Abstract: Oxygen-scavenging compositions comprising an oxidizable metal component, an electrolyte component and a solid, non-electrolytic, acidifying component and, optionally, a water-absorbant binder and/or a polymeric resin exhibit good oxygen-scavenging performance with improved oxidation efficiency relative to compositions containing oxidizable metal component and either an electrolyte or acidifying component but not both. The compositions can be used as an oxygen absorbent in packets or in combination with thermoplastic resins melt-fabricated into a wide variety of oxygen-scavenging packaging articles.