The question of how long oat milk lasts in the fridge can be very confusing to some people. Many factors go into this. One of them is the type of oats you use. If you’re using whole oats, they will have a longer shelf life, which means they will last a lot longer than oat milk that is processed. On the other hand, oats with a higher percentage of oat protein will have a shorter shelf life.
Shelf-stable oat milk typically has a shelf life of 6 to 12 months. This is because it does not need refrigeration and has aseptic packaging. The oats are mixed with synthetic vitamins and minerals to boost their shelf life. Refrigerated oat milk has a shorter shelf life, about a week. After the printed date, it should be thrown away. But if it is unopened, it will last up to 60 days.
What is Oat Milk?
A plant-based milk substitute made from whole oats is called oat milk. It’s created by combining oats and water, then strain it to eliminate the solids. Oat milk is a good source of protein, fiber, and carbs and is a suitable substitute for lactose intolerant or allergic to cow’s milk. It has a creamy, somewhat sweet flavor. It can be used in many ways, including drinking, baking, and cooking.
How Long does Oat Milk Last in the Fridge?
Oat milk normally has a shelf life of 7–10 days when kept in the fridge. Checking the expiration date on the carton is a good idea because the precise shelf life can vary depending on the brand and the particular product. It is advised to use within seven days of opening and to shake well before use. Keep the oat milk in the refrigerator between 33 and 40°F (0.5 and 4°C) and in an airtight container to keep it fresh for as long as possible.
Oat milk has a shelf life of seven to ten days when kept in the refrigerator. When left out, though, it might rot more quickly. Use it as soon as possible after opening, ideally within four to seven days.
It’s crucial to keep an eye out for further indications of spoiling in addition to checking the expiration date. This also entails a change in flavor and appearance. Its consistency can also alter, as well as its texture, which might turn slimy, lumpy, or moldy.
How to Freeze Oat Milk?
It’s possible to freeze oat milk, but it’s crucial to be aware that freezing and thawing may modify the texture. To freeze oat milk, follow these instructions:
- To allow for expansion, leave approximately an inch of headspace at the top when adding the oat milk to an airtight container.
- Put a date on the label after securely sealing the container.
- Put the container in the freezer’s coldest area, typically the bottom or rear.
- Before using, let the oat milk freeze for at least 24 hours.
- When ready to use, run the container of the oat milk under warm water or thaw it in the refrigerator. Before using, give the jar a good shake because the oat milk might have separated after freezing.
It should be noted that although oat milk may not be suitable for drinking when thawed after freezing, it is still good for cooking and baking.
How to Thaw Frozen Oat Milk?
Several techniques exist for defrosting frozen oat milk:
- The simplest method is to place the frozen container of oat milk in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight or for a few hours gradually. The recipes that don’t recommend heating the oat milk work best with this technique.
- Another method is running a warm water stream over the oat milk container. This method may defrost the oat milk more quickly than the refrigerator method, but use caution as using too hot of water may alter the texture of the oat milk.
- Place the frozen container of oat milk in a bowl of warm water to quickly thaw it out if you’re in a rush. To keep the water heated, change it every 15-20 minutes.
- In all circumstances, shake the thawed oat milk well before using it, as it may have separated after freezing.
It’s crucial to be aware that oat milk may not have the same consistency as fresh oat milk after thawing; nevertheless, it may be thicker and dense.
What is the Correct Method of Storing Oat Milk?
Oat milk should be refrigerated and kept in an airtight container for long-term storage. Here are some pointers to keep oat milk fresh:
- Before pouring the oat milk, ensure the container is tidy and dry.
- Make sure the container is tightly closed, and leaks are avoided.
- To help you remember when to consume the contents, mark the container with the date it was first opened.
- Oat milk should be kept in the coldest part of the refrigerator, either the back or the bottom. 33 to 40°F (0.5 to 4°C) is the recommended storage temperature.
- Before using, give the jar a good shake because the oat milk might have separated while it was refrigerated.
If the container is opened, but nothing is taken out of it, it must be consumed within seven days. If not, it needs to be frozen, as was stated in the previous response.
Is Oat Milk Better than Regular Milk?
Oat milk is a vegan substitute for oats, water, and occasionally additional additives like salt, oils, or sweeteners. Cows, goats, and sheep are mammals that produce regular milk, sometimes referred to as cow’s milk.
Oat and ordinary milk differ significantly in nutrients, with some notable commonalities. While oat milk normally has less protein and fat than conventional milk, it is a rich source of fiber and carbs. Oat milk is a suitable alternative for people who are lactose intolerant because it is also naturally free of sugar. In contrast to ordinary milk, it also contains less calcium and vitamin D. If the oat milk is not already sweetened, additional sugar is added.
It’s important to remember that oat milk’s nutritional value can vary based on the exact brand and whether it has been fortified with vitamins and minerals. Reading the label for additional ingredients like sugar, oil, and preservatives is also vital.
Ultimately, your dietary requirements and tastes determine whether oat milk is healthier than ordinary milk. Oat milk can be a better option for you if you have a lactose intolerance. Regular milk might be better if you search for a high-protein, high-calcium chance. For individualized nutrition guidance, it’s always a good idea to speak with a medical expert or a certified dietitian.
How to Use Oat Milk?
Numerous uses for oat milk exist, including swapping it out for cow’s milk in several dishes. Oat milk is frequently used in the following ways:
- Drinking it: Oat milk is a standalone beverage that can be enjoyed cold or hot.
- Cooking and baking: In many recipes, including pancakes, waffles, and smoothies, oat milk can be used instead of cow’s milk. It can also be used as a dairy-free substitute in recipes for baked goods, including bread, cakes, and cookies.
- Coffee and tea drinkers have a dairy-free option in the form of oat milk. It produces creamy lattes and foams nicely.
- Cereal and oatmeal: Oat milk can be poured over cereal or oatmeal as a dairy-free substitute.
- Oat milk is a dairy-free substitute that thickens and adds creaminess to sauces and soups.
Oat milk may not perform as well as ordinary dairy in some recipes, such as those that depend on the special qualities of cow’s milk (e.g., cheese making). Always start with modest amounts and make adjustments as needed while experimenting.
How to Identify Whether Oat Milk is Bad?
There are several indications that oat milk may be spoiled:
- Oat milk should smell mild and slightly sweet. It is probably rotten if it smells sour or nasty.
- Taste: Oat milk ought to have a creamy, pleasant flavor. It’s probably rotten if it tastes sour or rancid.
- A homogeneous, creamy color should be present in the oat milk. It is probably ruined if it has separated or curdled.
- Examine the expiration date printed on the packaging. The oat milk should not be drunk if it has expired.
- Mold: If you notice mold on the oat milk’s surface, throw the entire carton away.
- Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the oat milk is properly preserved. Try to use it in the first 7 to 10 days after opening. Make sure the container is properly packed and keep it in the refrigerator.
If you think your oat milk might be spoiled, throw it away and don’t drink it. The wisest course of action is to always err on caution to prevent any possible health problems.
What are the Side Effects of Consuming Spoiled Oat Milk?
Oat milk that has gone bad can cause several unpleasant side effects, including:
- Food poisoning: Contaminated oat milk may contain dangerous bacteria, including Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella, which can result in symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps.
- Reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to specific proteins in spoilt oat milk. Hives, itching, and breathing problems are some of the symptoms.
- Consuming spoilt oat milk may result in digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and stomach cramps.
- Headache and fatigue: Due to the histamine produced by the spoilage bacteria, consuming spoiled oat milk might result in headaches, exhaustion, and a general sensation of malaise.
The type of bacteria present in the spoilt oat milk and the person’s health and susceptibility can affect how severe these symptoms are.
Oat milk should be stored correctly and consumed within its expiration date to prevent these negative effects. If you think your oat milk might be spoiled, throw it away and don’t drink it. Seek medical help if you have any symptoms after ingesting tainted oat milk.
Reference: Effect of probiotics fermentation on the antioxidant properties of oat milk
With the expressed necessity of rising numbers of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli within the gastrointestinal tract, probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been created and commercialized to regulate the microbiota. The antioxidant properties of the synbiotic product produced by the fermentation of various probiotic strains and oats were investigated in the current work. Oats, a prebiotic source, were fermented with several lactic acid bacteria strains to create a beverage that combined the probiotic culture’s health advantages with the antioxidant properties of oat prebiotic beta-glucan. By measuring DPPH radical scavenging activity, the antioxidant activity of the fermented oat product was investigated.
Conclusion
Oat milk is considered a healthy alternative to cow milk. It has no lactose, so it is ideal for those with milk allergies. However, it can also spoil if stored in the wrong way. Oat milk can last for a few weeks in the refrigerator. However, it can get rancid if left open for too long. That is why consuming it within a couple of days is best.
You should store your oat milk in an airtight container. Ideally, it would be best if you kept it in the refrigerator, but it is possible to hold it in the pantry. Oat milk usually has a sweet and nutty aroma. If it smells bad or changes color or consistency, discard it.
