How long does Oatmilk last without refrigeration?

Introduction

Oatmilk has become an increasingly popular plant-based milk alternative in recent years. Made from soaked oats and water, it has a creamy, mild flavor that makes it suitable for drinking, baking, and more. But like any perishable food, oatmilk has a limited shelf life and needs to be stored properly to prevent spoilage. So how long does oatmilk last at room temperature if unopened or opened? Here is a comprehensive guide to how long oatmilk lasts without refrigeration.

How Long Does Unopened Oatmilk Last Without Refrigeration?

Unopened, store-bought oatmilk that has not been previously refrigerated can generally last 10-14 days past the “best by” date on the package when stored at room temperature, around 68-77°F.

Here are some general guidelines for how long unopened oatmilk lasts without refrigeration:

Room Temperature Range	Time Unopened Oatmilk Lasts
60-68°F	14-18 days past “best by” date
69-77°F	10-14 days past “best by” date
78°F or above	5-7 days past “best by” date

As you can see, the cooler the room temperature, the longer the shelf life. Once opened, the clock starts ticking and oatmilk has a much shorter shelf life.

How to Tell if Unopened Oatmilk Has Gone Bad

As unopened oatmilk nears the end of its shelf life at room temperature, you may notice some changes that indicate it is no longer good to consume:

– Expiration date has passed
– Swelling or leaking of the packaging
– Curdled consistency when shaken
– Off smells once opened, like sourness or spoilage
– Change in color to a yellow or grey tone

If you notice any of these warning signs in an unopened carton of oatmilk, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it out. Don’t consume oatmilk past the “best by” date printed on the label or if there are signs of spoilage.

Does Unopened Oatmilk Need to be Refrigerated?

Refrigeration is not strictly required for unopened oatmilk, thus the shelf-stable status before opening. However, refrigerating unopened oatmilk will help extend its shelf life further past the “best by” date.

Here are some tips for maximizing an unopened oatmilk’s shelf life with and without refrigeration:

– Store unopened oatmilk in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight if not refrigerating
– Refrigerating unopened oatmilk will extend its shelf life by several more days or weeks
– Don’t store oatmilk anywhere that could get hotter than 77°F
– Keep the product packaging intact to maintain sterility
– Check for any signs of spoilage before consuming, even if refrigerated and before the date

The bottom line is that while refrigeration can maximize an unopened oatmilk’s shelf life, it can still last up to 1-2 weeks without refrigeration if stored properly in cool conditions.

How Long Does Opened Oatmilk Last Without Refrigeration?

Once opened, oatmilk has a much shorter shelf life and absolutely needs refrigeration to last more than a couple days.

Here’s a breakdown of roughly how long opened oatmilk will last without refrigeration:

Room Temperature	Time Opened Oatmilk Lasts
60-68°F	2-3 days
69-77°F	1-2 days
78°F or above	Under 1 day

As you can see, consumed quickly opened oatmilk only lasts about 1-3 days maximum without refrigeration. The warmer your room, the quicker it will spoil.

How to Tell if Opened Oatmilk Has Gone Bad

Some signs that opened oatmilk has spoiled and should be discarded:

– Sour, curdled texture
– Change in color
– Mold on surface
– Off odors
– Expiration date passed

When stored properly in the refrigerator, opened oatmilk will last 5-10 days past its “best by” date before going bad. But without refrigeration, it’s highly perishable and spoiled milk can make you sick if consumed. So watch carefully for any signs of spoilage in opened oatmilk.

Does Opened Oatmilk Need Refrigeration?

Yes, opened oatmilk absolutely needs prompt refrigeration. Leaving it out on the counter for over 2 hours is not recommended. Refrigerate opened oatmilk immediately in a sealed container, and finish it within 5-10 days for best quality.

Here are some fridge storage tips for opened oatmilk:

– Transfer opened oatmilk from the carton to an airtight container or bottle
– Make sure the container is sealed to prevent oxygen exposure
– Store in the back of the fridge at 40°F or less
– Finish within 7 days for best flavor and texture
– Don’t return oatmilk to the fridge if left out more than 2 hours
– Check frequently for signs of spoilage

Refrigeration is critical for preserving the quality and safety of opened oatmilk. Without it, harmful bacteria can multiply rapidly at room temperature. So be sure to store all opened oatmilk promptly in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Oatmilk to Extend its Shelf Life?

Freezing is an excellent way to significantly extend the shelf life of oatmilk. Here’s how long it lasts in the freezer:

– Unopened oatmilk: 4-6 months in a freezer at 0°F
– Opened oatmilk: 2-3 months in a freezer at 0°F

To freeze oatmilk:

– Leave unopened cartons as is or transfer opened oatmilk to freezer-safe bottles/bags
– Make sure there is some headspace allowing for expansion
– Seal tightly and label with the date
– Place in the back of the freezer where temperature remains consistent
– Once thawed, shake or stir well before use

Properly frozen oatmilk maintains its quality and nutrition for months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use. Freeze any leftovers you won’t finish quickly to minimize waste.

Does Oatmilk Last Longer Than Dairy Milk Without Refrigeration?

Oatmilk generally has a slightly longer shelf life than dairy milk when unopened, but lasts about the same when opened. Here’s a comparison:

	Unopened Shelf Life	Opened Without Fridge
Oatmilk	10-14 days	1-3 days
Dairy Milk	5-7 days	1-2 days

The reasons oatmilk may last a bit longer unopened are:

– Higher fat and protein than skim dairy milk provides some stability
– Tight aseptic packaging preventing contamination
– Low moisture content inhibits microbial growth
– Natural antifungal compounds in oats

But once exposed to air, both oatmilk and dairy milk are highly perishable. Proper refrigerated storage is essential for both opened types of milk.

Tips for Maximizing Oatmilk Shelf Life

Here are some top tips for getting the most out of your oatmilk by maximizing its shelf life:

– Check “best by” dates at the store and choose the one with the furthest date
– Refrigerate unopened oatmilk to extend its shelf life by weeks or months
– Give opened oatmilk 5-7 days max in the fridge before it may spoil
– Transfer opened oatmilk to an airtight container before refrigerating
– Check for signs of spoilage like odor, texture, or mold before consuming
– Freeze extras if you won’t finish opened oatmilk within 5-7 days
– Store all oatmilk away from direct sunlight and heat sources
– Keep storage areas and containers clean to avoid contamination
– Finish opened cartons within 7 days for best quality and food safety

By following proper storage methods, you can enjoy oatmilk quality and freshness right up until the “best by” date or beyond. Be aware of food safety guidelines, refrigerate promptly after opening, use your senses before consuming, and don’t hesitate to freeze extras. With some simple precautions, you can make your oatmilk last.

FAQs

Can you microwave oatmilk that has been left unrefrigerated?

No, it is not safe to microwave oatmilk that has been left out unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours. The heat can increase the growth of harmful bacteria and will not make the oatmilk safe to consume again. Always discard oatmilk if it has been left out too long.

Can you put opened oatmilk back in the fridge after leaving it out?

It is not recommended. Leaving opened oatmilk out at room temperature for more than 2 hours can allow dangerous bacterial growth. Refrigerating it again will slow further bacterial growth, but cannot undo contamination that already occurred. Play it safe and discard any opened oatmilk left unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours.

Do the oats in oatmilk help it last longer?

Yes, the oats provide some natural preservative effects. Oats contain phenolic compounds with antifungal and antimicrobial properties that may inhibit some microbial growth in oatmilk. The fats from the oats also help stabilize oatmilk. But despite these benefits, oatmilk still requires refrigeration once opened.

Can you make your own oatmilk to store without refrigeration?

No, homemade oatmilk would not be shelf-stable and needs continuous refrigeration. Commercial shelf-stable oatmilk uses high pressure processing to destroy pathogens, allowing it to be aseptically packaged and kept at room temperature until opened. Homemade oatmilk lacks this processing, so it has a very short shelf life of only 2-3 days. Always keep homemade oatmilk refrigerated and use quickly.

Is it safe to drink oatmilk on its expiration date if it was never opened?

Unopened, commercially processed oatmilk should still be safe on its actual expiration date, although quality may start declining. Make sure there are no signs of swelling, leaking, odor, or other spoilage. But to be extra cautious, it’s generally best to consume oatmilk by the “best by” date before its expiration for maximum freshness and safety. Discard any unopened oatmilk more than 1-2 weeks past its printed expiration date.

The Bottom Line

When properly stored, unopened oatmilk can remain fresh and usable for up to 1-2 weeks past its “best by” date without refrigeration thanks to its aseptic packaging. But once you expose oatmilk to air, it becomes highly perishable. Opened oatmilk lasts just 1-3 days maximum out on the counter before spoiling. Always refrigerate opened oatmilk promptly in an airtight container and use within 5-7 days. Frozen oatmilk stays good for months. Follow these tips to enjoy oatmilk quality right up until its expiration date.