Oat milk, like other plant-based milks, has a shorter shelf life than dairy milk once opened. However, oat milk will usually last 5-7 days beyond the printed expiration date if stored properly. Here’s a breakdown of how long you can keep oat milk under different conditions:
Unopened Oat Milk
Unopened, commercially packaged oat milk will typically last 5-10 days past the printed “best by” date on the package when stored in the fridge. So if the date says August 1st, it should be good until approximately August 6-11th as long as it stays refrigerated.
Opened Oat Milk in the Fridge
Once opened, oat milk will last 5-7 days past the printed date, if continually refrigerated. Be sure to keep it towards the front of the fridge, not the back where it’s warmer. If it’s past 7 days from the printed date, smell and taste it before use. If it smells or tastes sour, it’s time to toss it.
Oat Milk at Room Temperature
Oat milk held at room temperature or warmer conditions will go bad much faster – within a couple hours. Bacteria grows rapidly as the temperature increases. Once brought to room temperature, it’s best to refrigerate again within 2 hours.
Does Oat Milk Need to be Refrigerated?
Yes, oat milk does need to be refrigerated. Leaving it out at room temperature for over 2 hours allows bacteria to grow to unsafe levels. The cooler temperature of refrigeration helps slow bacteria growth.
Signs Oat Milk Has Gone Bad
Here are signs that your oat milk has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Sour smell
- Thick, clumpy texture
- Mold visible on surface
- Change in color
- Curdled appearance
Does Oat Milk Last Longer Than Dairy Milk?
Dairy milk generally lasts 5-7 days past its printed date if continually refrigerated, similar to oat milk. However, dairy milk can be safely held at room temperature for up to 2 hours before needing to be refrigerated again. Oat milk should be refrigerated again after only 1 hour at room temp.
How To Store Oat Milk Correctly
To get the longest shelf life out of your oat milk:
- Refrigerate after opening
- Screw the lid on tightly
- Store towards the front of the fridge, not in the door
- Keep the temperature at or below 40°F
- Don’t let it sit out for over 2 hours before refrigerating again
- Check for signs of spoilage before consuming, like smell and texture
Does Freezing Extend the Shelf Life?
Yes, freezing oat milk can extend its shelf life significantly. To freeze:
- Make sure the container is freezer safe
- Leave an inch of headspace at the top for expansion
- Seal the container tightly
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Thaw in the fridge before using
- Use within 1 week of thawing
Can You Microwave Spoiled Oat Milk?
No, microwaving will not make spoiled oat milk safe to consume. The bacteria that caused it to spoil can survive and cause foodborne illness. Always discard oat milk that smells or tastes sour.
How To Use Oat Milk Before It Expires
If you have oat milk that’s close to expiring, here are some quick ways to use it up:
- Add to smoothies
- Use in overnight oats
- Make chia pudding
- Use in baked goods like muffins
- Make homemade granola
- Add to coffee, tea, oatmeal
- Blend into cream sauces
- Mix into pancake batter
Conclusion
Oat milk should be consumed within 5-7 days of opening if refrigerated continually. Make sure to smell and inspect it before use if it’s close to the 7 day mark. Discard any oat milk that smells or appears spoiled. Follow proper storage guidelines, and freeze if you won’t use it in time. Properly stored oat milk will maintain quality and safety beyond its printed date.