Can you drink oat milk past 10 days?
Oat milk has become increasingly popular in recent years as a dairy-free milk alternative. With its creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor, oat milk can be used in everything from coffee and cereal to smoothies and baking. But there is some confusion around how long oat milk lasts once opened. Here’s what you need to know about the shelf life and safety of drinking oat milk past its “best by” date.
How long does unopened oat milk last?
An unopened carton or bottle of oat milk will typically last 5-10 days past its printed “best by” or expiration date, as long as it has been stored properly in the refrigerator. The key is keeping oat milk chilled at 40°F or below before opening. This helps slow bacterial growth and enzymatic activity that can cause spoiled milk.
Does oat milk go bad?
Yes, oat milk can spoil and “go bad” if left out unrefrigerated or kept past its prime. Signs of spoiled oat milk include:
- Sour, unpleasant smell
- Thick, chunky texture
- Mold growth
- Rancid taste
These changes are caused by microbial growth and oxidization over time. Spoiled oat milk should not be consumed.
How long does opened oat milk last in the fridge?
Once opened, oat milk will generally stay fresh in the refrigerator for 7-10 days past its printed date. The exact shelf life depends on the type of oat milk and how it was processed and packaged. For example:
| Oat Milk Type | Fridge Life After Opening |
|---|---|
| Shelf-stable, aseptic cartons | 10-14 days |
| Refrigerated cartons | 7-10 days |
| DIY oat milk | 3-5 days |
The higher fat content and lack of preservatives in homemade oat milk means it has a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought versions.
Can you drink oat milk past the expiration date?
It’s generally not recommended to drink oat milk past 7-10 days after opening, even if it’s still before the printed “best by” date. This is because the quality and freshness diminishes over time as proteins and fats oxidize. However, oat milk that smells and tastes normal may still be safe for up to 2 weeks after opening.
Does oat milk need to be refrigerated?
Yes, all oat milk products must be stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth. While some shelf-stable, aseptic oat milks can be kept in the pantry before opening, these should be refrigerated after opening. Keeping opened oat milk chilled helps extend its shelf life.
Can you freeze oat milk?
Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of oat milk and prevent waste. Both opened and unopened oat milk can be frozen for 2-3 months beyond any printed date. To freeze oat milk:
- Make sure carton or bottle is securely sealed.
- Leave room for expansion as contents freeze.
- Freeze immediately at 0°F or below.
- Once thawed, shake well before use.
The fat in oat milk may separate after thawing, but shaking vigorously will reincorporate it.
How to tell if oat milk is bad?
Here are signs that opened oat milk has spoiled and should be discarded:
- Sour smell
- Curdled texture
- Mold on surface
- Separated liquid
- Rancid taste
If your oat milk displays any of these characteristics past its recommended shelf life, it’s best to throw it out. Consuming spoiled milk can potentially lead to foodborne illness.
Can spoiled oat milk make you sick?
Yes, drinking spoiled oat milk that contains pathogenic bacteria or mold can cause illness. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Babies, children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for illness from spoiled dairy-free milk.
How to store oat milk properly
To get the longest shelf life out of your oat milk and avoid spoilage:
- Check “best by” date – This will ensure quality.
- Refrigerate after opening – Keep oat milk chilled at 40°F or below.
- Keep lid tightly sealed – Prevents contamination.
- Store away from light – Light can degrade nutrients over time.
- Don’t return milk to fridge – Avoid temperature fluctuations.
- Check for signs of spoilage – Discard if any mold, smell or texture changes.
Conclusion
When stored properly in the refrigerator, most oat milks stay fresh for 7-10 days past opening. Freezing can extend shelf life for several months. While it’s generally safe to consume oat milk within 2 weeks of opening if it appears and smells normal, quality declines over time. Discard any oat milk that smells sour, looks curdled, or shows other signs of spoilage after its recommended shelf life has passed.
Following storage guidelines, looking for signs of spoilage, and freezing extras can help prevent wasting oat milk that has passed its prime. With proper handling, oat milk can be safely enjoyed past its “best by” date while maintaining quality and nutrition.