All About Oat milk
Your complete guide to oat milk - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Oat milk Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for oat milk in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
unopened, pantry6-12 months (until 'best by' date)
Signs of Spoilage
Bulging carton, leaks, off-odor detectable through the sealed package, significant mold growth visible if packaging is transparent, or if the 'best by' date has passed considerably.
How to Check
Visually inspect the packaging for any swelling, damage, or leaks. Check the 'best by' or 'expiration' date printed on the carton. If the date has passed by a long margin (e.g., several months), even without other signs, quality might be compromised. A subtle 'off' smell might be detectable near the carton, though less common for unopened products.
Storage Tips
Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maximize shelf life. Do not store in the refrigerator until opened, unless specifically purchased as a refrigerated-only product (which is less common for oat milk).
opened, refrigerated7-10 days
Signs of Spoilage
Sour, 'off', or yeasty smell; unusual thickening or sliminess; visible mold (often green, black, or fuzzy); separation into distinct layers beyond normal (some settling is common, but curdling is a bad sign); yellowish or discolored appearance.
How to Check
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Smell Test: Pour a small amount into a clear glass and sniff. A distinct sour or unpleasant odor is the most reliable sign of spoilage.
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Visual Inspection: Look for any changes in color, texture (lumps, curdling, sliminess), or the presence of mold.
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Texture Test: If it pours unusually thick, stringy, or has a slimy feel, it's likely spoiled.
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Taste Test (Cautious): If smell and visual checks are inconclusive, take a very tiny sip. An acidic, bitter, or 'off' taste confirms spoilage. Discard immediately if any signs are present.
Storage Tips
Always keep oat milk tightly sealed in its original container (or an airtight alternative) in the coldest part of the refrigerator (typically the back of a middle shelf, not the door). Avoid drinking directly from the carton to prevent bacterial contamination from your mouth, which can accelerate spoilage.
frozen2-3 months (for best quality)
Signs of Spoilage
Significant freezer burn (large ice crystals on the surface if not properly sealed), and upon thawing, a very unpleasant odor or taste. The texture will almost certainly change (separation, graininess) but this is a quality issue, not necessarily spoilage. True spoilage signs (mold, sour smell) would manifest after thawing if contamination occurred prior to freezing or during thawing.
How to Check
Before freezing, ensure containers are airtight. After thawing, use the same smell and visual checks as for opened, refrigerated oat milk. While texture changes are expected, a sour smell or visible mold after thawing indicates it's unsafe. Do not refreeze thawed oat milk.
Storage Tips
Freeze oat milk in airtight, freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Leave about an inch of headspace in containers as liquids expand when frozen. Thaw frozen oat milk in the refrigerator overnight. Due to texture changes (often becoming more watery or grainy after thawing), it's best suited for cooking, baking, or smoothies rather than drinking straight.