How Food Savers Help You Store Food for Longer

Food savers, also known as vacuum sealers, are an excellent way to store food for extended periods, preserving its freshness and reducing waste. Whether you’re looking to save money, buy in bulk, or prepare for emergencies, food savers are a versatile tool. However, when considering emergency preparedness—especially for scenarios where power might be unavailable—it’s important to weigh the benefits and limitations of vacuum sealing against other long-term food storage options like freeze-dried foods and MREs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

  • What kinds of foods can be stored with a food saver
  • How long vacuum-sealed foods last
  • Why food savers are a great addition to your emergency plan
  • How they compare to freeze-dried foods and MREs

Food saver food vacuum sealer surrounded by food

What Foods Work Well with a Food Saver?

Food savers are incredibly versatile, enabling you to store a wide variety of foods:

  • Meats and Fish: Vacuum-sealing raw or cooked meats prevents freezer burn and extends their shelf life. Frozen vacuum-sealed meat can last 1-3 years, far longer than traditionally packaged meat.
  • Vegetables and Fruits: While fresh produce should be blanched or frozen before sealing, vacuum-sealing extends their storage life by up to 3 years.
  • Cheese: Vacuum-sealed blocks or slices of cheese resist mold and drying out, staying fresh for months.
  • Dry Goods: Grains, rice, pasta, and nuts remain protected from moisture, lasting 6 months to a year or more.
  • Prepared Meals: Portioning and vacuum-sealing pre-cooked meals or leftovers allows you to enjoy them later with minimal prep.

How Long Does Vacuum-Sealed Food Last?

By removing air, vacuum sealers significantly extend the shelf life of food:

  • Meats and Fish: Last 1-3 years in the freezer compared to 6 months with conventional storage.
  • Vegetables and Fruits: Extend from several months to 1-3 years when properly prepared and vacuum-sealed.
  • Grains, Nuts, and Snacks: Typically last 6 months to 1 year.

These extended storage times make vacuum-sealing an excellent option for both everyday use and short-term emergency preparedness.

food saver sealing beef

Are Food Savers Good for Emergency Preparedness?

Food savers play a valuable role in emergency preparedness, particularly for short-term scenarios where refrigeration or freezing is available. They help:

  • Preserve bulk food purchases for longer periods.
  • Reduce food waste by sealing leftovers or perishable items.
  • Provide easy, pre-portioned meals that save time in an emergency.

However, vacuum-sealing has limitations in emergencies involving prolonged power outages. If your freezer loses power for an extended period, vacuum-sealed food may spoil. For these situations, alternatives like freeze-dried foods and MREs offer better reliability.

Freeze-Dried Foods vs. MREs vs. Food Savers

When planning for emergencies, it’s important to understand how vacuum-sealed foods compare to freeze-dried foods and MREs:

  • Freeze dried strawberries from Augason FarmsFreeze-Dried Foods:
    • Shelf Life: Up to 25 years.
    • Storage Needs: Can be stored at room temperature.
    • Preparation: Add to boiling water, stir, and wait.
    • Best For: Long-term storage, evacuation scenarios, and extended power outages.
  • MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat):
    • Total Prepare MRE Shelf Life: 5-7 years.
    • Storage Needs: Compact and room-temperature storage.
    • Preparation: No cooking needed – meals are ready to eat.
    • Best For: Grab-and-go emergencies, camping, and disaster response.
  • Vacuum-Sealed Foods:
    • Shelf Life: Varies; up to 3 years for frozen items.
    • Storage Needs: Usually requires refrigeration or freezing.
    • Preparation: Often pre-cooked or ready to heat.
    • Best For: Everyday use and short-term emergencies.

 

Finding the Right Balance

While food savers are not ideal for long-term, power-independent storage, they remain a fantastic tool for daily use and as part of a layered emergency plan. Combining vacuum-sealed foods with freeze-dried options and MREs ensures you’re prepared for a variety of scenarios—from short-term disruptions to long-term evacuations.

By understanding the strengths and limitations of each storage method, you can build a comprehensive food preparedness strategy that meets your needs. Whether you’re saving money on groceries or preparing for the unexpected, food savers are a valuable addition to any kitchen or emergency kit.