Top Vacuum Bags and Pouches to Keep Food Fresh Longer

Keeping food fresh is still a common concern for any residential or commercial kitchen. One of the easiest and most successful ways to help preserve food is to store it using vacuum packaging.

Vacuum packaging eliminates air and seals your food inside durable, airtight bags. This way, it slows down bacterial growth, prevents freezer burn, and extends shelf life.

There are several different styles of vacuum-seal bags. However, their capabilities vary according to their intended purposes. If you are unsure which type of bag to choose, let us help you identify some of the best options available, as we understand their types and usage.

Why Vacuum Packaging Works?

Vacuum packaging is a straightforward method for preserving food.

By creating a vacuum in the packaging, contents are protected from spoilage and deterioration. This is because there is no oxygen left in such packaging, which can otherwise lead to the growth of bacteria or mould.

As a result, the food items remain fresher for an extended period than they would with conventional packaging, due to the elimination of air.

Some of the primary advantages of vacuum packaging include:

• Reducing the speed of spoilage of food
• Reducing moisture loss from packaged food
• Preserving the colour and flavour of food products
• Preventing freezer burn by keeping moisture within the vacuum

Also, using vacuum-sealed bags will enable you to maximize the amount of space in your refrigerator or freezer compared to what could be achieved by using typical plastic storage bags.

Understanding the Vacuum Bags and Pouches for Food

Embossed Vacuum Seal Bags (Standard Vacuum Seal Bags)

These bags have small embossed patterns that allow for the rapid expulsion of air from within the bags.

Best Used For:

• Home use
• Vegetables
• Meats and fish
• Sous-Vide cooking

Characteristics of Embossed Vacuum Seal Bags:

• Provide strong removal of air from the contents of the bag
• Easy to seal using most home vacuum machines
• Ideal for storing food that’s frequently used.

These vacuum seal bags are extremely reliable because they work well with approximately 99% of the vacuum sealers available to consumers and provide a higher level of food freshness than when using standard plastic storage bags.

Smooth vacuum pouches (chamber vacuum bags):

Smooth vacuum pouches are designed specifically for use in chamber-style vacuum machines.

These pouches do not feature the textured surface found on vacuum pouches designed for home use.

Smooth vacuum pouches are best suited for the following:

• Commercial kitchens
• Restaurants
• Food processing facilities
• Bulk Packaging Solutions

Features:

• Smooth surface
• High clarity
• Strong air-tight seal
• Cost-effective alternative when buying in volume

Thick Plastic Vacuum Bags

Some foods need extra-strong packaging, especially those used to pack sharp or bone-in meats that can poke holes in regular bags. That’s when thick plastic vacuum bags become essential.

Best for:

• Heavy cuts of meat
• Frozen foods
• Long-term freezer storage
• Dry fruits and nuts

Features:

• Extra durability
• Strong puncture resistance
• Suitable for high-pressure sealing

If you stock food for many months, these bags offer the best protection.

Vacuum Shrink Bags

Vacuum shrink bags are sealed in a vacuum after air is removed and then heated, resulting in a compressed seal between the bag and the product being packaged. These bags protect items stored by preventing moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants from entering and causing damage. These bags provide a compact, attractive, and protected package, thus enhancing the shelf life of the product stored inside.

Vacuum shrink bags are ideal for:

• Blocks of cheese
• Fresh Meats
• Processed Meats
• Fish extract products

Benefits of Vacuum Shrink Bags:

• After shrinking, they create an exact fit
• Provide superior oxygen protection
• Provide a spotless, wrinkle-free surface
• Due to their clean and neat appearance, they also work well for point-of-sale displays.

No wonder they are one of the popular vacuum bag types to choose from.

Bulk or Large Item Vacuum Storage Bags.

These bags are larger than the standard size and are generally made from thicker nylon material. Many manufacturers produce heavy-duty vacuum bags that can hold a wide variety of food products, including meat, whole grains, bulk quantities of fresh produce, and other foods.

Best used for:

• Whole cuts of red meat
• Fruits and vegetables
• Bulk containerized items

Zipper Vacuum Bags.

The zipper style of vacuum bags enables easy access to the product inside and allows users to reseal the bag easily without cutting it open.

Best used for:

• Baked goods
• Vegetable leftovers
• Snacks

Designed for short-term freshness and convenience, zipper vacuum bags are a useful tool in the home kitchen. They allow users to store food securely without needing to reseal it each time after use.

High-Barrier Vacuum Seal Bags

Food items that are overly prone to moist air, light sources, and external odor are protected with high-barrier vacuum seal bags. These bags come with an additional layer of protection.

What items should be packaged in this type of bag?

• Coffee
• Spices
• Powdered goods
• Delicate foods that can easily lose flavour or aroma due to exposure to air.

How does a high-barrier vacuum bag work?

• The construction consists of multiple layers.
• The packaging configuration increases the products’ shelf life.

High-barrier vacuum seal bags are found in numerous commercial food manufacturing facilities and specialty retailers.

Which Bag Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on what you want to store. This quick infographic can help you find the right option.

Tips for Using Vacuum Sealer Bags Properly

• Do not overfill vacuum sealer bags.
• Leave at least 2 inches of space above the food product before sealing.
• Make sure the area you seal is clean and dry.
• Double-seal any items that may contain liquid (e.g., sauces, soups).
• Partially freeze food items that are wet before sealing them.
• Use bags made with the proper thickness for your needs.

Final Thoughts

Vacuum packaging is one of the easiest methods to prolong the lifespan of nearly every type of food. However, it is important to choose the right type of vacuum packaging, whether you are storing vegetables in your home freezer or freezing meat in a restaurant.

Every type of vacuum bag has a different purpose and function. Understanding your goals will help you choose the right bag type.