Product Overview
Quick Specifications
| Thickness | 5 mil per side |
|---|---|
| Available sizes | 10" × 14", 10" × 16", 10" × 16" × 4" gusseted, and 10" × 16" tamper-evident |
| Nominal capacity | Approximately 1 to 1.25 gallons, depending on style |
| Available styles | Open top, taller open top, gusseted ziplock, or tamper-evident ziplock |
| Pack quantities | 50 or 200 bags |
| Oxygen absorber guidance | Use one 500cc ShieldPro oxygen absorber per properly filled 1-gallon bag of suitable low-moisture dry food. Increase capacity for additional bag volume or excess headspace. |
| Final closure | Heat seal for long-term storage; do not rely on the zipper alone |
| Intended contents | Suitable low-moisture dry foods and other dry goods |
Choose the bag that fits your project instead of forcing every food into the same package. These ShieldPro 1-gallon-class Mylar® bags are made with durable 5 mil per side construction and are available in four practical styles for home food storage, freeze-dried foods, pantry organization, and small-batch packaging.
- 5 mil per side: The thickness convention is stated clearly so you know what you are buying.
- Four functional styles: Choose compact open-top, taller open-top, gusseted ziplock, or tamper-evident ziplock bags.
- Heat-sealable: Create the final closure with an impulse sealer, household iron, or flat iron.
- Flexible pack sizes: Choose 50 bags for smaller projects or 200 bags for larger packing sessions.
Choose the Right Bag Style
| Style | Capacity | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| 10" × 14" open top | Exactly 1 gallon | Compact storage of rice, beans, lentils, oats, and similar dry foods |
| 10" × 16" open top | Approximately 1.125 gallons | Extra filling and sealing room for bulkier foods |
| 10" × 16" × 4" gusseted ziplock | Approximately 1.25 gallons | Stand-up filling, freeze-dried foods, snacks, and packages opened repeatedly |
| 10" × 16" tamper-evident ziplock | Approximately 1 gallon | Customer-facing packages where visible tamper evidence matters |
How the tamper-evident style works: The top is pre-sealed above the zipper and the bottom is left open for filling. After filling, heat seal the bottom. The finished package must be opened at the top before the zipper can be accessed.
Oxygen Absorber Recommendation
Official DMB recommendation: Use one 500cc ShieldPro oxygen absorber per properly filled 1-gallon Mylar bag of suitable low-moisture dry food. We standardize on 500cc to provide useful reserve capacity across dense and bulky foods. Use additional absorber capacity for the 1.125- and 1.25-gallon styles when their added volume creates more airspace, or whenever a bag contains substantial headspace.
Oxygen absorbers remove oxygen, not all of the air inside the bag. A sealed bag does not need to look vacuum-packed to be working properly.
Important: Do not use oxygen absorbers with moist or high-moisture foods. Oxygen absorbers are unnecessary for sugar and salt and may cause hardening or clumping. Follow food-specific storage guidance before packaging any product for long-term storage.
How to Seal for Long-Term Storage
- Place a suitable low-moisture dry food in the bag while leaving enough clean material above the food for sealing.
- Add the correctly sized oxygen absorber shortly before sealing.
- Remove excess air gently without crushing the contents.
- Heat seal across the full width of the bag. Ziplock styles must also be heat sealed.
- Inspect the seal, label the contents and date, and store the package in a cool, dry location. Use a rigid outer container when protection from rodents, crushing, or rough handling is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the stated thickness per side or total?
It is 5 mil per side.
Are ziplock bags suitable for long-term storage?
Yes, provided the bag is also properly heat sealed. The zipper provides convenience after opening; the heat seal creates the final long-term closure.
Which size is exactly one gallon?
The compact 10" × 14" open-top style is exactly one gallon. The other styles provide different amounts of filling space and closure functionality.
Can these bags be used for freeze-dried foods?
Yes. Freeze-dried foods often contain substantial internal airspace, so use appropriate oxygen absorber capacity and avoid under-sizing.
Can the bags be reused?
An undamaged bag may be reused for short-term storage if it is clean and completely dry. For long-term storage, use a fresh bag, a fresh oxygen absorber when appropriate, and a new heat seal.
Mylar® is a registered trademark of Mylar Specialty Films U.S. Limited Partnership.
