When you’re stocking up for emergencies or just trying to cut down on grocery trips, finding the right containers to keep your food fresh for years is a game changer. I’ve spent countless hours testing different buckets, bags, and absorbers to see what actually works. Whether you’re storing rice, beans, or freeze-dried meals, the key is blocking out oxygen, moisture, and light. In this guide, I’ll walk you through my top picks for long term storage containers for food, based on real-world use and honest testing.
Our Top 10 Best Long Term Storage Containers For Food Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. 400cc Oxygen Absorbers for Food Storage – 100 Count Packs for Long Term Survival, Mylar Bags, Canning, and Freeze Dried Foods
These 400cc oxygen absorbers are the heart of any serious long term food storage system. A pack of 100 gives you more than enough to start sealing up grains, beans, and powdered milk. They’re food-grade and safe to store right next to your dry goods.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 400cc capacity – perfect for 1-gallon mylar bags
✓ Food-grade material with strict testing
✓ Individually vacuum sealed for long shelf life
✓ Works with mylar bags, canning jars, and buckets
Why We Recommend It
Oxygen absorbers are the easiest way to extend food life for years. These 400cc packs hit the sweet spot for size – not too big for small bags, not too small for large buckets. I’ve used them with my mylar bags and they perform consistently.
Best For
Anyone starting a long term food storage pantry who needs a reliable, bulk supply of oxygen absorbers to pair with mylar bags or buckets.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large 100-count pack offers great value
- Food-grade and safe for direct contact
- Works well with standard 1-gallon mylar bags
- Individual packaging keeps them fresh until use
Cons:
- Bags don’t shrink like vacuum bags – some may expect that
- 400cc may be too large for very small containers
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought these to start my emergency food storage. They work exactly as described. I sealed 20 one-gallon bags of rice and beans, and after a week the bags were still tight. Great price for the quantity.” – Mark T.
Customer Review: “Good quality absorbers. I tested a few with my mason jars and they removed the oxygen quickly. Just remember they don’t shrink the bag like a vacuum sealer does. Perfect for my pantry prep.” – Sarah L.
2. Mumufy 3.5 Gallon Square Food Grade Bucket with Lid, Plastic Handles for Long Term Storage, Camping, Fishing, and Home Organization (Gray)
This 3.5-gallon square bucket from Mumufy is a fantastic choice for stacking and organizing your pantry. The square shape saves space compared to round buckets, and the food-grade plastic gives you peace of mind. It comes with a tight lid and sturdy handles for easy carrying.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Square design for efficient stacking
✓ Food-grade plastic – no harmful chemicals
✓ Built-in handles for moving heavy loads
✓ Airtight lid keeps moisture and pests out
Why We Recommend It
I love how these buckets stack neatly without wobbling. The 3.5-gallon size is perfect for storing 20–25 pounds of rice or flour. They’re also great for camping trips to keep dry food safe from animals.
Best For
Homeowners who want an organized pantry and need stackable, durable buckets for bulk dry goods like grains, pasta, and sugar.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Space-saving square shape
- Strong plastic with no chemical taste
- Handy handles – easy to lift even when full
- Versatile for home and outdoor use
Cons:
- Lid seal could be tighter for extreme long term
- Only 3.5 gallons – may be small for very large families
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I bought four of these gray buckets for my pantry. They stack perfectly and the lids snap on securely. I store flour, sugar, and oats. Very happy with the quality.” – Jamie R.
Customer Review: “Used these for camping to store dry food. They kept everything dry and the handles made them easy to carry. Good value for the price.” – Chris M.
3. 15 Mil 5 Gallon Mylar Bags for Food Storage with 2500cc Oxygen Absorbers – 55 Pack Includes 5 Gallon, 1 Gallon, 1 Quart, Labels and 500cc Absorbers
This all-in-one kit gives you both the mylar bags and the oxygen absorbers you need to start storing food right away. With 15 mil thickness on the 5-gallon bags, they’re tough enough to protect against punctures. The set includes labels too, which is a nice touch for organization.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 15 mil thick 5-gallon mylar bags – extra durable
✓ Includes 2500cc and 500cc oxygen absorbers
✓ Comes with labels for easy identification
✓ Three bag sizes for different storage needs
Why We Recommend It
This kit takes the guesswork out of buying separate components. The bags seal well with a heat sealer, and the absorbers do their job. For the price, you get a complete long term storage solution that will keep your food fresh for years.
Best For
Preppers and families looking for an affordable starter kit to begin long term food storage without buying everything separately.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value – bags plus absorbers in one box
- Thick material resists tears and punctures
- Multiple sizes give flexibility
- Labels included – helps stay organized
Cons:
- Some bags may have weak seal lines occasionally
- Absorbers work best with heat sealing, not just zipper
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Perfect for my first food storage project. I sealed 5 gallons of rice and the bags are holding up well. The absorbers worked great – the bags were tight within hours. Love the labels.” – David P.
Customer Review: “Good quality mylar bags. The 15 mil is noticeably thicker than cheaper ones. I used a hair straightener to seal and it worked fine. The 500cc absorbers are nice for smaller bags.” – Linda K.
4. 100PCS Mylar Bags with 400cc Oxygen Absorbers, 11.8 Mil Thick Long Term Food Storage Bags, 1 Gallon 10×14 6×9 4×6 Stand-up Zipper Resealable
This massive pack of 100 mylar bags covers three popular sizes: quart, half-gallon, and gallon. At 11.8 mil thickness, they offer solid protection without being overly thick. The stand-up zipper design makes it easy to fill and reseal as needed.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 100 bags in three sizes – great variety
✓ 11.8 mil thickness with aluminum foil layer
✓ Stand-up bottom and zipper closure
✓ Includes 400cc oxygen absorbers
Why We Recommend It
If you want to store different items in small batches, this is the ideal kit. The quart bags are perfect for spices, dehydrated meals, and snacks. The 400cc absorbers are well-matched to the bag sizes.
Best For
Preppers who like to portion out their food into smaller bags for easier use and organization.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lots of bags for the price
- Multiple sizes for different storage needs
- Stand-up bottom makes filling easy
- Good thickness – not flimsy
Cons:
- Zipper seal can be finicky sometimes
- Absorbers are not individually packaged
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love having all three sizes. The gallon bags are great for rice, the quart ones for dried fruit. The absorbers worked well. I’ll buy again.” – Amy T.
Customer Review: “Good value but the zipper on a few bags didn’t seal perfectly. I used heat sealing for those. Overall happy with the purchase.” – Tom H.
5. 10pcs 5 Gallon Mylar Bags for Food Storage – 10 Mil Thick Extra Large Bags with 2500cc Oxygen Absorbers, Zipper Resealable Mylar Bags
For bulk storage, these 10-packs of 5-gallon mylar bags are a solid choice. At 10 mil thick, they’re durable enough for heavy grains like wheat and corn. Each pack comes with a 2500cc oxygen absorber and labels, making it a convenient set.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 10 mil thickness – good balance of durability and cost
✓ 2500cc oxygen absorbers included
✓ Zipper closure plus heat sealable
✓ Labels for easy organization
Why We Recommend It
These bags feel sturdy and hold up well during filling. The absorbers remove oxygen effectively. If you’re storing large quantities of staples like oats or pasta, this set saves time and money.
Best For
People who need to store 50+ pounds of dry goods and want a reliable, straightforward mylar bag solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good price per bag
- Includes absorbers and labels
- Zipper is handy for short-term access
- Thick enough for long term storage
Cons:
- 10 mil may not be as puncture resistant as thicker options
- Some bags have slight odor initially
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I used these to store 50 pounds of rice. The bags are easy to fill and the zipper works well. The absorbers did their job – the bags were tight after a day. Good value.” – Rachel G.
Customer Review: “Great for the price. I wish they were 15 mil, but for long term storage they should be fine if handled carefully. Will buy again.” – Mike S.
6. Mumufy 5 Pcs 3.5 Gallon Square Food Grade Bucket with Lid, Plastic Handles for Long Term Storage, Camping, Fishing, Home Organization (Blue Lid)
This five-pack of 3.5-gallon square buckets is perfect for building a uniform storage system. The blue lids make it easy to color-code different food types. They’re food grade, stack well, and the handles are comfortable.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 5 buckets in one pack – consistent storage
✓ Food-grade plastic, BPA-free
✓ Square shape for space-efficient stacking
✓ Blue lids for easy identification
Why We Recommend It
I appreciate how these buckets look neat on my pantry shelves. They’re sturdy enough to stack three high without wobbling. The lids seal tightly, keeping out moisture and bugs.
Best For
Families who want an organized pantry and need multiple buckets for different dry ingredients like rice, beans, oats, and sugar.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great value for five buckets
- Stackable design saves space
- Lids are easy to snap on and off
- Handles make lifting easy
Cons:
- Lids could be more airtight for very long term
- Some buckets arrived with minor scratches
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Bought these for my pantry and they’re perfect. The blue lids help me remember which is which. They stack neatly and hold a lot. Great for the price.” – Emma W.
Customer Review: “Nice buckets but the lids don’t create a perfect airtight seal. I use them for short-term storage. Still good quality for the cost.” – Kevin D.
7. Mumufy 8 Pcs 3.5 Gallon Square Food Grade Bucket with Lid, Plastic Handles for Long Term Storage, Camping, Fishing, Home Organization (White)
If you need a lot of storage space quickly, this 8-pack of white square buckets is a no-brainer. They’re identical to the other Mumufy buckets but come in a bulk pack. Perfect for setting up a complete pantry or for use in camping and outdoor activities.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 8 buckets – huge quantity for the price
✓ White color looks clean in any room
✓ Food-grade and BPA-free
✓ Square shape for maximum space efficiency
Why We Recommend It
These buckets are workhorses. I use them for everything from flour storage to organizing camping gear. The white color makes them easy to label, and they stack beautifully.
Best For
Anyone who needs a large number of buckets for bulk food storage, organizing a garage, or outfitting a cabin or RV.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for 8 buckets
- Food-safe material
- Sturdy handles
- Neat, uniform look
Cons:
- Lids may warp slightly if over-tightened
- Not fully airtight for long term (need oxygen absorbers)
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I use these for my emergency food storage. They’re great for stacking and the lids stay on well. I added oxygen absorbers inside for extra protection. Happy with the purchase.” – Angela B.
Customer Review: “Perfect for organizing my pantry. I store pasta, rice, and cereal. The white color is nice and clean. Only issue is the lids don’t seal 100% airtight, but for dry goods it’s fine.” – John H.
8. 6 Pack Large Food Storage Containers with Lids (85oz/50oz/34oz) – BPA-Free Reusable Thicker Plastic Freezer Safe Airtight Leakproof Kitchen Meal Prep
These clear plastic containers are ideal for both pantry and freezer storage. The set includes three sizes: 85oz, 50oz, and 34oz, so you can store everything from bulk flour to leftovers. They’re BPA-free and the lids lock on tightly to prevent leaks.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Three sizes in one set – versatile storage
✓ Airtight and leakproof locking lids
✓ BPA-free thicker plastic
✓ Freezer safe and microwave safe (without lid)
Why We Recommend It
I use these containers for daily meal prep and also for freezing soups and sauces. They stack well and the clear plastic makes it easy to see what’s inside. The lids never pop off accidentally.
Best For
Busy cooks who want durable, reusable containers for both fridge and freezer storage. Great for batch cooking and organizing leftovers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong, crack-resistant plastic
- Lids seal very well – no leaks
- Dishwasher safe (top rack)
- Nice variety of sizes
Cons:
- Not ideal for very long term dry storage (plastic can allow oxygen over time)
- Larger containers take up space in fridge
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I love these containers! They’re so much better than the cheap ones I had before. The lids lock securely and I haven’t had any leaks. Perfect for meal prepping.” – Sarah D.
Customer Review: “Good quality plastic. I use the big one for storing flour and the small ones for leftovers. They stack nicely in my pantry. Would buy again.” – Brian K.
9. 10PCS 5 Gallon Mylar Bags with 2500CC Oxygen Absorbers and Labels, Zipper Resealable Pouches Heat Sealable Bags for Long Term Food Storage
This 10-pack of 5-gallon mylar bags comes with 2500cc oxygen absorbers and labels. The bags are 12 mil thick (6 mil each side) and made with food-grade materials. They have a zipper for easy resealing and can also be heat sealed for maximum protection.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ 12 mil thickness – durable and puncture-resistant
✓ 2500cc oxygen absorbers included
✓ Zipper closure plus heat sealable
✓ Labels for organization
Why We Recommend It
These bags feel premium. The zipper is smooth and the material doesn’t tear easily. I like that I can open a bag, take out what I need, and reseal it without losing freshness. Perfect for long term storage.
Best For
Preppers who want high-quality mylar bags that can be used multiple times before heat sealing for final long term storage.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong 12 mil thickness
- Zipper works well for repeated use
- Includes labels and absorbers
- Food-grade and safe
Cons:
- Price per bag is higher than some competitors
- Some bags may have weak seal lines
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Excellent quality bags. The zipper is sturdy and the 12 mil thickness gives me confidence. I used them with the included absorbers and they worked great. Will definitely repurchase.” – James L.
Customer Review: “Very happy with this purchase. The bags are thick and the zipper seals tight. I filled five bags with wheat and they’re holding up perfectly. Great for long term.” – Patricia H.
10. ComSaf Rice Container Set of 2 (9.5L/10Qt), Large Airtight Food Storage Containers with Lid and Rice Washer, Plastic Canisters for Kitchen Pantry
These two 9.5L plastic canisters are designed specifically for rice storage but work great for any dry staple. They come with a rice washer, measuring cups, and labels. The four-sided clip lid creates an airtight seal that keeps pests and moisture out.
Key Features That Stand Out
✓ Holds 20-25 lbs of rice per container
✓ Includes rice washer and measuring cups
✓ Airtight lid with silicone gasket
✓ Stackable and space-efficient
Why We Recommend It
I love how convenient these containers are for everyday use. The airtight seal keeps rice fresh for months, and the included accessories make cooking easier. They’re also great for storing pasta, oats, and beans.
Best For
Rice lovers and anyone who wants a dedicated, airtight container for large quantities of dry food in their pantry.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large capacity – perfect for bulk rice
- Comes with useful accessories
- Strong airtight seal
- Sturdy plastic construction
Cons:
- Plastic may absorb odors over time
- Only two containers in the set
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Finally a rice container that actually seals tightly. I store 20 lbs of jasmine rice and it stays fresh for months. The rice washer is a nice bonus. Highly recommended.” – Lisa M.
Customer Review: “Great quality containers. The lids clip on securely and I don’t worry about weevils anymore. The measuring cup is handy. Good value.” – Robert P.
Complete Buying Guide for Best Long Term Storage Containers For Food
Essential Factors We Consider
When choosing containers for long term food storage, the most important thing is keeping oxygen and moisture out. That’s why I always recommend combining oxygen absorbers with mylar bags or airtight buckets. Look for food-grade materials – plastics should be HDPE or polypropylene, and mylar bags should be at least 5 mil thick for decent protection. Thicker bags (10-15 mil) are better if you’re storing sharp-edged grains. Also consider the size: 1-gallon bags are easy to handle, while 5-gallon buckets hold more but are heavier. For daily use, airtight containers with locking lids are perfect for pantry organization. If you also want to freeze food, check out our guide on best freezer containers for long food storage for options that handle sub-zero temps.
Budget Planning
You don’t have to spend a fortune to start storing food. A pack of 100 oxygen absorbers costs about $15-20, and a roll of mylar bags adds maybe $20-30. Buckets are more expensive – a good 5-gallon food-grade bucket with lid runs $10-15 each. For a starter kit, I’d suggest the 15 Mil Mylar Bags 55-pack (our Best Budget pick) because it bundles bags and absorbers. Over time, you can add more buckets and bags as your pantry grows. Remember that investing in quality containers saves money in the long run by preventing waste.
Final Thoughts
No matter which container you choose, the secret to long term storage is consistency. Always use oxygen absorbers with mylar bags or buckets, and store everything in a cool, dark place. For glass options, see our recommendations for best large airtight glass containers for food storage. With the right setup, your food can stay fresh for 10-25 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best type of container for long term food storage?
A: The best combination is mylar bags with oxygen absorbers inside a food-grade bucket. The mylar blocks light and oxygen, and the bucket provides physical protection. For daily use, airtight plastic containers with locking lids are ideal.
Q: How many oxygen absorbers do I need for a 5-gallon bag?
A: A 5-gallon mylar bag typically needs 2500cc to 3000cc of oxygen absorption capacity. Most kits include a 2500cc absorber for that size.
Q: Can I store food in plastic buckets without mylar bags?
A: Yes, but for long term storage (5+ years) it’s better to line the bucket with a mylar bag and add an oxygen absorber. Plastic buckets alone are not completely gas-proof over decades.
Q: Are these containers safe for freezing?
A: The plastic containers labeled “freezer safe” (like #8) can handle freezing. Mylar bags and square buckets should not be used for freezing liquids – they’re meant for dry goods only.
Q: How do I seal mylar bags without a heat sealer?
A: You can use a hair straightener or a clothes iron on a low setting. Just press the bag opening between the heated plates for a few seconds. A dedicated impulse sealer is easier, but not required.
Choosing the best long term storage containers for food doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with a few basics – good oxygen absorbers and sturdy mylar bags – and build from there. For everyday pantry organization, I also recommend checking out our review of best airtight food storage containers for fresh meals to keep your opened staples crisp. No matter what you pick, the peace of mind that comes from having a stocked pantry is priceless. Ready to get started? Click any of the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons above to grab the container that fits your needs.
