You may question whether or not oatmeal can expire and how do you know if oatmeal has spoiled. Whether you eat oats everyday, or purchase bulk quantities, if you do not cook oatmeal on regular basis then you will have to store oatmeal in a sealed airtight container in a cool, dry and dark area.
When stored properly, oat can easily last between one to two years, and as long as thirty years when sealed in plastic bins and 10 cans. When improperly handled or stored, oats can expire quickly and turn rancid. The date labels are a recommended guideline, but your senses will ultimately tell if oatmeal has gone bad. The important thing is how do you know if it is already gone bad or expired? If you are worried about the storage of oatmeal and these questions bother you, then you have come to the right place and this guide will help you.
If you want to store dry oatmeal , then you do not need to follow rocket science. In the case of uncooked or raw oats, you need to keep them in a cool or dry place, and it can last long without any problems.
Placing the oatmeal storage container in a pantry is a great choice, a fridge or freezer also works well but that is not always the most economical or efficient use of space. However, if you have a separate cupboard in your kitchen or downstairs basement area, then is is recommended to store bulk oats in these areas to maintain quality and freshness for long term.
Transfer any bulk packaging into sealed airtight containers after bringing it home to ensure the oats will not be exposed to air and moisture. As you can see, oatmeal may go bad, but if you store it properly you can extend the shelf life to maintain quality and freshness. Best by, sell by, use by and best before are examples of expiration date labels that become continue to confuse the the consumer. So how do you know if the date label on your oatmeal is accurate?
To be honest, most date labels are not based on exact science. In fact, manufacturers provide date labeling to help consumers and retailers decide when food is of best quality , label dating does not concern food safety. As previously discussed, date labels are directly correlated with quality, and not necessarily food safety. In terms of quality, the shelf life of oats is affected by three main factors, type of oats , storage container and storage area.
Oatmeal : Whole grain oats, oat groats, have the longest shelf life because they are minimally processed and retain the whole shape.
However, the most common oatmeal, steel cut oats, rolled oats and quick oats , each have different expiration dates. Steel cut oats frequently last three to five years, rolled oats between one to two years and quick oats have a shorter lifespan which ranges about six to nine months. Storage container : An influential piece to improving shelf life. The oatmeal storage container must be airtight and reduce exposure to airflow and moisture.
Oxidation can make the oats turn stale, while moisture results in the growth of mold. Both will affect the quality and freshness of the oats even if they are not expired based on date. If you are looking to improve the length of time you can store oats, then this airtight ceramic container will do the trick.
The lid is tight and prevents air from coming in contact with the oats, additionally it is blocks out the light so no UV damage can affect the dry goods. Storage area : Clean, cool, dark and dry, those are the requirements for a good storage area.
Oats can be stored in the fridge or freezer, however that is generally not the most efficient use of space and energy. Therefore, it is recommended to store oats in a dry storage or pantry.
If date labels are not to be considered as fact, then what are the best ways to determine if your oats have expired? Look and smell, then taste to determine whether oats are still safe to consume. Raw oats should have a sweet nutty smell, look dry and taste neutral without any strong, bitter or foul flavors. Discoloration : Fresh oats will have a light brown or cream-like color. Any bright or dark colors could be caused by the growth of mold or bugs that have penetrated the storage container.
Mold : Moisture can enter into unsealed packaging and lead to mold issues. Whole grain oats are a dry good, so exposure to moisture will cause the oats to grow bacteria and mold in the area. It actually takes longer to digest and therefore provides a full feeling stomach for longer than most foods. How long does oatmeal last? That depends. How long does milk last?
In general, foods can only last as long as the quickest expiring ingredient that they are mixed with. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Oatmeal. Although the Oatmeal shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!
Home » Grains » Cereals » Oatmeal. How Long Does Oatmeal Last? Our Favorite Food Storage Set! How to tell if Oatmeal is bad, rotten or spoiled?
Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness. How to store Oatmeal to extend its shelf life? Interesting facts about Oatmeal: Oatmeal is a heart healthy food. How long is Oatmeal good for when prepared in a dish? What are our shelf life resources? How long do rolled oats last at room temperature?
Properly stored, a package of rolled oats will generally stay at best quality for about 18 to 24 months at room temperature. To maximize the shelf life of rolled oats once the package is opened, transfer to a covered airtight container or place original rolled oats package in a resealable plastic freezer bag.
Are rolled oats safe to use after the "expiration" date on the package? Yes, provided they are properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged rolled oats will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the rolled oats will remain at peak quality.
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