Vacuum Sealing vs Ziplock Bags

Vacuum sealing and ziplock bags are both commonly used for food storage, but they work in very different ways. The main difference is how much air remains inside the storage bag, which directly affects how long food stays fresh.

How Vacuum Sealing Works Compared to Ziplock Bags

Vacuum sealing removes most of the air from a bag before sealing it airtight. Ziplock bags rely on manually pressing air out before closing the seal, which leaves more air inside the bag.

Because vacuum sealing removes more air, it provides better protection against oxygen exposure than ziplock bags.

Food Freshness and Shelf Life

Air plays a key role in food spoilage. The more air that remains in contact with food, the faster spoilage occurs.

Feature Vacuum Sealing Ziplock Bags
Oxygen Exposure Reduces oxygen exposure significantly Trap some air inside
Spoilage Rate Slows spoilage and oxidation Allow faster spoilage
Storage Duration Helps food last longer in storage Better suited for short-term storage

Freezer Storage and Freezer Burn

Freezer burn happens when frozen food is exposed to air. Vacuum sealing limits air contact, which helps reduce freezer burn.

Ziplock bags often allow small amounts of air to remain inside, increasing the likelihood of freezer burn over time.

Storage Efficiency

Vacuum sealed bags are more compact because air is removed before sealing.

Ziplock bags tend to take up more space due to trapped air, which can make fridge and freezer organisation more difficult.

Reusability and Waste

Some vacuum sealing systems use reusable bags, while others use disposable bags.

Reusable vacuum bag systems, such as those used with Seal It, are often chosen by households looking to reduce single-use plastic waste. Ziplock bags are typically single-use or degrade after limited reuse.

Ease of Use

Ziplock bags are simple to use and do not require any additional tools. Vacuum sealing requires a vacuum sealing device but provides more consistent results for long-term storage.

Both options can be useful depending on storage needs and how long food needs to be kept fresh.

When to Use Vacuum Sealing vs Ziplock Bags

Vacuum sealing is generally better for:

  • Long-term fridge or freezer storage
  • Meal prep
  • Bulk food storage
  • Reducing food waste

Ziplock bags are better suited for:

  • Short-term storage
  • Transporting snacks
  • Temporary food storage

Frequently asked questions

Vacuum sealing is more effective than ziplock bags for long-term food storage because it removes more air and slows spoilage.

Some ziplock-style bags are designed to work with vacuum sealers, but standard ziplock bags are not airtight enough for proper vacuum sealing.

Yes. Ziplock bags can be used in the freezer, but food may be more prone to freezer burn compared to vacuum sealed storage.