, and bacteria, making food last significantly longer.
Some foods, like chicken, can last for months or even years when vacuum sealed, depending on the product. For instance, vacuum-sealed chicken can last for several months when stored in the refrigerator or freezer, as mentioned in Example 5.
Here are some examples of foods that benefit from vacuum sealing to extend shelf life:
- Avocados (Example 8)
- Baby food (Example 8)
- Powdered/formula milk (Example 8)
- Bread (Example 8)
- Oatmeal (Example 8)
- Shredded hard cheese (Example 8)
- Chocolate (Example 8)
- Coffee beans (Example 8)
- Cold cuts, sausages, deli meat (Example 8)
- Fish fillets (Example 8)
- Seasonal fruits (Example 8)
- Seasonal vegetables (Example 8)
Remember to avoid vacuum sealing foods that are prone to decay or spoilage, such as raw mushrooms, fresh bananas, and soft cheeses like bleu cheese, brie, and ricotta.
A Brief History

Vacuum sealing has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. Nicolas Appert, a French chef, confectioner, and distiller, started experimenting with food preservation in 1795 using hermetically sealed containers.
He developed a 14-year experiment that produced new ways of preserving foods like fruits, soups, marmalades, and syrups. Appert's findings led him to publish a book and open the first commercial cannery.
The military explored the idea of time-insensitive food in the 1940s and 1950s, but it wasn't until Dr. Karl Busch introduced the first industrial-sized vacuum sealer machines in 1963 that vacuum sealing became safer and more user-friendly for general consumption.
Dr. Busch's machines made vacuum-sealed food a standard for military use and eventually for everyday consumption. His invention transformed the way we preserve food today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the negatives of vacuum packing food?
Vacuum packing food can increase costs due to specialized bags or containers, and also pose health risks if not handled or stored properly. Improperly handled vacuum-packed foods can harbor anaerobic bacteria, making them a potential health hazard.
What is the purpose of vacuum packaging?
Vacuum packaging prevents oxidation reactions and spoilage by removing air and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, extending the shelf life of perishable products. This preservation method is particularly effective for fresh meat and other food items that are sensitive to oxygen and moisture.
Sources
- https://vacpac.com.au/top-15-benefits-of-vacuum-sealing-your-food-2/
- https://outofair.com/blog/is-vacuum-sealing-worth-it-a-complete-guide
- https://www.foodpak.com/5-benefits-of-vacuum-sealing-food-products/
- https://www.sausageclipcn.com/news/why-vacuum-seal-uses-tips-and-benefits.html
- https://velouving.com/blogs/kitchen-utensils-cooking-tools/why-use-a-vacuum-sealer
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