Pantry Staples: 6 Vacuum-Sealed Foods to Stock In Your Kitchen Pantry

Your vacuum sealer makes storing meats and vegetables a breeze but what foods can you vacuum seal besides poultry and produce? Keeping plenty of food stored in your pantry is important for ensuring that you are well-prepared should there be a power outage or emergency or if you need a power snack next time you're on the go. But Did you know that some of the best vacuum-sealed foods are dry foods?

In this blog post we'll explore the benefits of vacuum-sealed foods and discuss six essential items to keep in your pantry. Not only will these foods save you time and money but they'll also ensure you always have fresh ingredients on hand for your culinary adventures.

So consider the following six foods that can be easily preserved and placed in the pantry with your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealer.

• Preserving dry foods like bread? Discover how to properly seal bread long-term.
• Baked a fresh batch of cookies? Learn how to freeze cookies while keeping them fresh.

Benefits of Vacuum-Sealed Foods in Your Pantry

Vacuum-sealing your pantry staples offers a variety of benefits including:

• Extended Shelf Life. Vacuum sealing removes the oxygen from food packaging which prevents bacteria growth and helps keep food fresh for longer periods of time.
• Efficient Storage. By removing excess air from the packaging vacuum sealing allows you to store more food in less space - perfect for small pantries or kitchen cabinets.
• Cost Savings. With vacuum sealing you can buy foods in bulk and save money by portioning them out into smaller packages that will stay fresh longer.

In addition to these practical benefits using a vacuum sealer also allows you to customize portions and easily grab single servings. Check out our How Long Can You Save It food guide for estimates on how long meats, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cookies, and more can last when properly vacuum sealed compared to ordinary storage.

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6 Vacuum-Sealed Foods to Stock In Your Kitchen Pantry

Learning how to stock a kitchen pantry with vacuum-sealed foods means snacks and ready-to-go bites are always at your fingertips. With vacuum-sealing you can extend the shelf life of your dry foods to lock in the vibrant flavors and nutritional value of your food favorites. So stock up with our top six vacuum-sealed foods to keep in your pantry to keep your days tasty and your food fresher for longer:

1. Dehydrated Fruit

Dried fruits are a nutritious and delicious addition to any pantry. However, they can quickly lose their flavor and texture if not stored properly. By using our method for how to store dry fruits you can properly preserve this snack to keep it on hand.

How to Store Dehydrated Fruit

Fortunately, dried fruits - like apples, oranges, grapes, and cranberries - don't need to be stored in the fridge and are well-suited for vacuum sealing. Since moisture has already been stripped from these fruits you can learn how to store dehydrated fruits by:

• Place them in an airtight container or bag to maintain the integrity of the food.
• Vacuum seal the bag until the excess air is removed. Label the bag with the date of sealing.
• Store dehydrated fruit in your pantry to enjoy it for months.

By following these simple steps you can enjoy your favorite dehydrated fruits any time you like knowing they will retain their taste for months to come.

2. Trail Mix

Have a trail mix recipe that you're aching to try? Next time you make a batch use this method for how to store trail mix:

How to Store Trail Mix

• Break up the trail mix into single servings.
• Transfer the trail mix to a FoodSaver vacuum seal bag or container.
• Seal the mix with your FoodSaver vacuum sealer before storing it in your pantry.

By using this method for storing trail mix you can easily grab a pack next time you're making lunch, running out the door, or going camping for a long weekend.

3. Rice & Pasta

Rice and pasta add versatility to your pantry staples that can be used in various dishes from stir-fries to casseroles. However, they can be susceptible to moisture and pests, making proper storage essential.

How to Store Rice & Pasta Long Term

Instead of keeping rice and pasta in bulky boxes that take up a great deal of space in your pantry here’s how to store rice and dry pasta:

• Transfer your rice or pasta to large vacuum-sealed bags.
• Seal the food with your FoodSaver vacuum sealer.

When stocking pantry staples it's important to know how to store dry pasta, rice, and plenty of similar carbs in storage so you have the ingredients to make a delicious and filling meal in minutes.

4. Cereal

Cereal is the ultimate breakfast hero or late-night treat but when exposed to moisture can lose its crunch while the box occupies large areas of space in your pantry. By vacuum sealing you can keep your favorite cereals fresh for longer ensuring they maintain their flavor and crunch.

How to Store Cereal

Separate your whole-wheat cereal from the sugary treats.

• Place each separate portion in vacuum seal bags or containers.
• Vacuum seal the bags or containers until they are airtight.

By taking a few extra moments to vacuum seal your cereal you not only prolong its freshness but also transform breakfast into a delightful experience every time you pour a bowl.

5. Popcorn Kernels

Create your homemade popcorn bags by sealing a handful of kernels with your vacuum sealer. You won't want to microwave these bags but keeping sizable portions vacuum-sealed ensures that no insects or critters can infiltrate your movie night snack.

How to Store Popcorn Kernels

• Measure out a handful of popcorn kernels to place in each vacuum-sealed bag.
• Place the kernels into a vacuum-sealable bag leaving enough space at the top for sealing.
• Use the vacuum sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions to remove air from the bag and seal it tightly.
• Repeat the process for additional bags as needed ensuring each bag is properly sealed.
• Label each bag with the date for easy reference.

6. Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices add flavor and depth to your dishes but they can lose their potency over time if not stored properly. Keep your herbs fresher for longer by learning how to store herbs and spices:

How to Store Herbs & Spices

• When your herbs and spices are exposed to excess moisture they may quickly ruin or spoil. Elongate the shelf life of these products by storing them properly:
• Transfer the spices into their own separate vacuum seal bags or containers.
• Label each herb and spice as soon as they are placed in the vacuum-sealed bags to ensure there are no mistakes between seasonings with similar appearances.
• Vacuum seal each bag or container to remove the air inside the packaging.

With these simple steps to store your herbs and spices properly you can elevate your cooking by preserving the vibrant flavorful seasonings that make your meals delicious.

Make the Most of Your Pantry Staples with Vacuum Sealing

By keeping these vacuum-sealed foods in your pantry you'll be prepared for any situation and have a variety of delicious options to choose from. With the help of your FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealer you can easily extend the shelf life of these foods and save space in your pantry. So stock up on these essentials and start using your vacuum sealer to preserve even more food items! Keep experimenting with different types of foods that can be preserved by vacuum sealing such as flour, nuts, and snacks. You'll soon discover how much easier it is to keep a well-stocked pantry with the help of this handy kitchen appliance.

For more detailed guides and expert tips on food preservation visit the FoodSaver Blog to start storing food like a preservation pro.