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Recipe: Long-Term Food Storage Oatmeal Packets

Prices are rising and products are shrinking, creating your own long-lasting food storage has never been more important. One versatile and easy solution? Oatmeal! By vacuum sealing your own ingredients, you can create fun foods that’ll last for years—and you control exactly what goes in it. Here’s how you can prepare and store your own dessert-style oatmeal using an Avid Armor vacuum sealer for peace of mind and long-term storage.

Oatmeal Long Shelf Life

Why Vacuum Seal Oatmeal?

Oatmeal is a staple in many households —it’s affordable, filling, and endlessly customizable. But did you know you can extend the shelf life of your oatmeal by years with proper vacuum sealing? Whether you choose standard vacuum-sealed pouches or the more durable Mylar bags, you can create ready-to-eat meals that will last well beyond your typical pantry storage.

Start here: Chamber Vacuum Sealer Machine (use coupon code: BUCKHORN)

Chamber Vacuum Sealer

The Avid Armor vacuum sealer makes it simple to extend the shelf life of your homemade oatmeal packs.

  • Enhanced Sealing Performance: This machine provides strong vacuum pressure, perfect for sealing your dry ingredients, keeping oats, freeze-dried fruit, and more fresh for years.
  • Innovative Marinating Capability: Not just for solids—if you like adding liquid-rich ingredients or want to marinate other foods, the vacuum chamber ensures rapid and deep marination, ideal for prepping flavorful meals ahead.
  • Simple and Efficient Usage: One-touch controls and a 10-inch seal bar with dual sealing wires make the vacuum-sealing process fast and easy, allowing you to prepare your bulk oatmeal packs quickly.
  • Sleek, Space-Saving Design: With its compact size (10.5”W x 10.5”L x 3.5”H) and clear glass lid for convenient loading, it fits into any kitchen and works perfectly for small portions or family-sized packs.
  • Flexible Accessory Hose: It includes a hose that connects to canisters, containers, and mason jars, making it versatile for storing large or multiple food items alongside your vacuum-sealed oatmeal packs.

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Chamber Vacuum Sealers

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Oatmeal Mix

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

  • (80g) 1 cup Oats
  • (28g) 3 Tbsp Dry Milk Powder
  • (25-50g) 2-4 Tbsp White Sugar
  • (4g) 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 
  • (1g) Pinch Salt
  • (17g) 1/2 cup Freeze Dried Apples, broken into small pieces

Strawberry & Banana Oatmeal

  • (80g) 1 cup Oats
  • (28g) 3 Tbsp Dry Milk Powder
  • (25-50g) 2-4 Tbsp White Sugar
  • (1.5g) 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 
  • (1g) Pinch Salt
  • (5g) 1/4 cup Freeze Dried Strawberries, broken into small pieces
  • (11g) 1/4 cup Freeze Dried Bananas, broken into small pieces

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal

  • (80g) 1 cup Oats
  • (28g) 3 Tbsp Dry Milk Powder
  • (52g) 4 Tbsp Brown Sugar
  • (4g) 1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon 
  • (1g) Pinch Salt
Oatmeal Preparation

How To Prepare

  • Add the contents of a single packet into a medium saucepan
  • Add 2 cups of Water
  • Bring to a low simmer over med-low heat, stirring occasionally until thickened to your desired consistency
  • Remove from heat and serve

Ingredients Used


Shelf Life Expectancy of Ingredients (Vacuum-Sealed)

  • Oats:
    • Standard Vacuum-Sealed Pouch: 3-5 years
    • Mylar Bag (Vacuum-Sealed): 5-10 years, possibly longer
  • Dry Milk Powder:
    • Standard Vacuum-Sealed Pouch: 2-5 years
    • Mylar Bag (Vacuum-Sealed): 5-10 years
  • White Sugar:
    • Indefinite in both standard vacuum-sealed pouches and Mylar bags
  • Brown Sugar:
    • Standard Vacuum-Sealed Pouch: 1-2+ years (may harden due to moisture)
    • Mylar Bag (Vacuum-Sealed): 1-2+ years
  • Cinnamon:
    • Standard Vacuum-Sealed Pouch: 2-3 years
    • Mylar Bag (Vacuum-Sealed): 5+ years
  • Salt:
    • Indefinite in both standard vacuum-sealed pouches and Mylar bags
  • Freeze-Dried Fruit (Apples, Strawberries, Bananas):
    • Standard Vacuum-Sealed Pouch: 15-20+ years
    • Mylar Bag (Vacuum-Sealed): 15-25+ years

The Benefits of Mylar Bags

Mylar bags have become the gold standard for long-term food storage, and for good reason:

  • Durability: Mylar is a much stronger material than standard vacuum-sealed bags, making it highly resistant to tears, punctures, and moisture.
  • Light Protection: Mylar bags block out light entirely, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of your stored food.
  • Extended Shelf Life: When combined with vacuum sealing, Mylar bags offer maximum protection, giving you the longest shelf life possible for your oatmeal.
6x8 Mylar Bag Avid
Vacuum Sealer Small

Save Money by Buying in Bulk

One of the biggest advantages of vacuum sealing is the ability to buy your ingredients in bulk. Not only does this help you save money in the long run, but it also ensures you have a stockpile of healthy, ready-to-eat meals at your fingertips. By taking a little time upfront to prepare and store your oatmeal, you’re giving yourself the gift of convenience and peace of mind, knowing that you’ve got food stored away for the future.


Self-Managed Insurance Plan: Preparing for What Comes Next

(Get Started) Self Managed Insurance Plan

I like to think of food storage as part of a self-managed insurance plan—a proactive step to prepare for the unknown. In uncertain times, knowing you have nutritious, long-lasting meals stored away can provide immense peace of mind. Whether it’s an economic downturn, supply chain disruptions, or natural disasters, having a stock of vacuum-sealed oatmeal means you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Self Managed Insurance Plan (start here)


How to Get Started

If you’re new to vacuum sealing or Mylar storage, the process is simple:

  1. Buy Bulk Ingredients: Oats, spices, sugar, and dried fruits are a great start. You can customize the recipe to your preferences.
  2. Prepare Your Oatmeal Mix: Combine all your dry ingredients for the recipe.
  3. Vacuum Seal: Use your Avid Armor vacuum sealer to remove the air from your pouches or Mylar bags.
  4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Proper storage conditions will ensure your oatmeal lasts for years.

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Recipe: Long-Term Food Storage Oatmeal Packets