What Are Oxygen Absorbers?

Designed primarily to prolong the shelf life of food, oxygen absorbers prevent the change of color in food products, stop oils in foods from becoming rancid, and prevent the growth of oxygen-using aerobic microorganisms such as fungi.

Oxygen supports the growth of microorganisms and causes changes in color and rancid odors in packaged foods. Plastic packaging is less able to exclude oxygen from packaged foods than are the older glass and metal containers. Oxygen absorbers absorb oxygen and effectively reduce the aerobic environment to 0% oxygen. Therefore aerobic bacteria and fungi are unable to grow in this environment. This will extend the shelf life of a food product drastically. The advantages of oxygen-absorbing sachets versus vacuum packaging are that the food products are not crushed or squeezed, as some products are of high value and are fragile, and its simplicity of use.

The type of packaging and the food bag /container seal are crucial for the effectiveness of the oxygen absorber. A minor packaging fault or leak can render the oxygen absorber useless and the contents inside the package will perish. Thus, a high barrier package (with a low oxygen transmission rate), such as our Mylar bags, and efficient seal techniques need to be employed.

Check out our Oxygen Absorber Fact Sheet
Do you understand the Dangers of Moisture & Oxidation?

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What Do Oxygen Absorbers Do?

When used with proper packaging and sealing, the oxygen in the packaging is greatly reduced. Our absorbers bring the oxygen level down reliably to .01% or less

What Are The Benefits Of Using Them?

• Extends shelf life
• Prevents growth of aerobic pathogens and spoilage organisms, including molds
• Eliminates the need for additives such as BHA, BHT, sulfur dioxide, sorbates, benzoates, etc
• Use with gas flushing / vacuum packaging to absorb virtually all oxygen and absorb any oxygen that may permeate the package.

Benefits:

• Significantly improves keeping qualities of polyunsaturated fats and oils
• Helps retain fresh-roasted flavor of coffee and nuts
• Prevents oxidation of spice oleoresins present in spices themselves and in seasoned foods
• Prevents oxidation of vitamins A, C and E
• Extends life of pharmaceuticals
• Inhibits mold in natural cheeses and other fermented dairy products
• Delays non-enzymatic browning of fruits and some vegetables
• Inhibits oxidation and condensation of red pigment of most berries and sauces

Typical Applications:

• Breads, cookies, cakes, pastries
• Nuts and snacks
• Candies and confectioneries
• Coffee and tea
• Whole fat dry foods
• Processed, smoked and cured meats Cheeses and dairy products
• Dried fruits and vegetable
• Spices and seasonings
• Flour and grain items
• Fresh and precooked pasta and noodles
• Pharmaceuticals and vitamins
• Medical diagnostic kits and devices
• Birdseed and pet food
• Artwork preservation

Why Get Them From SorbentSystems?

Our absorbers meet the highest world food and pharmaceutical quality standards.

Price: Shop our prices and compare. We also offer substantial discounts on case and larger orders.

Availability: We are not back-ordered on our products, and are committed to meeting anticipated demands through the rest of the year.

Selection: We have all sizes for your storage needs.

Technical Support: We know you are serious about your storage. Our technical staff is here to assist you with your preservation packaging.

What Type Do I Need?

There are several different formulations depending on whether food is frozen, refrigerated or destined for long-term storage.

The absorbers on this site are all suitable for long-term storage

The most critical component for evaluation is the water activity level (AW). All dry grain, legumes, milk powder, pasta products and other dehydrated foods have very low water activity levels. Thus, they require absorbers which have rapid activation. These work within minutes of the package being opened. Learn More

How to use the Tell-Tab

Oxygen Indicators Tablets ( Tell-Tab )

Bag Clips To view images and full description of our bag clips, please visit our Bagclip Page