Abstract: The disclosure teaches a vacuum straw comprising a tubular shaft. The tubular shaft can comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion can comprise a top end and that closes the top of the shaft, and one or more orifices on the side of the upper portion just below the top end. The lower portion can comprise an opening at the end of said lower portion. There can be a fluid path between the opening and the one or more orifices. The disclosure also teaches a method of using the above-mentioned vacuum straw. The method can comprise placing a vacuum straw within a bag, putting the upper portion into a mouth, sucking air out of the bag, and closing said bag.