Arrived vacuum sealed, obviously fresh and ready to use, but with no instructions. Read all of the reviews because this is a high quality product that needs to be stored in a vacuum or oxygen free container to retain its utility. We set up all of our food (grains, cereals, oats, rice, and dried beans) to be stored in sterile containers (freshly washed glass canning jars heated in the oven) and only then did we open the vacuum packed absorbers. Immediately after putting the absorbers into each storage container, we then put the remaining packets into a separate container and pulled a vacuum on that container with our foodsaver device. The packets absorb oxygen, therefore, you must protect the unused packets from oxygen for them to retain their ability to absorb oxygen. The name of the product would suggest that no instructions are be needed.