Oxygen Absorber Sizes

"What oxygen absorber sizes are right for me?" is a question I'm often asked.

My answer: It depends on what size container you're using to store your dehydrated foods in.

100cc Oxygen Absorbers, 100-pk shown

The Most Often Used Size: 100cc

The 100cc size is by far the most often used in my kitchen when I'm storing my dehydrated foods. For a deeper dive into how oxygen absorbers work, read more about oxygen absorbers here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you have an oxygen absorber size chart?

Yes, you’ll find the oxygen absorber size chart below. You can also print it out—just click the bright yellow CLICK HERE link!

The oxygen absorber size chart helps you match the right absorber size to your container.

Are oxygen absorbers good for dried fruit and vegetables?

Yes, they're ideal for dried fruit, vegetables, and other pantry staples such as:

  • Flour, sugar, salt
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Coffee and spices

To use them effectively, ensure your dried goods have low moisture content to prevent absorbers from becoming overwhelmed. Oxygen absorbers work best in airtight environments, regulating oxygen and condensation to keep food safe and fresh for longer.

Need help storing specific foods? Visit my storing dehydrated food here.

Where to buy oxygen absorbers?

I buy mine from Amazon. Why? Because of their fast delivery and quality control—Amazon doesn’t allow "duds" to be sold.

Pro Tip: If your package arrives with a purple freshness indicator pill, return it immediately. The pill should be pink to confirm the absorbers are fresh.

Read more here.


  CLICK HERE 
to PRINT OUT the chart below: 

Use These Sizes of Oxygen Absorbers
for These Container Sizes:

Use These Sizes of
Oxygen Absorbers for
These Container Sizes:

OXYGEN ABSORBER SIZE CHART

Chart for selecting the correct size oxygen absorber

For food storage bins, always use a 2000cc absorber to ensure proper oxygen removal.

Practical Tips for Storing Food

Homemade Packages of Oxygen Absorbers

100-cc-oxy-abs-full-20-used-685w.webp

In the image above, the left-hand bag shows a full, unopened 100cc package of oxygen absorbers. To the right, you’ll see my homemade packs of 20 absorbers each. The smallest bag (above the new unopened bag) is one of my homemade bags where I've retrieved absorbers and then resealed it.

Why divide them? By making smaller packages of 20, you can extend the life of a freshly opened 100-pack. Simply reseal your homemade packages to ensure the absorbers stay fresh.

Why Use Oxygen Absorbers?

Oxygen absorbers are invaluable for food storage and preservation:

  • Removes oxygen: Creates an oxygen-free environment, inhibiting spoilage.
  • Prevents oxidation: Stops nutrient loss, rancidity, and color changes.
  • Protects dry foods: Extends the shelf life of grains, nuts, dried fruits, and more.
  • Works in Mylar bags: Essential for long-term storage of bulk foods.
  • Environmentally friendly: Reduces food waste by keeping items fresh.

Using Mason Jars

Two quart-sized jars, and one half-pint-size Mason jar.Click to visit my Mason Jars page

Oxygen Absorber Sizes Range From 50cc to 2000cc!

These Mason jars, pictured above, each contain an oxygen absorber to preserve dehydrated carrots, celery, and garlic.

If you look closely you can see the blue and white oxygen absorber packet on top of the dried carrots and the dried green beans (the tall jars).

Now that you’ve seen how to prepare absorbers for use, let’s explore their role in long-term storage.

Using Mylar Bags

Mylar bags packed and sealedClick to read about Mylar bags

Mylar bags are perfect for storing vacuum-sealed pouches long-term. Here’s how:

  1. Place your vacuum-sealed pouches (with a 100cc absorber) inside the Mylar bag.
  2. Add a 300cc oxygen absorber to the Mylar bag.
  3. Seal the Mylar bag.

Important: Do NOT attempt to vacuum air out of Mylar bags. Their smooth surfaces prevent effective sealing.

These shiny un-rippable bags are perfect for keeping goodies dry, out of daylight, and away from insects. I can fit about 3 or 4 vacuum-sealed pouches in one Mylar bag.

300cc oxygen absorbers on top of a Mylar bag300cc oxygen absorbers in homemade packages atop a Mylar bag
2 homemade mini bags of 300 cc oxygen absorbers.300cc homemade packages

PRO TIP:
Understanding Vacuum-Sealer Bags

PRO TIP:
Understanding
Vacuum-Sealer Bags

Look closely at the plastic vacuum bags that the dehydrated food goes into first; you'll notice that one side is smooth and the other side is 'bumpy', for want of a better word.

Vacuum-sealer bags have a bumpy side to enable air removal effectively. Without this texture, air cannot be properly vacuumed out!

Click the images below to view them bigger!

Inside a vacuum sealer bag - showing you the smooth sideShowing ONE side of bag as SMOOTH.
Inside a vacuum sealer bag - showing you the textured sideShowing OTHER side with textured BUMPS.

Once your Mylar bags are sealed, proper storage is key. Let’s talk about airtight buckets next.

Using Airtight Buckets

For serious long-term storage, use 2000cc oxygen absorbers in food-grade, airtight buckets.

  • Avoid buckets with poorly sealed lids or built-in handles, as they’re not airtight.
  • Store Mylar bags inside these buckets for added protection.
Plastic Lidded storage bins. Good for storing dry goods.
5-gallon, #2 plastic food-grade feed buckets with lids

For Long-Term Food Storage, use 2000cc Oxygen Absorbers in AIRTIGHT Bins and Buckets

Now comes the part where the 2000cc oxygen absorbers come into play. We only use these whoppers for completely AIRTIGHT bins. There is no point in putting in a 2000cc oxygen absorber in the plastic bins that do not have airtight snap-on lids.

If those bins' lids have handles like the one shown in the image, you can tell by looking closely around their handles and "hinges" that they are NOT airtight at all. Nor were they designed to be, in their defense.

Having said that, I DO use them to store Mylar bags that have been filled with dehydrated goodies. I keep the bins in my closet, so they don't face temperature extremes or bugs from the garage. Plus, they are easy to stack in closets, etc.

So, DO NOT waste a 2000cc oxygen absorber inside those kinds of bins that have handles incorporated into their lids. If you can find snap-on lids for bins that big, hey - give them a try. They aren't easy to find - or use - IMHO.

Be Certain: Use Feed Buckets with Lids!

So the best way to be absolutely sure of being AIRTIGHT is to use feed buckets with lids.

When using the feed-grade buckets, you absolutely can use the 2000cc oxygen absorbers inside them; they're perfect for this as the buckets really ARE airtight!

To read more about storing dehydrated food, read Storing Dehydrated Food and Storing Dry Goods such as flour, salt, and sugar.


an opened oxygen absorber and its contentsClick to read companion story on Medium

Oxygen Absorbers at Amazon

NOTE:
50cc are perfect for small jars and containers. Ideal for keeping spices and smaller dried foods fresh.
100cc are great for quart-sized jars and vacuum-sealer bags. The most versatile size for everyday use.

200-pk 50cc Oxygen Absorbers
200-pk 50cc Oxygen Absorbers

50cc Oxygen Absorbers

  • PackFreshUSA Oxygen Absorbers
  • 200-Pack
  • Food-Grade, Non-Toxic
Oxy-Sorb 100cc Oxygen Absorbers, 100-pk
Oxy-Sorb 100cc Oxygen Absorbers, 100-pk

100cc Oxygen Absorbers

  • Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorbers
  • 100-Pack
  • Long-Term Food Storage Freshness Protection
Oxy-Sorb 300cc Oxygen Absorbers, 60-pkA
Oxy-Sorb 300cc Oxygen Absorbers, 60-pk

300cc Oxygen Absorbers

  • Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorbers
  • Bags of 20 (60 Count total)
  • Super Effective for Dried Goods
Oxy-Sorb 2000cc Oxygen Absorbers, 10-pk
Oxy-Sorb 2000cc Oxygen Absorbers, 10-pk

2000cc Oxygen Absorbers

  • Oxy-Sorb Oxygen Absorbers
  • Pack of 10
  • I use these for airtight bins and buckets

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.


FoodSaver Food Vacuum Sealer Machines at Amazon

The FoodSaver machines remove air, one of the main causes of mold and food spoilage - and they create an airtight seal to lock in freshness.

NOTE:
The FoodSaver 4800 Series: An all-in-one vacuum sealing system with built-in handheld sealing for bags and containers. Ideal for families and bulk buyers.

FoodSaver V2244 with Bags+Rolls Starter Kit
FoodSaver V2244 with Bags+Rolls Starter Kit

FoodSaver V2244

Helps keep food fresh longer.

Comes complete with a starter kit that includes an 11" x 10' heat seal roll, (3) quart heat seal bags, (2) gallon heat seal bags, and an accessory hose, so you'll soon be on your way to keeping your food fresh, eliminating waste, and saving money.

FoodSaver 4800 Series
FoodSaver 4800 Series

FoodSaver 4800 Series

The 2-in-1 Automatic Vacuum Sealing System helps keep food fresh longer.

One FoodSaver 2-in-1 appliance does it all: automatic bag detection and vacuum sealing mean two quick and easy steps to seal and save, and the built-in handheld sealer eliminates the need for additional attachments when sealing zipper bags and containers.

FoodSaver GameSaver Rolls, 6-pk
FoodSaver GameSaver Rolls, 6-pk

FoodSaver 8" x 20' rolls, 6-pk

FoodSaver GameSaver 8" x 20' Vacuum Seal Long Roll with BPA-Free Multilayer Construction

  • Keep game and fish fresh up to 5x Longer with FoodSaver GameSaver 8-inch rolls.
  • Create custom-sized bags - simply cut a piece to your desired length, seal one end, fill, and then vacuum seal.
  • 8" x 20' rolls
  • BPA-free
  • Pack of six rolls
FoodSaver Quart Bags, 44-pk
FoodSaver Quart Bags, 44-pk

FoodSaver 1-Quart Food Storage Sealer bags

  • Constructed of durable yet pliable material that creates an airtight barrier around foods, extending freshness and locking in flavors
  • Quickly and easily portion food from bulk shopping or when storing leftovers.
  • BPA-FREE MATERIAL: Safe for storing raw and cooked foods, it's also freezer, refrigerator, microwave, and boil-safe
  • 1-quart size precut bags, 44-count
FoodSaver Pint Bags, 28-pk
FoodSaver Pint Bags, 28-pk

FoodSaver Pint-size Food Storage Sealer bags

  • Constructed of durable yet pliable material that creates an airtight barrier around foods, extending freshness and locking in flavors
  • Quickly and easily portion food from bulk shopping or when storing leftovers.
  • BPA-FREE MATERIAL: Safe for storing raw and cooked foods, it's also freezer, refrigerator, microwave, and boil-safe
  • 1-pint size precut bags, 28-count

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.


Dehydrated apples in food vacuum-sealer bags with added oxygen absorbersClick to see how to dehydrate apples

Reminder: Oxygen Absorber Sizes for Vacuum-Sealer Bags

For vacuum-sealer bags, always use a 100cc oxygen absorber before drawing out the air. This step prevents spoilage and extends freshness.

Have the kids help with this part of the dehydration and storage process.  They think the noise from the vacuum sealer is fun... (and it is!)


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