What Is Vacuum Sealing?

Vacuum sealing is a food storage method that removes air from a bag or container before sealing it airtight. By reducing oxygen exposure, vacuum sealing helps slow food spoilage, preserve freshness, and extend shelf life in the fridge or freezer.

Vacuum sealing is commonly used in homes, commercial kitchens, and food manufacturing to store fresh ingredients, cooked meals, and dry goods more effectively than traditional storage methods.

How Does Vacuum Sealing Work?

Vacuum sealing works by extracting air from a specially designed bag or container and then sealing it to create an airtight environment.
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Food is placed inside a vacuum bag or container
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Air is removed using a vacuum pump
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The bag is sealed to prevent air re-entering
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Reduced oxygen slows bacterial growth and oxidation
This process helps keep food fresher for longer compared to traditional storage methods like ziplock bags or plastic containers.

Why Does Removing Air Help Preserve Food?

Oxygen plays a major role in food spoilage. When food is exposed to air, it degrades faster due to oxidation and increased bacterial activity.

Removing air through vacuum sealing helps:

  • Slow food spoilage
  • Reduce freezer burn
  • Preserve flavour and texture
  • Extend storage life

This is why vacuum sealing is often used for long-term food storage.

What Foods Can Be Vacuum Sealed?

A wide range of foods can be vacuum sealed for storage.

Common foods that can be vacuum sealed include:

  • Fresh meat and seafood
  • Cooked meals and leftovers
  • Vegetables and fruit
  • Cheese and deli products
  • Dry foods such as nuts, grains, and coffee

Both raw and cooked foods can be vacuum sealed when handled and stored correctly.

Types of Vacuum Sealing Systems

There are several types of vacuum sealing systems available, each suited to different needs.

Countertop vacuum sealers

For bulk food storage

Chamber vacuum sealers

Used in commercial settings

Portable vacuum sealers

For everyday use, meal prep, and camping

Portable vacuum sealers, such as Seal It, are commonly used for meal prep, small kitchens, camping, and caravans due to their compact size and compatibility with reusable vacuum bags.

Vacuum Sealing vs Traditional Food Storage

Traditional food storage methods such as ziplock bags and plastic containers trap air inside, which can accelerate food spoilage.

Vacuum sealing removes air before sealing, creating a more controlled storage environment. This helps food last longer compared to traditional storage methods and reduces exposure to oxygen that can affect food quality.

Is Vacuum Sealing the Same as Cryovac?

Vacuum sealing and cryovac both involve removing air from food packaging. Cryovac typically refers to industrial-grade vacuum sealing used in commercial food production, while vacuum sealing for home use is designed for convenience and everyday storage.

When Is Vacuum Sealing Most Useful?

  • Meal prepping

  • Bulk food buying

  • Freezer storage

  • Reducing food waste

  • Organising fridge and freezer space

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Vacuum sealing helps food last longer by reducing oxygen exposure, which slows spoilage and oxidation.

Yes. Vacuum sealing slows food spoilage but does not stop it completely. Proper food handling and storage temperatures are still important.

Vacuum sealing is safe for home food storage. Following food safety guidelines is essential.

Want to Learn More?

Checkout the the below pages:

Benefits of Vacuum Sealing
What Is Vacuum Sealing?
Vacuum Sealing vs Ziplock Bags