If you’re interested in vacuum-sealing your food to keep it fresh for longer, there are a few things you should know first. In this article, we’ll cover some of the potential disadvantages of vacuum sealing food, including the loss of nutrients and the risk of spoilage.
No doubt, vacuum-sealing meals can be a convenient way to prepare food ahead of time and make take-out or leftovers easily packable.
While vacuum sealing food can be a great option for some, it does have some cons that you should consider if you are looking at this as a potential method of food storage.
These disadvantages should be taken into account before deciding whether or not to use this method. The vast majority of our food comes in the form of fresh produce and meats, which need to be stored differently than non-perishable foods.
However, the main purpose of vacuum sealing is to remove the air from a storage bag or container to protect your food from oxygen, moisture, and light.
All these can cause food to spoil and become inedible. So, let’s find out whether it is beneficial or its disadvantages make it much more hazardous to use.
Why do people vacuum seal food?
There are several reasons that people might choose to vacuum seal their food. One reason is to keep food fresh for a longer period of time.
Vacuum sealing can help to preserve the taste and texture of food, as well as prevent freezer burn. Vacuum sealing can also prevent mould and bacteria from growing on food.
Another reason people might choose to vacuum seal their food is to save space. It can reduce the amount of space that food takes up, which can be helpful if you are storing food in a small space, such as a dorm room or RV.
Vacuum sealing food in family-sized portions can be great for people who shop at warehouse stores or want to try buying groceries in bulk from other stores.
Some people choose to vacuum seal because it gives them the ability to carry food with them on their travels. Vacuum sealed food can be stored for a long period of time and can be heated easily in a microwave or other cooking device.
Another reason people choose to vacuum seal food is for travel. Vacuum sealing can help keep food from spilling, and it can keep food from getting crushed in your luggage.
Finally, vacuum sealing can be a quick and easy way to store food, and it can help to keep food fresh, reduce mess, and save space.
Vacuum sealing and health risks
There are some health issues linked to vacuum sealing your food, especially if you are not careful about what you seal.
Some foods, like meats, can go bad quickly if they are not properly sealed. If you do not seal your food correctly, you can end up with bacteria or mould growing on it.
This will cause different health issues, as bacteria are the major cause of many diseases and they can cause normal fever to diarrhea.
Another health concern of vacuum sealing is that it can make your food taste different. Some people say that their food tastes bland after it has been vacuum-sealed.
This is because the air has been removed from the food, which can change the way it tastes. And it causes the removal of many essential nutrients from the food, which can cause your health to go down.
The non-consumption of required vitamins and nutrients for a long time may cause weight loss, a weak immune system, and anaemia.
Finally, vacuum sealing your food can be expensive for a daily routine procedure. You will need to buy a vacuum sealer and special bags or containers to store your food in. And have to take extra nutrients to balance your diet.
What are the disadvantages of vacuum-sealing food?
There are a few disadvantages to vacuum-sealing food. Like, it can be difficult to do if you don’t have the right equipment. And it can cause the food to lose some of its flavours. Some more are listed as:
1- Expensive method:
One disadvantage is that it can be more expensive than other methods of storage. Vacuum sealers and bags can be costly, and you may need to replace them more often than you would with other storage methods.
2- Difficult to analyse:
Another disadvantage of vacuum sealing your food is that it can make it difficult to tell when food has gone bad. If you don’t examine your sealed food regularly, it can be hard to tell if it has gone bad until you open the bag and find out. This can lead to wasted food and money.
3- Food can lose flavour:
Additionally, some food tends to absorb odours from the plastic bags that you vacuum seal them in. This can cause the food to lose some of its flavours.
It can lose its texture, taste, and smell over time. The longer your food is sealed, the more its nutritional value may decrease. This is especially true for fruits and vegetables.
4- Not for low water content food:
Vacuum sealing is often recommended for food that is high in water content, but some foods that are high in water can actually be a detriment to the vacuum seal.
For example, lettuce, tomatoes, and other such produce can actually wilt in the vacuum seal and become less appetising.
5- Food can become unhealthy:
Lastly, some foods like cheese or milk can begin to turn into a solid form. You can also find mold or rot in the bags, so you will want to keep track of when you sealed the bags.
Alternatives to vacuum sealing
There are a few alternatives to vacuum-sealing your food. One is to use freezer bags instead. These bags are designed to keep food fresh in the freezer for longer periods of time.
Another alternative is to use canning jars. Canning jars are airtight and can be used to store food in the pantry or fridge.
Canning jars are also great for freezing. Consider purchasing a set of canning jars with reusable lids that can double as storage for food in the fridge and freezer.
The other option is to use Mylar bags. Mylar bags are designed to keep oxygen out of your container. These bags are used for long-term food storage. They are great for keeping food lasting longer. Mylar bags can also be used for everyday use.
Also Read: Do You Need a Vacuum Sealer for Sous Vide?
Conclusion
Vacuum sealing is an easy way to preserve food. However, it is not always a good idea to use a vacuum sealer for all foods.
Foods that should not be vacuum-sealed include fresh produce, meats, fish, dairy products, and anything that is prone to spoil quickly. Vacuum sealing also increases the risk of botulism and food poisoning.
There are also potential health risks associated with storing food in plastic bags. In addition, food stored in plastic bags tends to lose moisture more quickly than food stored in other ways.
Finally, vacuum-sealed food may become stale more quickly. Vacuum sealing is still a good way to store food, but be careful and choose your foods wisely.
Have you ever used a vacuum sealer? If so, what was your experience like? Did you ever end up consuming food that was vacuum sealed? If so, did you notice any negative effects? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.