Vacuum sealing fresh or cooked food is one way to keep it safe and edible for a long time. However, if you’re unsure exactly how long vacuum-sealed foods last, this guide has the details to help.
Generally, vacuum sealing can stretch the shelf life of your food for two to five times longer. The precise duration depends on the storage method used after vacuum sealing and the food type.
For example, frozen vacuum-sealed food can last 2 to 3 years, while sealed pantry items can last for several months.
To be extra specific, let’s categorise food items and identify their approximate shelf life when vacuum-sealed.
Shelf Life of Meat Products
Raw meats like beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and fish can stay fresh for 6 months when frozen. On the other hand, frozen ground or minced meats have a 4-month lifespan.
However, when vacuum sealed, these food items last three times longer. In addition to extended lifespan, vacuum-sealed meats also get freezer burn protection.
| Meat Products | Storage Method | Regular Lifespan | Vacuum-Sealed Lifespan |
| Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, duck/goose | Freezer | 6 months | 2 to 3 years |
| Minced meat | Freezer | 4 months | 1 year |
| Deli meat (opened) | Refrigerator/Freezer | 5 days/3 months | 4 weeks/1 year |
| Fish | Freezer | 3 to 12 months | 1 to 2 years |
| Shrimp and lobster | Freezer | 6 to 12 months | 1 to 2 years |
| Crab | Freezer | 2 months | 8 to 10 months |
Shelf Life of Fruits and Berries
Buying fresh fruits is best when they are in season. However, we often hesitate to buy them in bulk because of their short lifespan.
Hard fruits like apples can stay fresh in the pantry for a few weeks, while delicate foods like berries can only last for a few days in the fridge.
Storing these food items in vacuum-sealed bags is best if you want fruits to stay fresh longer. Our guide on vacuum sealing fresh produce also has helpful steps and tips.
| Fruits and Berries | Storage Method | Regular Lifespan | Vacuum-Sealed Lifespan |
| Apples | Refrigerator | 2 to 4 weeks | 2 months |
| Citrus fruits and pineapple | Refrigerator | 1 to 2 weeks | 1 month |
| Apricots, plums, peaches, and mangoes | Freezer | 6 to 12 months | 1 to 3 years |
| Tomatoes | Freezer | 1 to 2 weeks | 6 to 12 months |
| Strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries | Refrigerator/Freezer | 1 to 3 days/3 months | 1 week/6 months |
| Blueberries, cranberries, and huckleberries | Refrigerator/Freezer | 3 to 6 days/4 months | 2 weeks/8 months |
| Grapes | Refrigerator/Freezer | 4 to 6 days/4 months | 2 weeks/8 months |
Shelf Life of Vegetables
Proper storage know-how is crucial if you have a vegetable garden at home or happen to buy lots of seasonal veggies.
Vegetables can wilt, brown, and lose their nutritional value fast. You can preserve their quality for longer through vacuum sealing.
However, you should blanch some vegetables before freezing them in vacuum bags. Otherwise, the ethylene gas they naturally release will result in faster spoilage.
Also, note that potato lifespan can vary depending on how long you want it to stay fresh. Specifically, you can store unpeeled fresh potatoes in the pantry for 3 to 5 weeks.
If you want to preserve them longer, peel and slice the potatoes, vacuum seal them, and then store them in the freezer for 6 months to 1 year.
| Vegetables | Storage Method | Regular Lifespan | Vacuum-Sealed Lifespan |
| Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower (blanched) | Freezer | 8 months | 2 to 3 years |
| Asparagus, green beans, and snap peas | Freezer | 8 months | 2 to 3 years |
| Corn (cob or kernel) | Freezer | 8 months | 2 to 3 years |
| Lettuce | Refrigerator | 1 to 3 days | 2 to 4 weeks |
Shelf Life of Cheeses
Pasteurised, firm and semi-soft cheeses typically last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. After that, they start to dry up or grow moulds.
Vacuum-sealing cheese is an effective way to keep it fresh. However, the lifespan of vacuum-sealed cheeses varies based on type and maturity.
Also, note that soft cheeses like brie and camembert should not stored in a vacuum.
These cheese types need air to preserve freshness. It’s best to keep them in their original packaging or wrap them in parchment paper.
| Cheeses | Storage Method | Regular Lifespan | Vacuum-Sealed Lifespan |
| Hard cheeses (Parmesan, Emmental, Pecorino) | Refrigerator | 1 month | 4 to 8 months |
| Semi-hard cheeses (cheddar, Provolone, Gouda) | Refrigerator | 1 to 2 weeks | 3 to 4 months |
Shelf Life of Baked Products
Store-bought bakery foods are good to have on hand. But they can quickly become stale if not stored properly.
On the other hand, making homemade goodies can take time, so we prefer to prep or bake them ahead of time. This route also requires proper storage.
It’s a good thing both can last long when vacuum sealed. When doing this, consider par-freezing soft bread or muffins first before sealing. This extra step should avoid deforming the product during air suction.
| Baked Goods | Storage Method | Regular Lifespan | Vacuum-Sealed Lifespan |
| Breads and pastries | Freezer | 2 to 3 months | 1 to 3 years |
| Muffins | Freezer | 6 to 12 months | 2 years |
| Pancakes and waffles | Freezer | 1 month | 1 year |
| Cookie dough | Freezer | 3 months | 1 year |
| Cookies (homemade) | Pantry | 3 to 5 days | 2 weeks |
| Croutons | Pantry | 6 months | 1 year |
Shelf Life of Dry Food Items and Snacks
When buying crackers and cereals in bulk, we often leave them in their original packaging and use food clips to keep them sealed.
The problem is that sealing and reopening them constantly affect their quality. Some go stale, while others lose crispness.
Opened packages of pasta or rice are also at risk of pest infestations. It’s best to portion and store these food items in vacuum-sealed bags to make them last long.
| Dry Foods and Snacks | Storage Method | Regular Lifespan | Vacuum-Sealed Lifespan |
| Coffee (beans) | Pantry/Freezer | 1 to 3 months/6 to 8 months | 1 year/2 to 3 years |
| Coffee (ground) | Pantry/Freezer | 1 to 2 months/4 to 6 months | 5 to 6 months/2 years |
| Tea (loose or bagged) | Pantry/Freezer | 8 to 12 months | 1 to 2 years |
| Rice (white) and pasta | Pantry | 1 to 2 years | 2 to 3 years |
| Rice (brown) | Pantry | 6 months | 1 year |
| Beans and grains | Pantry | 6 months | 1 year |
| Cereals (raw and cooked) | Pantry | 1 year | 2 years |
| Chips and crackers | Pantry | 1 to 2 weeks | 1 to 2 months |
| Nuts and seeds (peanuts, almonds, pistachios) | Pantry | 6 months | 1 year |
Shelf Life of Baking and Cooking Ingredients
Ingredients for baking and cooking typically have a long shelf life. However, as we often leave them in the pantry or cabinets, their exposure to air is high.
As a result, dry staples like flour and herbs are prone to insect infestation and mould growth. Powdery food items also tend to harden or form clumps, especially when humidity is high.
Cooking oils can also develop a rancid odour and flavour due to oxidation. You can avoid all these problems with vacuum sealing.
When you buy a big sack of flour or litres of oil, you can put some on the kitchen counter, then store the rest in portioned vacuum bags to keep them fresh.
| Ingredients | Storage Method | Regular Lifespan | Vacuum-Sealed Lifespan |
| Flour | Pantry | 5 to 6 months | 1 to 2 years |
| Sugar (white, brown) | Pantry | 5 to 6 months | 1 to 2 years |
| Dry or powdered milk | Pantry | 5 to 6 months | 1 to 2 years |
| Herbs | Pantry | 1 year | 2 to 3 years |
| Spices (ground) | Pantry | 6 months | 1 year |
| Spices (whole) | Pantry | 1 to 2 years | 3 years |
| Oils (canola, corn, safflower) | Pantry | 5 to 6 months | 1 year |
Shelf Life of Cooked Foods
If you love meal prepping, make your cooked foods last long by storing them in vacuum sealer bags or containers.
This practice can save you a lot of time and money. Just make sure to label them.
| Cooked Foods | Storage Method | Regular Lifespan | Vacuum-Sealed Lifespan |
| Broths and sauces | Freezer | 3 to 6 months | 1 to 2 years |
| Soups | Freezer | 3 to 6 months | 1 to 2 years |
| Stews | Freezer | 3 to 6 months | 1 to 2 years |
Final Thoughts
Vacuum sealing is an effective way to keep your food fresh for a long time. However, it is also crucial to know how long these food items last when vacuum sealed so you can use or consume them in time.
Hopefully, this guide was a big help. Use this as a reference the next time you buy and store groceries. Also, if you’re looking for a high-quality food vacuum sealer, check out our top picks and buying guide next.
