Can oat milk last 3 weeks?

Oat milk has become an increasingly popular plant-based milk alternative in recent years. Made from soaked oats and water, oat milk has a creamy, rich consistency similar to dairy milk. But there are some key differences when it comes to storage and shelf life. So can oat milk really last 3 weeks after opening? Let’s take a closer look.

How Long Does Unopened Oat Milk Last?

First, let’s consider how long oat milk lasts unopened. The shelf life of unopened oat milk depends on the type:

• Shelf-stable oat milk: Usually lasts 5-10 months past the printed “best by” date.
• Refrigerated oat milk: Lasts 5-7 days past the printed “use by” date.

Shelf-stable, unopened oat milk lasts significantly longer because it has been processed for extended shelf life. This involves ultra-pasteurization and aseptic packaging. Refrigerated oat milk has a much shorter shelf life, even when unopened.

How to Store Unopened Oat Milk

To get the maximum shelf life from oat milk, proper storage is key:

• Shelf-stable oat milk: Store in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigerated oat milk: Store in the refrigerator. Keep temperature at 40°F or below.

Avoid storing oat milk anywhere hot or damp. High heat and moisture can cause spoilage before the expiration date.

How Long Does Opened Oat Milk Last?

Once opened, the shelf life of oat milk shortens considerably. This is because exposure to oxygen and contamination risk increases. Here are some general guidelines for opened oat milk:

• Shelf-stable oat milk: Lasts 7-10 days in the fridge.
• Refrigerated oat milk: Lasts 4-7 days in the fridge.

As you can see, refrigerated oat milk lasts for a shorter window after opening compared to shelf-stable varieties. But can it really last for 3 weeks as the question asks?

Does Oat Milk Last 3 Weeks After Opening?

Most sources recommend consuming opened oat milk within 7-10 days for safety and quality. However, refrigerator temperature plays a major role. Properly stored, oat milk can potentially last 3 weeks after opening, though quality may decline.

Here are some tips for maximizing the shelf life of opened oat milk:

• Store in a clean, airtight container in the fridge immediately after use.
• Maintain consistent fridge temperature between 34-40°F.
• Keep oat milk towards the back of the fridge where temperature is most stable.
• Avoid introducing bacteria by using clean utensils and glasses.
• Check for signs of spoilage and discard immediately if any found.

Following proper storage methods can extend the shelf life of opened oat milk. But generally 3 weeks is pushing the limit of safety and quality.

How To Tell If Opened Oat Milk Has Gone Bad

Even if stored properly, opened oat milk won’t last forever. Make sure to check for the following signs of spoilage before consuming:

• Sour smell
• Curdled texture
• Mold growth
• Off-white color
• Slimy consistency

If you notice any of these changes in your oat milk, it’s best to throw it out. Consuming spoiled milk can potentially cause foodborne illness.

Preserving Oat Milk To Extend Shelf Life

If you want to keep oat milk longer than 3 weeks after opening, some preservation methods can help. Here are a few options:

• Freezing – Portion oat milk into ice cube trays or muffin tins, then freeze. Thaw cubes as needed.
• Canning – Sterilize glass jars then fill with oat milk. Process in a water bath canner. Lasts 1 year sealed.
• Drying – Dehydrate oat milk into powder. Keeps for ~1 year in an airtight container.

Each of these methods can prolong the shelf life of oat milk by months or even 1-2 years. However, the process alters the flavor and texture somewhat.

Commercially Preserved Oat Milk Options

Alternatively, some commercially prepared oat milks are processed for extended shelf life after opening:

Brand	Product	Shelf Life After Opening
Oatly	Barista Edition Oatmilk	45 days
Elmhurst	1925 Oat Milk	60 days
Pacific Foods	Barista Series Oat Original	21 days

These products use high-pressure processing or other methods to extend shelf life. Always refer to package for best by dates.

Should You Freeze Oat Milk?

Freezing is one of the simplest ways to prolong the shelf life of opened oat milk. Here are some key points about freezing oat milk:

• Freeze in airtight containers leaving headspace for expansion.
• Glass jars or freezer-safe plastic bags work well.
• Thaw overnight in fridge before use.
• Give a shake or stir after thawing.
• Use within 3-4 days after thawing.
• Avoid refreezing after thaw.

Freezing can allow oat milk to be kept for 2-3 months beyond the normal shelf life. Just be aware that separated fat may need to be reincorporated after thawing which can affect texture and flavor.

Is Refrigeration Necessary To Store Oat Milk?

Refrigeration is critical for storing oat milk safely after opening. Here’s why:

• Slows microbial growth – Cold temperatures inhibit bacterial growth.
• Reduces enzymatic reactions – Refrigeration slows chemical changes.
• Limits oxidation – Colder temperature minimizes oxidation reactions.
• Prevents separation – Chilling helps keep fats emulsified.

Without refrigeration, opened oat milk can quickly become unsafe to drink. Always keep opened oat milk stored in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

Room Temperature Storage Time

At room temperature, opened oat milk should only be left out briefly. Here are some guidelines:

• Shelf-stable oat milk – 2 hours max at <77°F
• Refrigerated oat milk – 1 hour max at <77°F

Higher temperatures allow for faster microbial multiplication. Over 77°F, limit to 1 hour max. Return oat milk to fridge as soon as possible after use.

How To Store Oat Milk Long Term

For long term storage beyond 3 weeks, freezing is the simplest approach. Other methods include:

• Canning – Sterilize jars, fill with oat milk, process in a water bath canner for long term room temperature storage.
• Drying – Use a food dehydrator or oven to slowly dehydrate oat milk into powder form.
• Vacuum sealing – Seal oat milk in bags designed for long term fridge storage.

Each method can extend shelf life over 1 year but will impact the taste and texture. Freezing has the least effect on quality.

Does Shelf-Stable Oat Milk Last Longer?

Shelf-stable oat milk has a distinct advantage when it comes to shelf life compared to refrigerated varieties. Here’s why:

• Ultra-pasteurization kills more microbes for longer freshness.
• Aseptic packaging protects against contamination.
• Nutrients like vitamins may be added back.
• Preservatives may be used.
• Higher processing temperatures alter proteins.

Due to these differences, shelf-stable oat milk lasts anywhere from weeks to months longer than refrigerated brands, both before and after opening.

Shelf Life Comparison

	Shelf-Stable	Refrigerated
Unopened	5-10 months	5-7 days
After Opening	7-10 days	4-7 days

Clearly, shelf-stable provides a longer lasting product. However, some prefer the taste of refrigerated varieties.

Does Oat Milk Curdle, Clump, or Spoil?

Like dairy milk, oat milk can curdle, clump, and spoil eventually if left long enough. Here are the factors that contribute:

• Enzymes – Natural enzymes can cause proteins and fats to cluster.
• Bacteria – Harmful bacteria multiply and produce acid.
• Temperature – Heat creates protein coagulation.
• Acidity – Low pH from citrus, vinegar, etc can curdle milk.
• Fat separation – Separated fats can clump back together.

These reactions occur faster at room temperature. Refrigeration and acidic activation of pectin during processing helps minimize curdling.

Does Oat Milk Need Refrigerated Right After Opening?

Yes, it’s important to refrigerate oat milk right after opening. Here’s why:

• Slows microbial growth – Cold temperatures inhibit bacterial multiplication.
• Reduces enzymatic activity – Refrigeration slows chemical reactions.
• Limits oxidation – Minimizes exposure to oxygen.
• Maintains emulsion – Keeps fats evenly dispersed.

Leaving opened oat milk unrefrigerated can quickly lead to increased microbial counts, enzyme reactions, and fat separation. Always put opened oat milk back in the fridge without delay.

Can You Freeze Oat Milk To Make It Last Longer?

Freezing is an effective way to prolong the shelf life of opened oat milk. Here are some freezing tips:

• Portion into ice cube trays or muffin tins for easy thawing.
• Leave headspace in containers to allow for expansion.
• Store frozen oat milk at 0°F or below.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
• Use within 3-4 days after thawing.
• Avoid refreezing thawed oat milk.

With proper freezing methods, oat milk can often be preserved for 2-3 months past its normal refrigerated shelf life. However, separation can be an issue after thawing.

Does Oat Milk Separate When It Goes Bad?

Oat milk may separate and look curdled when it goes bad. Possible causes include:

• Microbial growth – Bacteria produce acid that cause curdling.
• Enzyme activity – Natural enzymes can destabilize emulsions.
• Freezer burn – Freezing and thawing can break emulsions.
• Temperature fluctuations – Heating and cooling cycles affect stability.
• Contamination – Dirty utensils introduce microbes.
• Age – Oat milk naturally destabilizes over time.

Separation alone doesn’t necessarily mean oat milk is spoiled. But it does indicate declining quality and potential for faster spoilage. Discard any curdled oat milk with off smells or flavors.

Signs of Spoilage

Watch for these common signs that opened oat milk has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Appearance – Separation, curdling, sliminess, mold
• Texture – Increased viscosity, chunkiness, graininess
• Smell – Sour, buttermilk, rotten
• Taste – Sour, bitter, off flavors
• Color – Changes from white to yellow or grey

Never consume oat milk that displays any odd textures, smells or appearance. Play it safe and throw it out at the first signs of spoilage.

How To Make Oat Milk Last Longer In The Fridge

Here are some tips to extend the shelf life of oat milk after refrigerating:

• Use clean utensils to prevent bacteria introduction.
• Limit exposure to air by sealing container.
• Store on interior fridge shelves away from door.
• Maintain consistent 34-40°F temperature.
• Keep away from contamination sources like raw meat.
• Pour into smaller container to minimize air exposure.

Following proper storage hygiene and keeping oat milk cold can help lengthen its refrigerated shelf life after opening. But generally don’t expect it to last longer than 7-10 days.

FAQs

Why does oat milk curdle in coffee?

The acidic nature of coffee can cause oat milk proteins to curdle and clump. Adding oat milk directly to hot coffee exacerbates this effect. Try stirring in a small amount of oat milk first to temper before adding remainder.

Can you make homemade oat milk last longer?

Yes, adding an acidic activator like lemon juice or citric acid when making homemade oat milk helps stabilize proteins for better longevity. Proper refrigerated storage is also key.

Does shaking oat milk help it last longer?

Shaking oat milk won’t make it last longer per se. But it can help re-combine any separation, evenly redistributing the solids and fats for better consistency and texture during storage.

The Bottom Line

So can oat milk last 3 weeks after opening? The answer is maybe, if stored properly in the refrigerator at optimal temperatures below 40°F. However, oat milk quality begins to decline after 7-10 days. For best safety and taste, try to finish oat milk within this timeframe. If looking to store oat milk longer term, consider freezing it instead.

With appropriate refrigeration methods, keeping oat milk for close to 3 weeks is possible. But it’s not recommended for ideal flavor or food safety. As with any perishable product, it’s always best to rely on your senses. If oat milk smells, tastes or looks off, err on the side of caution and throw it out.