What Are Oxygen Absorbers and How Do They Work?

Oxygen absorbers are small packets designed to remove any leftover oxygen from inside vacuum-sealed bags after sealing. Even with a strong vacuum sealer, a small amount of air can remain inside — oxygen absorbers take care of that, helping preserve freshness and extend shelf life.

As mentioned in our Vacuum Sealing Tips & Problem Solving guide, “The oxygen absorbers will take care of the leftover oxygen in the bag.”

Why Use Oxygen Absorbers?

Oxygen absorbers are an easy, effective way to enhance your vacuum sealing setup. They’re especially helpful for:

• Dry goods like rice, beans, grains, flour, and nuts
• Sharp-edged items like jerky, dehydrated fruits & vegetables, and pasta

One of the best things about using oxygen absorbers is that they allow you to stop your vacuum sealer before the bag fully tightens down. That means you can leave a little bit of air in the bag which reduces pressure on your food and helps prevent bag punctures from sharp or rough items. The oxygen absorbers will take care of the remaining oxygen for you.

They’re also ideal for long-term food storage, camping supplies, or emergency preparedness kits.

How They’re Packaged

Oxygen absorbers usually come packaged together inside a single vacuum-sealed bag. Once that bag is opened, the unused absorbers start to activate as they’re exposed to air so it’s important to protect the extras right away.

Here’s how to keep them fresh and ready for next time:

• Re-vacuum seal any remaining absorbers in a new bag immediately after opening.
• Or, store them in a vacuum-sealed container or mason jar to keep out air.
• If you only need to use a few at a time, store them in smaller quantities, such as by:
  • Sealing them in smaller bags, or
  • Using a larger bag that you can open, cut a small section off, and re-seal as needed.

Proper storage ensures your oxygen absorbers stay effective for future use.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to use oxygen absorbers every time I vacuum seal food?

A: Nope. They’re most helpful for dry, shelf-stable foods stored at room temperature. For frozen foods, a good vacuum seal is typically enough.

Q: How do I know if my oxygen absorbers are still good?

A: Fresh absorbers feel soft and pliable. If they become hard or warm, they’ve already absorbed oxygen and should be replaced.

Q: Can oxygen absorbers touch food directly?

A: Yes! They’re food-safe but should not be opened or ingested. Just place the packet in the bag alongside your food before sealing.

Q: Which size and how many oxygen absorbers should I use with OutOfAir bags?

A: The number and size depend on how much air space remains in the bag. Here’s a general guide:

• Quart-size bags (8" x 12") – use one 100cc absorber
• Gallon-size bags (11" x 16") – use one 300cc absorber
• Larger bulk bags or rolls – use two 300cc absorbers per gallon of volum

If you’re unsure, it’s always fine to use a slightly larger absorber — too much absorption won’t harm your food, but too little can leave oxygen behind.