What happens if you don’t put oat milk in the fridge?
Introduction
Oat milk has become an increasingly popular plant-based milk alternative in recent years. Its rich, creamy texture makes it a great choice for coffee drinks, smoothies, cereal and more. But like most plant-based milks, oat milk has a relatively short shelf life and requires proper storage to stay fresh and safe to drink. So what exactly happens if you don’t refrigerate your oat milk after opening? Here’s a detailed look at how oat milk spoils, signs of spoiled oat milk, and how long it lasts unrefrigerated.
How Oat Milk Spoils
Oat milk is susceptible to spoilage once opened because of its perishable ingredients and lack of preservatives. Here are the main factors that can cause oat milk to spoil without refrigeration:
Microbial Growth
Like other plant-based milks, oat milk provides a hospitable environment for microbial growth. Bacteria, mold and yeast naturally occur in food products and given the right conditions, they will rapidly multiply. Without refrigeration, the warm temperatures allow these microbes to thrive in opened oat milk.
Oxidation
Exposure to oxygen also accelerates the spoilage process in oat milk. Oxygen causes oxidation, which degrades the fats in plant-based milks and causes them to go rancid. Refrigeration helps limit this oxidative breakdown.
Enzymatic Reactions
Natural enzymes found in oats and other ingredients can kickstart enzymatic reactions that degrade nutrients and flavors in oat milk over time. Refrigeration helps slow these enzymatic changes.
So in summary, leaving oat milk unrefrigerated creates an environment that fosters microbial growth, oxidation and enzymatic reactions that quickly deteriorate the product, making it unsafe and unpalatable to drink. Proper refrigeration is key to slowing these spoilage processes.
Signs of Spoiled Oat Milk
How can you tell if your oat milk has gone bad from sitting out too long? Here are the main signs of spoiled oat milk to watch out for:
Sour Odor and Taste
Fresh oat milk has a pleasant, mild, creamy aroma and flavor. As it spoils, the milk develops a sour, unpleasant smell and taste. This is caused by the build-up of lactic acid from microbial activity.
Curdling/Separation
You may notice the oat milk appears curdled or separated, with the solids and liquids partitioned. This curdling indicates the proteins in the milk have degraded and broken down.
Mold Growth
If you see fuzzy mold growing on the surface or inside the carton, that’s a sure sign of spoilage. Mold grows rapidly in the oxygen and nutrient-rich environment of oat milk.
Gas/Bulging Container
The build-up of gas from microbial activity may cause the container to bulge or swell. Gas is often produced as a byproduct of spoilage.
Change in Color/Texture
Significant changes in the color or texture can also indicate oat milk spoilage. It may turn from white to yellow, pink or brown, and the texture can become slimy or chunky.
So in summary, if your oat milk develops a sour smell or taste, appears curdled, shows mold growth, bulges, or undergoes color/texture changes – it’s best to err on the side of caution and toss it out.
How Long Does Oat Milk Last Unrefrigerated?
So how long can you leave oat milk out before it goes bad? Here’s a look at the shelf life of oat milk with and without refrigeration:
| Storage Condition | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Unopened oat milk shelf stable | 3-4 months past the use-by date |
| Unopened refrigerated oat milk | 7-10 days past use-by date |
| Opened oat milk refrigerated | 7-10 days |
| Opened oat milk unrefrigerated | 2 hours max |
As you can see, unopened, shelf-stable oat milk has the longest shelf life, remaining good for 3-4 months past the use-by date printed on the package when stored at room temperature.
However, once opened, the shelf life decreases significantly without refrigeration. Oat milk should be refrigerated and used within 7-10 days of opening. If left out at room temperature, opened oat milk will likely start to spoil and become unsafe to drink after just 2 hours.
The nutrient-rich environment combined with exposure to oxygen is a recipe for rapid spoilage. Some sources recommend consuming opened plant-based milk within one hour if left unrefrigerated. So it’s best to enjoy oat milk chilled or reheat gently before consuming and avoid leaving it out for extended periods.
How to Store Oat Milk Correctly
To maximize the shelf life of your oat milk and avoid spoilage, follow these storage guidelines:
Purchase Shelf-Stable Varieties When Possible
Look for shelf-stable, aseptically packaged oat milk that can be stored at room temperature. This allows for a longer shelf life before opening. Avoid non-refrigerated varieties that require refrigeration.
Refrigerate After Opening
Once opened, transfer the oat milk to a covered container or original carton and refrigerate. Properly stored, it will last 7-10 days.
Monitor Use-By Dates
Check package use-by dates and follow them. Do not consume oat milk past the recommended date, even if refrigerated and unopened. Use older products first.
Keep Oat Milk Cold
Do not leave oat milk out on the counter or anywhere at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours. Keep refrigerated until ready to consume.
Check for Signs of Spoilage
Inspect oat milk before drinking – if you notice an off smell, texture, or any signs of spoilage, err on the side of caution and throw it out. Don’t take risks with consuming spoiled milk.
Avoid Contaminating Product
Use clean utensils and glasses when handling oat milk. Don’t return unused milk back to the container – this can introduce bacteria.
Freeze for Long-Term Storage
For longer storage, freeze oat milk for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. The texture may change when frozen.
Following proper refrigerated storage once opened, avoiding contamination, and monitoring use-by dates are key to preventing oat milk spoilage.
Risks of Consuming Spoiled Oat Milk
What are the risks if you make the mistake of drinking oat milk that’s sat out too long and spoiled? Here are some potential health issues:
Foodborne Illness
Consuming spoiled milk can lead to foodborne illness caused by microbial growth. Bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and others may be present, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills.
Mold Toxins
If mold is visibly growing on the oat milk, drinking it could expose you to mycotoxins produced by the mold. These toxins can cause allergic reactions and other adverse health effects.
Unpleasant Symptoms
Even if pathogens are not present, you may still experience stomach upset, indigestion or other temporary symptoms from ingesting spoiled milk. The stomach acid can have trouble breaking down the curdled proteins and fats.
Food Intolerance
Microbial growth can damage milk sugars like lactose, making them more difficult to digest. This could trigger lactose intolerance symptoms in sensitive individuals.
So it’s clear that drinking bad oat milk comes with considerable risks, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly and those with compromised immunity. The consequences can range from temporary discomfort to severe illness in worst case scenarios. It’s simply not worth taking the chance – always err on the side of caution and throw out oat milk that you suspect has spoiled.
How To Tell If Oat Milk Has Gone Bad When Sealed
What if you haven’t opened your oat milk yet – how can you tell if it’s gone bad and shouldn’t be consumed? Here are signs to look for in sealed, unopened oat milk containers:
Expired Use-By/Best By Date
Check the date code printed on the sealed oat milk. If the date has passed, even by a few days, it’s best to discard the milk if it’s been stored at room temperature. Unopened, refrigerated milk may be good for up to 1 week past date.
Bulging or Leaking Package
If you notice the container is swollen, misshapen, or leaking liquid, that indicates gas build-up and spoilage. Discard the milk even if unopened.
Mold Visible Inside Container
Look closely – if you see mold threads or spots deep inside the untouched package, that means spores have infiltrated the contents which should be discarded.
Curdled Appearance
Separation, clumping or a curdled look can be visible through clear plastic or glass bottles. This suggests spoilage has occurred inside the sealed container.
Damaged Packaging
If the packaging is compromised through punctures, tears or damage, the safety of the milk inside can’t be guaranteed due to potential contamination.
Improper Storage
Oat milk stored for long periods in hot cars, garages or direct sunlight may be unsafe to consume even if sealed. Light and heat degrade milk quickly.
So inspect both opened and unopened oat milk carefully before drinking. Rely on your senses and proper storage guidelines to determine if oat milk has soured before opening.
Conclusion
Oat milk is a highly perishable product that requires diligent storage practices. Leaving it unrefrigerated quickly leads to microbial growth, oxidation and enzymatic reactions that cause spoilage. Signs of spoiled oat milk include odor, taste, texture and appearance changes. Consuming bad oat milk poses health risks, so it’s critical to refrigerate opened containers and discard any milk that shows signs of spoilage. Following proper storage rules, monitoring dates and inspecting packages allows you to catch spoiled milk before drinking and avoid unnecessary foodborne illness. Check containers carefully, refrigerate after opening, smell before drinking and take precautionary measures with your oat milk.
