Oat milk has become an increasingly popular non-dairy milk alternative to cow's milk in recent years. Oat milk has become more and more popular in the past few years, both in restaurants and supermarkets.
The reason? It's much healthier than dairy milk, with no cholesterol or saturated fats, and it also happens to be lactose-free and soy-free, meaning it can work for almost anyone!
However, because oat milk comes in so many different brands and varieties, it is not always easy to know how long it will last once you've opened the container. Many people wonder if it can be stored in the refrigerator or must be kept at room temperature, like shelf-stable oat milk.
The answer to this question depends on which type of oat milk you are referring to, and there are two types of oat milk on the market today: refrigerated and shelf-stable. Let's take a closer look at both of these options below.
Does Oat Milk Go Bad?
Yes, Oat Milk will go bad just like regular dairy milk. Both the shelf stable and refrigerated versions of Oat Milk will expire eventually although shelf stable oat milk will last much longer, especially when unopened.
When it comes to expiring, or "going bad", unopened shelf stable oat milk will last between 6 and 12 months. You can also consume shelf stable oat milk for another 1 to 2 months beyond it's printed best by date.
Refrigerated oat milk on the other hand, should not be consumed anymore that a week after it's expiration date even when unopened. Once opened you can safely consume either option for about 10 days unless already beyond the expiration date at that point.
How Long Can Oat Milk Stay Out
If you made your cup of coffee but were still a little groggy and left the oat milk on the counter you may be wondering just how long it can sit there.
According to the USDA oat milk once opened can sit out for roughly 2 hours. This window shortens if the room is above average temperature or the carton was left near a window and warm sunlight.
This goes for both shelf stable and refrigerated styles as both require cold storage once the carton has been opened.
Best Way To Store Oat Milk
If we are talking about refrigerated oat milk then the answer is simple, in the refrigerator. We suggest keeping it on one of the inside shelves as the temperature of the door shelving will vary as you open and close the unit throughout the day. This can extent the lifetime of your oat milk.
For shelf stable oat milk you can store anywhere away from direct sunlight or heat. Your pantry or countertop area will be just fine as long as you keep the carton closed.
Once you've opened it, shelf stable oat milk basically becomes refrigerated oat milk.
Will Expired Oat Milk Make You Sick
Just like any dairy product drinking or consuming beyond the expiration date does mean you are sure to get sick. However the more dairy spoils the more bacteria and mold begins to grow.
According to Healthline, spoiled milk is not a sure thing to make you sick but increases the chances with every hour the milk sits out at room temperature. Over time bacteria will begin to multiply like crazy and can cause some very unpleasant stomach issues or even severe food poisoning.
Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches and overall sickness can be signs your milk was bad. If this persist for more than a day or two make sure you see a doctor to make sure your symptoms are temporary and not a severe case of food poisoning.
What Is The Best Way To Tell If Oat Milk Has Expired?
Whether it is before or after its expiration date, oat milk goes bad if it is improperly stored. Test out the oat milk before drinking it. Always look for signs that it has gone bad. Oat milk that needs to be disposed of is bad if it contains the following issues:
- Changes In Color: If the milk goes bad, its color may turn yellow instead of creamy white. Make sure the milk hasn't turned yellow by checking its color. It might be spoiled if the color has changed. The yellow tint in spoiled oat milk is darker than the color of fresh oat milk.
- Consistency Check: If your oat milk has gone bad, its texture will be thicker. You may have bad milk if it is lumpy and uneven and does not have a smooth structure. However, this is common if you notice the oat milk separating a bit. It is recommended that before drinking it, you shake it gently. For testing, get a bowl and pour some milk into it.
- Check Oat Milk Smell: Check for a sour smell in the oat milk. Take a sniff of the oat milk container. A slightly acidic smell or something that doesn't smell fresh, there is a possibility that it has gone bad. Once oat milk has passed its expiration date, its smell becomes sour and can be easily distinguished from its usual scent.
Choosing Oat Milk Over Dairy
The advantages of oat milk include that it is an excellent alternative to cow's milk and is especially beneficial for vegans and those who wish to avoid dairy products. Oat grains are used in their making, and synthetic vitamins and minerals are added to boost their nutritional composition.
A carton of oat milk uses six times less water than almond milk, making it more eco-friendly. If stored correctly, oat milk can last for quite a while making it ideal for bulk purchasing to save money.
If you need some good shelf stable oat milk choices you can check them out on Amazon and have it delivered right to your door.
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