You can store rice long-term without Mylar bags, but you need to choose your alternative container carefully and avoid moisture, light, pests, and oxygen exposure.
Best Alternatives to Mylar Bags for Rice Storage
Mylar bags are tough, light-proof, and—when used with oxygen absorbers—create the kind of low-oxygen environment that’s ideal for long-term storage. That said, if you’re just getting started or working within a budget, there are other options that can still get the job done, each with trade-offs to consider.
1. Glass Jars (Mason, Canning, or Reused Jars)
- Best for: Smaller batches, rotating stock, and visual inspection.
- Benefits: Airtight, reusable, no plastic leaching. Clear, so you can spot condensation or bugs.
- Tips: Always dry thoroughly before use. Pair with oxygen absorbers (check out: How Many CCs You Need (Oxygen Absorber Sizing Made Simple)). Store in a dark cabinet or add a light-blocking wrap.
2. Food-Grade Plastic Buckets
- Best for: Bulk storage when paired with a Mylar liner or if you plan to rotate through stock.
- Benefits: Stackable, holds 25-35 lbs of rice. Durable.
- Risks: Not fully airtight alone. Allows slow oxygen penetration over time.
- Fixes: Use gamma seal lids or vacuum-seal smaller bags inside the bucket. See How to Vacuum Seal Rice for Storage (And When It’s Worth Doing).
3. PETE Plastic Bottles (Like 2-Liter Soda Bottles)
- Best for: Budget-conscious storage in small units.
- Benefits: Strong, moisture-resistant, free. Pairs well with small oxygen absorbers.
- Warnings: Only use clean, fully dry bottles. Don’t use milk jugs—too porous and easy to puncture.
4. Vacuum-Sealed Bags
- Best for: Short-to-mid-term storage (1–5 years), rotating pantry stock.
- Benefits: Reduces air, protects from pests. Easy to portion.
- Limitations: Not airtight forever. Eventually breaks down. Store in cool, dark, pest-proof location.
Storage Methods That Don’t Work (Or Should Be Avoided Long Term)
1. Rice in Original Packaging
- Thin plastic or paper bags allow moisture and pests in. Not airtight. Even unopened, these degrade fast.
2. Unsealed Containers (e.g., Lidded Bins, Tupperware, Zip Bags)
- These allow too much air exchange. Rodents and bugs can chew through them. Only use for daily pantry use.
3. Storing in Damp or Warm Environments
- Moisture + heat = mold, bugs, or rancidity. For tips on drying rice before storage, see: How to Tell If Rice Is Too Moist (And How to Dry It Before Storing).
How Long Can You Expect Rice to Last Without Mylar?
- White rice in vacuum-sealed or glass containers (with oxygen absorbers): 5–10 years
- Stored in PETE bottles with absorbers: Up to 10 years
- Plain buckets without liners: About 1 year
- Brown rice: 6 months to 1 year unless frozen or vacuum sealed
Bottom Line
You don’t have to use Mylar bags to store rice successfully, but you do need to control for air, moisture, light, and pests. Vacuum-sealing, PETE bottles, and canning jars all work well if done properly. If you’re looking to store rice for 20+ years, though, Mylar with oxygen absorbers is still the gold standard. For more, see the step-by-step guide to storing rice long term.
Thanks for stoppin’ by!
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.