Does Oatly really go bad after 7 days?
Oatly has become an increasingly popular plant-based milk alternative in recent years. Known for its creamy texture and mild oat flavor, many people have embraced Oatly as a dairy-free option for drinking, cooking, and baking.
But there has been some debate around how long Oatly lasts once opened. The packaging states that it should be consumed within 7 days of opening. However, some users report it lasting 2-3 weeks or even longer without spoiling.
So does Oatly really go bad after only 7 days? Let’s take a closer look at the shelf life of different Oatly products and what signs to look for to determine if your Oatly has spoiled.
Why Oatly says to use within 7 days
First, let’s examine why Oatly provides the 7 day usage window after opening. As a commercially produced product, Oatly has conducted shelf life testing to determine how long their products will stay safe and retain peak quality.
There are a few factors that can contribute to the short 7 day timeframe:
- Microbial growth – dairy alternatives can be prone to microbial growth from bacteria and yeasts which can cause spoilage.
- Oxidation – exposure to oxygen can cause oxidation which impacts flavor.
- Nutrient loss – vitamins like riboflavin degrade over time, even when refrigerated.
So the 7 days provides a conservative window where Oatly can ensure the product will be as close as possible to the optimal quality when it was produced and packaged.
Shelf life of different Oatly products
While the 7 day recommendation applies across all Oatly products, the actual shelf life can vary based on the specific product and storage conditions.
Oatly refrigerated milk cartons
This includes Oatly’s original oat milk, chocolate oat milk, whole milk, and low fat milk cartons found in the refrigerated section. Unopened, these products can be stored in the fridge for several months past the “best by” date printed on the package. Once opened, these do need to be consumed within 7 days for food safety.
Oatly Barista Edition
The Barista Edition oat milk designed for frothing is ultra-pasteurized and shelf-stable. Unopened cartons can be stored at room temperature for 6-9 months. Once opened, it can last 7-10 days in the fridge before spoiling.
Oatly creamers
The shelf-stable creamers like Oatly’s coffee creamer and hazelnut creamer can last unopened at room temperature for about 9-12 months. Once opened, they should be used within 10-14 days when refrigerated.
| Oatly Product | Unopened shelf life | Opened shelf life |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated milk carton | Several months past ‘best by’ date | 7 days |
| Barista Edition | 6-9 months | 7-10 days |
| Shelf-stable creamers | 9-12 months | 10-14 days |
Signs that Oatly has gone bad
So while Oatly offers the 7 day recommendation, many people find it keeps for longer than that if stored properly. Here are some signs to look for to determine if your Oatly has spoiled and should be tossed:
- Sour smell or flavor – Fresh oat milk should have a mild, creamy oat aroma and flavor. If it smells or tastes sour, it has spoiled.
- Mold – Any fuzzy mold spots or film on the surface means it should be discarded.
- Curdling – Oat milk can curdle after the use-by date, giving it a curdled consistency.
- Gas or bubbling – Fermentation from yeast or bacteria can cause gassiness or bubbling.
- Change in color – Significant darkening or unnatural colors can be a red flag.
If your Oatly exhibits any of these traits, it’s best to throw it out. But if it still retains its normal texture and flavor, it should be safe to consume.
How to extend the shelf life of Oatly
If you find yourself unable to finish the entire carton within 7-10 days, there are some steps you can take to help extend the shelf life of Oatly:
- Store tightly sealed in the fridge immediately after use.
- Check for the “best by” date and use oldest cartons first.
- Keep away from light exposure to avoid nutrient degradation.
- Avoid introducing bacteria by using clean utensils and glasses.
- Freeze any extra in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Following proper storage methods like these can help prolong the shelf life beyond the recommended 7 days. But always be sure to use your senses and look for any signs of spoilage before consuming.
The bottom line
Oatly’s 7 day usage recommendation after opening is intended to ensure quality and safety. However, many people find properly stored Oatly can last up to 2-3 weeks without going bad. The key is keeping it refrigerated and looking for signs of spoilage like smell, taste, texture, and appearance changes.
Be sure to follow any indicators of spoilage and consume opened Oatly within the 7-21 day window for the best flavor and food safety. With proper storage, Oatly can often be enjoyed past the 7 day mark without concern.