Aluminum-coated Mylar bags represented 55% of the market revenue in 2023 due to their high barrier capabilities. This means a large number of people are switching to them and using them in their daily lives. While many people store freeze-dried food in Mylar bags, is it really the best choice for both your health and your budget?
After extensive research and personal experience, I recently discovered that my aluminum exposure, due to using an aluminum pressure canner and cooking with aluminum pans, has led to elevated aluminum levels in my body. Many people have shared similar experiences. In this blog, we’ll dive into whether using Mylar bags is a smart choice or if it’s time to rethink this common practice.
What Exactly Is Mylar?
There’s constant debate surrounding Mylar. People often wonder how it’s made and why it’s so widely preferred. If we dig deeper, Ibex Packaging states that Mylar is made by bonding aluminum to a polyester film, creating a material called PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), or BoPET. While PET is generally considered safe, certain food enzymes (like zinc) or frequent handling can cause the material to break down, potentially releasing aluminum and microplastics into your food.
Why Do People Prefer Them?
People prefer custom mylar bags because of their durability and ability to maintain food freshness. They provide a strong barrier against moisture, oxygen, and odors, making them ideal for long-term storage. However, the right choice depends on your specific needs and what suits you better than other available options.
How Improper Use Can Lead to Severe Disease
Mylar bags themselves aren’t harmful, but improper use can lead to serious health risks. For instance, poor sealing or storing wet or perishable food can encourage bacterial growth, including botulism, which can be life-threatening.
The Science Behind Aluminum, PET, and Toxins
Aluminum is a neurotoxin linked to various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome. Additionally, research from the Indian Institute of Science shows that PET degradation can contribute to hormonal imbalances, cancer, and weakened immunity. Despite ditching aluminum cookware years ago, my food storage habits may still be introducing aluminum into my system.
A study published by the Indian Institute of Science states that ingesting PET film degradation products can lead to hormonal imbalance, cancer, nervous system issues, and reduced immunity. According to the National Library of Medicine, aluminum is a proinflammatory, trivalent metal neurotoxin linked to cognitive decline and several human neurological disorders.
In simpler terms, these are serious diseases that aren’t easy to recover from.
Types of Mylar Bags on the Market
- Stand-Up Mylar Bags
- Black Mylar Bags
- Child-Lock Mylar Bags
- Die-Lock Styles
- Zipped and Sealed Bags
These types serve different purposes depending on what you’re storing.
Vacuum Sealing vs. Mylar Bags
Some people confuse vacuum sealing with Mylar bags, but they’re different. Vacuum sealing is great for freezing items but not ideal for long-term storage. Mylar bags, on the other hand, are designed to block light and moisture for extended shelf life.
Is Mylar the Best Option for Long-Term Storage?
According to Ibex Packaging, Mylar is food-safe and protects food from moisture and oxygen, helping it last up to 25 years. However, they caution against storing food in Mylar for more than five years, especially items like whole grains, granola, and dried meats. The natural enzymes in these foods can break down the bag material, leading to contamination.
Ibex Packaging further warns against storing dry foods like brown sugar, granola, whole wheat flour, and dried eggs for long periods in Mylar due to potential bag degradation.
The Problem with Mylar Bags Over Time
Frequent handling of your food storage can weaken Mylar bags. Even small imperfections in the foil layer, though claimed to be harmless by manufacturers, could release aluminum or plastic particles into your food over time.
Safer Alternatives for Food Storage
Glass jars with canning lids are one of the safest ways to store food, although they’re bulky. Personally, I prefer polyethylene and nylon vacuum-seal bags. They’re low in toxicity and offer excellent gas barrier properties. Nylon is especially good at blocking oxygen, while polyethylene adds a second layer of protection.
Polyethylene-nylon bags are puncture-resistant, flexible, and can last around 20 years when kept away from light and heat. They’re also affordable, making it easier to store food in small portions and reduce exposure when opening.
Final Thoughts
While Mylar bags are popular for long-term food storage, exploring safer options like polyethylene-nylon bags could give you peace of mind. By evaluating the risks and comparing storage methods, you can make better choices for your health and your pantry.
