The fastest way to open a vacuum sealed bag
The simplest method is to locate the small notch or corner tab on the top edge of the bag—most vacuum sealed bags have one built in. Pinch that tab between your thumb and forefinger and pull it straight up or to the side, depending on the bag's design. The seal will separate cleanly along a pre-scored line, and the contents stay dry and undamaged.
If there is no tab, look for a thin line running along the top or side of the bag. This is the heat-sealed edge. Use kitchen scissors or a small sharp knife to cut just inside that line, about a quarter-inch below the seal itself. Cut slowly and keep the blade parallel to the seal so you do not nick the food inside. Once you have cut through the plastic on both sides, the bag opens like an envelope.
For bags without a visible seal line, feel along the edges with your fingers. The sealed edge will feel slightly thicker or raised compared to the rest of the plastic. Cut there, staying shallow so the blade does not go deep into the bag.
Key Takeaways
- Most vacuum sealed bags have a tear notch or pull tab on the top edge that opens the bag cleanly without scissors.
- If there is no tab, use kitchen scissors to cut just inside the heat-sealed edge, keeping the blade shallow and parallel to the seal.
- Cut slowly and feel for the sealed line with your fingers if it is not visible, so you do not puncture the food inside.
- Once opened, transfer leftover food to an airtight container or reseal the bag with a vacuum sealer or freezer tape to keep it fresh.
Opening bags with a pull tab or notch
The pull tab is the easiest opening method and is designed to work on the first try. Look at the top center of the bag—you will see a small rectangular notch or a tab that sticks out slightly. This is usually printed with an arrow or the words "tear here" or "open here."
Grip the tab firmly between your thumb and index finger. Pull it straight up or sideways, depending on which direction the bag's design indicates. The plastic will separate along a pre-cut line, and the seal opens without resistance. The bag tears in a straight line, leaving clean edges and keeping the contents inside untouched.
If the tab tears off but the bag does not open, you may have pulled at an angle. Try again with the remaining tab, pulling in the opposite direction or at a different angle. Some bags have two tear lines—one on each side—so if the first direction does not work, flip the bag and try the other side.
Using scissors to cut open sealed bags safely
Kitchen scissors are the safest tool for opening a vacuum sealed bag when there is no pull tab. Scissors give you control and keep the blade from going too deep into the bag. Choose scissors with a sharp point and a straight edge rather than serrated blades, which can catch the plastic and tear it unevenly.
Hold the bag flat on a cutting board or table. Locate the sealed edge—it will be a thin line of plastic that looks slightly different in color or texture from the rest of the bag. Position the scissors so the blade runs parallel to this line. Insert the tip of the scissors just inside the seal, about a quarter-inch below it, and cut slowly along the entire top or side of the bag.
Work in one smooth motion rather than making multiple small cuts. Multiple cuts increase the risk of the blade slipping and puncturing the food. If you are opening a bag of meat or fish, cut over a plate or bowl to catch any liquid that may spill as the seal breaks.
Opening bags with a knife when scissors are not available
A small paring knife or utility knife works if you do not have scissors, but it requires more care. A knife blade is thinner than scissors and can slip more easily into the bag, so this method is riskier for delicate foods.
Place the bag on a flat surface and hold it steady with one hand, keeping your fingers away from the cutting path. Use the tip of the knife to score along the sealed edge, cutting just deep enough to separate the plastic layers. Do not press down hard—let the blade do the work with light, controlled strokes. Once you have scored the entire seal, you can usually peel the plastic apart by hand.
For bags with thick plastic or multiple layers, you may need to make a second pass with the knife. Always cut away from your body and keep your non-knife hand flat and away from the blade path.
Preventing damage to food while opening
The key to opening without damaging contents is to cut or tear only the plastic, not the food inside. Most vacuum sealed bags have at least a quarter-inch of space between the seal and the contents, so there is room for error if you stay shallow with your blade.
Before you cut, inspect the bag to see where the food sits. If the contents are pressed right up against the seal, open the bag more slowly and carefully. For bags of meat, fish, or other items that may leak, open them over a sink or a shallow bowl to catch any liquid that escapes as the seal breaks.
If you accidentally puncture the food, the bag is still usable. Transfer the contents to a clean container or reseal the bag with freezer tape or a vacuum sealer if you have one. The food inside is not spoiled just because the seal is broken—it will keep as long as you store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer.
Resealing bags after opening
Once you have opened a vacuum sealed bag and used part of the contents, you can reseal it to keep the rest fresh. The easiest method is to use a vacuum sealer—the same machine that sealed the bag originally. Place the open bag in the sealer, close the lid, and run the seal cycle. The machine will remove air and create a new seal.
If you do not have a vacuum sealer, use freezer tape or a heat sealer designed for plastic bags. Freezer tape is the simplest option: fold the open edge of the bag closed and press freezer tape along the fold. This will not create a vacuum seal, but it will keep air and moisture out for several weeks in the freezer.
For longer storage without a vacuum sealer, transfer the remaining food to an airtight container or a freezer bag. Label the container with the contents and the date so you remember what is inside and how long it has been stored.
Common mistakes when opening vacuum sealed bags
The most common mistake is pulling the tab at an angle instead of straight up or to the side. This causes the plastic to tear unevenly and can leave the bag partially sealed. Always pull the tab in the direction the bag's design indicates, and pull with steady pressure rather than a quick jerk.
Another mistake is cutting too deep with scissors or a knife. If you press the blade all the way through both layers of plastic, you risk hitting the food inside. Cut slowly and stay shallow—just deep enough to separate the seal. You can always make a second pass if the first cut does not fully open the bag.
A third mistake is opening the bag over a surface where spilled liquid will cause a mess. Vacuum sealed meat, fish, and other wet foods often have liquid inside. Open these bags over a sink, a bowl, or a plate so any liquid that spills does not damage your countertop or floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the pull tab tears off and the bag does not open?
The tab may have separated from the plastic without opening the seal. Try pulling in the opposite direction or flip the bag to find the other tear line. If neither works, use scissors to cut along the sealed edge. The tab is just a convenience feature—the bag will open just as well with scissors.
Can I open a vacuum sealed bag with my hands?
You can try, but it is difficult and risky. The plastic is designed to be airtight and will not separate easily by hand. Using a tool—scissors, a knife, or the built-in tab—is faster and safer because you have better control and are less likely to tear the bag or puncture the food inside.
Is it safe to eat food if I accidentally cut into it while opening the bag?
Yes, as long as the cut is small and the food is still cold. A small nick or puncture does not make the food unsafe. If the cut is large or the food has been sitting out, transfer it to a clean container and use it within a day or two. Discard it if it shows any signs of spoilage like discoloration or odor.
Do all vacuum sealed bags have a pull tab?
No. Many bags, especially older ones or bags from budget brands, do not have a tab. These bags have a heat-sealed edge that you can open with scissors or a knife. Look for a thin line along the top or side of the bag—that is where to cut.
What should I do with the opened bag after I remove the food?
If the bag is clean and undamaged, you can reuse it with a vacuum sealer. If it has tears or is too dirty, recycle it if your local program accepts plastic film, or throw it away. Do not reuse a bag that has been in contact with raw meat unless you wash and dry it thoroughly first.