If you’re serious about long-term food storage like I am, you already know how important it is to choose the right kind of packaging. One of the most common questions I get asked is whether it’s better to store rice and beans in mylar bags or just stick with plastic containers. Well, after decades of preserving food for my family, let me share what actually works best.
Quick Verdict
If you’re storing rice and beans for more than a year, mylar bags are hands-down the better option. They’re more resistant to oxygen and light, and when used with oxygen absorbers, they keep food fresh for decades. Plastic containers work just fine for short- to mid-term use, but they don’t protect as well against air or pests over time.
That said, a combination of both can be ideal.
Why Mylar Works So Well
Mylar bags might not look like much, but they’re surprisingly tough. Made from metalized polyester, they block out air, light, and moisture—all the things that can ruin your food over time. If you toss in a good oxygen absorber and seal it up right, rice and beans can stay good for decades.
What’s worked best for me is pairing a 5-gallon Mylar bag with a sturdy, food-safe bucket. The bucket keeps out rodents and stops the bag from getting torn. It’s a simple combo, but it adds a lot of peace of mind when you’re storing staples for the long haul.
More on this: How to Store Rice and Beans Long Term: Tried and Tested Methods
Where Plastic Falls Short (and Where It Shines)
Plastic containers, even food-grade ones, are not fully airtight or lightproof, and over time, oxygen can slowly seep in. They also don’t protect well against rodents unless extremely heavy-duty.
However, they do work well for:
- Shorter-term storage (1–5 years)
- Dry environments where temperature and humidity are stable
- Storing vacuum-sealed bags or mylar pouches
In fact, using mylar bags inside plastic buckets is a popular and highly effective method. That way, you get the air protection of mylar with the structural integrity and pest resistance of plastic.
See also: Do Rice and Beans Really Last 30 Years? (What Shelf Life Claims Leave Out)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip oxygen absorbers with mylar bags. Without them, your food will degrade much faster.
- Don’t store in plastic bags alone (like Ziplocs). They’re way too permeable for long-term use.
- Keep everything in a cool, dark place. No matter what you use, temperature and light are huge factors in spoilage.
Final Thoughts
If you’re prepping for long-haul storage, don’t cut corners. Mylar bags are far superior when it comes to keeping rice and beans fresh, safe, and shelf-stable for the long term. Plastic containers have their place, especially when combined with mylar, but they shouldn’t be used alone for anything you plan to keep more than a few years.
If you’re interested in other tips and methods, don’t miss How to Vacuum Seal Rice and Beans for Storage (The Right Way) and How to Keep Beans from Losing Flavor in Storage.
Stay prepared,
Anne (Jelly Grandma)
Anne James—lovingly known as Jelly Grandma—is a professional canner, seasoned home cook, and lifelong preserver of traditional Southern skills. With over 55 years of hands-on experience in canning, gardening, cooking, and quilting, Anne brings generations of wisdom to every guide she writes.
Featured in both local media and by national brands like Hershey, Anne now shares her knowledge through PreservingSweetness.com and her YouTube channel, helping others rediscover the “old ways” of living well and making things from scratch.