This new handheld vacuum sealer could be the easiest way to keep meal prep fresh

Meal prep sounds great until your refrigerator fills up with half-used ingredients, leftovers and freezer bags that somehow still end up with freezer burn.
That's why handheld vacuum sealers are becoming a popular alternative to bulky countertop models. They take up less space, are easier to grab for daily use and can help keep ingredients, leftovers and prepped meals organized throughout the week.
The new Fresko HV9 Handheld Vacuum Sealer combines reusable vacuum bags, glass containers and cordless convenience into one compact food-storage system. Right now, shoppers can save $50 with USA TODAY Shopping's exclusive launch code USATODAY50, bringing the price down to $79.99.
Save $50 instantly with code USATODAY50
Launch offer: The Fresko HV9 has a regular price of $129.99 and is currently available for $79.99 thanks to a $50 new-product launch discount with USA TODAY Shopping's exclusive code: USATODAY50
Why this handheld vacuum sealer works for more than just freezer meals
Not every food should be vacuum sealed the same way. Delicate foods like berries, baked goods and softer produce can be crushed under high pressure, while meats and freezer meals often benefit from stronger air removal.

The Fresko HV9 addresses that problem with two vacuum settings:
- SOFT mode (≥15kPa) for delicate, soft, or moisture-rich foods such as berries and bread
- FIRM mode (≥50kPa) for meats, dry foods, freezer storage, and sous vide preparation
By offering two vacuum levels, the handheld vacuum sealer is designed to better accommodate different types of foods and storage needs.
Save $50 with code USATODAY50
More people are looking for ways to reduce food waste at home
Rising grocery prices have many households looking for ways to make ingredients last longer and get more value from weekly grocery trips.
Vacuum sealing can help keep frequently used ingredients organized while making meal prep easier to manage throughout the week. For apartment dwellers and smaller kitchens, a compact handheld sealer can also eliminate the need for another bulky countertop appliance.
A storage system built around bags and containers

One of the more notable aspects of the HV9 is that it includes multiple storage formats instead of relying exclusively on vacuum bags.
The entire system comes with:
- 30 reusable vacuum bags in two sizes: The reusable bags are well suited for freezer portioning, storing dry foods, preparing ingredients for sous vide cooking, and organizing proteins after a grocery run.
- Three glass vacuum containers: The glass containers serve a different purpose. They're useful for leftovers, meal prep, refrigerator organization, and foods that may be accessed frequently throughout the week.
- Sealing clips
- A Type-C charging cable
Shop the Fresko HV9
One-touch operation is designed to simplify the process
Kitchen gadgets tend to be most successful when they remove extra steps from a routine.
The HV9 uses a one-button operation system. Users select either SOFT or FIRM mode, start the vacuum process, and the device automatically stops when the selected vacuum level is reached.
That automatic-stop functionality helps reduce guesswork and makes the vacuum-sealing process easier to manage during busy meal-prep sessions.
Is a handheld vacuum sealer worth it?
A countertop vacuum sealer still makes sense for hunters, bulk shoppers and anyone sealing large quantities of food at once.
A handheld vacuum sealer may be a good fit for:
- Meal prep
- Leftover storage
- Freezer organization
- Smaller kitchens
- Everyday food-storage tasks
Shop Fresko's new handheld sealer
A countertop vacuum sealer may be a better fit for:
- Large-batch sealing
- Bulk food preservation
- Frequent long-term storage projects
- High-volume food processing
For everyday households, a handheld model may be the more practical choice. It's quicker to use, easier to store and designed for the kinds of food-storage tasks most people handle every week.
If you've wanted to vacuum-seal leftovers, meal-prep ingredients or freezer foods without dedicating space to a full-size machine, the Fresko HV9 offers a simpler alternative.
Save $50 on this vacuum sealer
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trying to waste less food? This new kitchen gadget is $50 off now
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