Why store food with vacuum?

Food loses quality when it’s exposed to air. It’s the reason that, for example, cookies and cereals lose their crispiness. That process is called “oxidation”. So, by removing the air from a jar, you slow down oxidation and your food stays fresh and full of flavour and nutrients.

The second reason that food spoils is bacteria. For example, when strawberries and blueberries get soft and moldy. Most bacteria need oxygen to work. So, remove the air and, again, you will slow down loss of quality.

Although air is the most important factor, there are more factors that contribute to spoilage, such as temperature and sunlight. And, of course, the condition of the food before storage and hygiene when handling and preparing food.

When you save food in plastic containers and bags, there is always a risk of chemicals slowly leaching into your food. Especially when those containers are routinely washed in the dishwasher. Yes, the materials may have been labelled as ‘food approved’, but the effects over time when directly in contact with food are still uncertain.

Apart from the chemical problem, there is evidence that tiny pieces of plastic called “microplastics” and “nanoplastics” separate from containers and lids into your food. These plastic particles end up in the body, which poses severe health risks.

Glass, however, does not leach chemicals and does not disintegrate into your food. It has been a safe and trusted way of storing and preparing foods for centuries. And of course: 100% recyclable and sustainable!

Vacuum storage will extend shelf life for most foods. That doesn’t only apply to dry foods like cookies, nuts, and cereals. Vacuum also works for fresh foods such as fruit salads, fresh strawberries, blueberries and even guacamole.

As a rule of thumb, it will keep food fresh 5x longer when compared to conventional storage. An example: when you buy strawberries, they usually start to lose their quality after about two days. Stored in a vacuum jar (in the fridge!) you will extend freshness to up to 1.5 weeks.

Please note that there are more factors that contribute to food aging and spoilage, including temperature and the condition of the food before vacuuming. Maintain good hygiene and adhere to safe food handling guidelines. 

Some foods are not suitable for vacuum storage. For more information, please read our compact food storage guide.

Yes, basically all glass airtight jars are suitable for use with Nanostopper. Especially glass jars with a metal lid are very suitable, because they are made for vacuum, are durable and can handle the vacuum well.

These jars also come from production under vacuum, which you can hear by the characteristic "plop" at the first opening. If you do not hear this sound, then there is something is with the jar and most likely with the contents. With Nanostopper you can restore the vacuum by making a hole in the lid with the Lid Punch perforator.

Jars made of plastic or jars with a plastic lid are basically not suitable, this is due to the strength and rigidity of jar and lid. For example, a plastic jar can dent when vacuumed strongly and a plastic lid can tear when perforated and therefore cannot be vacuumed.

Also, a jar of peanut butter or chocolate spread does not seal airtight from the factory and because of this, it cannot be vacuumed.