Oxygen absorbers - Ask Extension
Which foods to store with oxygen absorbers, and more importantly which foods should not have oxygen absorbers. Thank you.
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Oxygen absorbers #925994
Asked March 13, 2026, 3:03 PM EDT
Which foods to store with oxygen absorbers, and more importantly which foods should not have oxygen absorbers. Thank you.
Jefferson County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Jo, Good question. Food-grade oxygen absorbers are only recommended for storing (properly) dried foods. Thanks for using Ask Extension! Joy
I was told that granulated white sugar will turn hard like a rock if you store it with oxygen absorbers. Do you know if there are any other dry pantry staples that do this?
Hi Jo,
The oxygen absorbers use water in their chemical reaction, so they pull moisture out of the air and/or food. This will happen with any food, but some will be harder than others (mostly those with very little moisture). Sugars are the most prone to this, but it can happen with anything.
Joy
The oxygen absorbers use water in their chemical reaction, so they pull moisture out of the air and/or food. This will happen with any food, but some will be harder than others (mostly those with very little moisture). Sugars are the most prone to this, but it can happen with anything.
Joy
