Vacuum sealing has become an invaluable tool in food preservation, allowing both households and businesses to extend the freshness of perishable items.

This method works by removing air from food packaging, thereby reducing the amount of oxygen that bacteria need to thrive.

From extending shelf life to preserving flavours, vacuum sealing offers several benefits and is highly effective for maintaining food quality across various storage conditions.

How vacuum sealing extends shelf life

Vacuum sealing is particularly effective at slowing down the natural degradation process by creating an oxygen-free environment. Bacteria, mould, and yeast require oxygen to grow, so by vacuum-packing foods, the chances of spoilage are significantly reduced.

This is particularly beneficial for foods stored in the freezer, where vacuum sealing helps prevent freezer burn — a common issue where ice crystals form on the food surface, causing dehydration and loss of flavour.

For example, vacuum-sealed meats can last up to three years in the freezer, compared to the typical four to twelve months when stored conventionally. Similarly, vegetables such as green beans can be preserved for up to two or three years, much longer than their usual eight-month shelf life.

This impressive extension makes vacuum sealing ideal for households looking to reduce waste, as well as for businesses that handle large volumes of perishable goods.

However, vacuum sealing doesn’t guarantee indefinite freshness. Foods must still be stored correctly to maximise shelf life, and it’s crucial to check food quality periodically.

For certain items, like coffee beans, vacuum sealing may not increase their longevity but does help retain flavour by slowing oxidation.

Storage options: freezer, fridge, and room temperature

Vacuum-sealed foods can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer, with each option offering different benefits. Generally, the lower the temperature, the longer the shelf life — especially when paired with vacuum sealing. Let’s examine how vacuum-sealed food performs in each environment:

• Freezer storage: Freezing vacuum-sealed foods is perhaps the most effective way to extend their lifespan. Foods that typically last only a few months in a freezer, such as ground meat or fish, can be stored for up to a year when vacuum-sealed. Vacuum sealing also reduces the likelihood of freezer burn by minimising exposure to cold, dry air, which can alter the texture and taste of food.
• Fridge storage: For foods stored in the refrigerator, vacuum sealing can extend their freshness significantly. For instance, cooked chicken lasts only three to four days in regular storage but can last up to two weeks when vacuum-sealed. Similarly, vacuum-sealed cheese can last four to six months, compared to six to eight weeks in standard conditions. Leafy greens like lettuce or spinach, which normally last a week, can stay fresh for up to two weeks.
• Room temperature storage: Some dry goods, such as grains, nuts, and coffee, benefit from vacuum sealing even at room temperature. For example, grains like rice can last for years when vacuum-sealed, whereas brown rice typically has a shelf life of just six months due to its higher oil content. Coffee beans maintain their flavour for six to nine months when vacuum-sealed, compared to three to five months under standard storage. This option is particularly useful for preserving bulk dry ingredients without refrigeration.

Key considerations for effective vacuum sealing

While vacuum sealing offers numerous benefits, it’s important to follow certain practices to ensure food safety and maximise effectiveness. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Proper blanching of vegetables: For many vegetables, especially cruciferous varieties like broccoli and cabbage, blanching before vacuum sealing is essential. These vegetables naturally release gases that can cause the vacuum seal to expand or break, potentially spoiling the food. Blanching helps neutralise these gases and preserves the food’s quality during storage.
2. Monitoring the seal: Over time, vacuum seals may lose their integrity, especially if the package is handled frequently or exposed to moisture. Regularly check the seal to ensure it hasn’t loosened. For foods stored for extended periods, especially in freezers, it’s a good idea to inspect seals periodically to avoid spoilage or freezer burn.
3. Label and rotate stored foods: While vacuum sealing extends shelf life, foods will still degrade over time. Clearly label each item with the date of packaging and the expected shelf life. Practising FIFO (first in, first out) rotation ensures that older items are used first, minimising waste.
4. Temperature-sensitive items: Not all foods benefit equally from vacuum sealing. For example, certain delicate baked goods, such as pastries or cookies, may lose texture if stored at room temperature for extended periods. Refrigerating or freezing vacuum-sealed baked items can help maintain their texture, extending freshness while preventing spoilage.

A valuable solution for food waste reduction

In recent years, vacuum sealing has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in reducing food waste. For households, it offers a way to purchase and store food in bulk without worrying about spoilage.

For the food industry, it enhances supply chain efficiency by reducing the frequency of food spoilage and waste. This is particularly crucial in the current climate, where sustainability is a top concern and businesses are under pressure to minimise waste.

Vacuum sealing is also used in commercial food processing and packaging, providing a hygienic and space-efficient way to extend shelf life. Since its inception in the 1950s, vacuum sealing has evolved from a niche preservation technique into a mainstream packaging solution.

It’s now widely adopted across various sectors, from supermarkets to high-end restaurants, due to its reliability in maintaining food quality and safety.

Ultimately, vacuum sealing presents a win-win for both consumers and businesses by reducing waste, enhancing food safety, and preserving freshness. However, it’s important to combine vacuum sealing with proper storage and handling practices to achieve optimal results.

The takeaway

Vacuum sealing is a powerful tool for food preservation, offering flexibility for storing a wide range of products from fresh produce to dry goods. By removing oxygen, vacuum sealing slows spoilage, maintains flavour, and significantly extends shelf life across various storage conditions.

This method, coupled with careful food handling and storage, is highly effective for reducing waste and improving the efficiency of food storage, whether in a commercial setting or at home.

With sustainability and cost-effectiveness becoming top priorities in food packaging, vacuum sealing stands out as an accessible and practical solution that packaging professionals and consumers alike can benefit from.