Oat milk has become a popular alternative to traditional cow’s milk, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. But with its rise in popularity comes the question: can you get sick from oat milk?
The answer is yes, you can. Spoiled oat milk can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning, leading to unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why oat milk can go bad, how to properly store it, and what to look out for to avoid getting sick.
So grab a glass of your favorite non-dairy milk and read on to learn more about the potential risks of consuming spoiled oat milk.
Can You Get Sick From Oat Milk?
As mentioned earlier, drinking spoiled oat milk can lead to food poisoning. This is because oat milk, like any other food, can spoil if not stored and handled properly. Old or expired oat milk can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can cause a range of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and headache. In more severe cases, it can even lead to hospitalization.
It’s important to note that while consuming expired oat milk may not necessarily make you sick, drinking spoiled oat milk certainly can. Spoiled oat milk can cause intestinal inflammation, vomiting, or diarrhea. Furthermore, opened oat milk is exposed to oxidation that can cause rancidity. This means that the liquid is exposed to air, which brings bacteria, spores, and microbial growth. When oat milk is no longer fresh, it becomes less nutritious as the vitamins and minerals degrade over time.
Why Oat Milk Can Go Bad
Oat milk is a perishable product and can go bad if not stored and handled properly. Unlike other types of milk, which are pasteurized, oat milk is fermented or cultured. During the fermentation process, naturally occurring microorganisms called bacteria (lactobacilli) help ferment the milk. These bacteria produce lactic acid as they feed on sugars in the milk, creating a sour taste and smell. This is the reason why oat milk tastes and smells different than regular cow’s milk.
However, the fermentation process also makes oat milk more susceptible to spoilage. Once you open the carton of oat milk, the bacteria in it will start to ferment again, and it will continue to do so until you get rid of the bacteria in the milk. The bacteria present in oat milk can multiply rapidly at room temperature, leading to spoilage and food poisoning.
Furthermore, storing oat milk at temperatures that are too high or too low can also cause it to go bad. If oat milk is exposed to temperatures above 110 degrees Fahrenheit, the bacteria in it will die off, causing it to spoil. On the other hand, if oat milk is stored in a refrigerator that is too cold, it can freeze and become unusable.
Signs Of Spoiled Oat Milk
So, how can you tell if your oat milk has gone bad? Here are some signs to look out for:
1. Sour or Off Smell: If your oat milk has a sour or off smell, it’s a clear indication that it has gone bad. The sour smell is caused by the presence of bacteria that have fermented the milk.
2. Curdled Texture: Curdling is another sign that your oat milk has gone bad. If you notice lumps or clumps in the milk, it’s a sign that the proteins have started to break down.
3. Change in Color: Fresh oat milk is usually creamy white in color. If your oat milk has turned yellowish or brownish, it’s a sign that it has spoiled.
4. Mold Growth: If you see any mold growth on the surface of your oat milk, it’s a clear indication that it has gone bad and should be discarded immediately.
5. Unpleasant Taste: Spoiled oat milk can have an unpleasant taste that is sour, bitter, or rancid.
If you notice any of these signs in your oat milk, it’s best to discard it and not take any chances. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to consuming food that may have gone bad.
Potential Risks Of Consuming Spoiled Oat Milk
Consuming spoiled oat milk poses several potential risks to your health. The most significant risk is food poisoning, which can occur when the milk is contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella. Symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, and in severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization.
Another risk of consuming spoiled oat milk is intestinal inflammation. When the milk is no longer fresh, it can cause irritation in your gut, leading to discomfort and digestive issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, opened oat milk is exposed to oxidation that can cause rancidity. This means that the liquid is exposed to air, which brings bacteria, spores, and microbial growth. When oat milk is no longer fresh, it becomes less nutritious as the vitamins and minerals degrade over time.
It’s important to note that consuming expired oat milk may not necessarily make you sick, but it’s not advisable to ingest spoiled oat milk. Spoiled oat milk won’t necessarily make you sick, but it absolutely can. According to the USDA, foods that have gone bad due to spoilage bacteria will taste unpleasant but are unlikely to make you sick. That said, spoiled foods that have developed pathogenic bacteria will give you food poisoning. Since there’s no way to determine what kind of bacteria have caused your oat milk to go bad, it’s best just to steer clear of the spoiled stuff entirely.
Proper Storage And Handling Of Oat Milk
To ensure the safety and quality of oat milk, it is important to store and handle it properly. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Refrigerate immediately after opening: Once you open a carton of oat milk, it should be refrigerated right away. Leaving it at room temperature can promote bacterial growth, which can cause spoilage and make you sick.
2. Use within 7 to 10 days: Oat milk should be consumed within 7 to 10 days after opening, even if it has not yet reached its expiration date. This is because the milk can still spoil even if it hasn’t expired yet.
3. Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date on the carton before purchasing and consuming oat milk. Expired oat milk should be discarded immediately.
4. Store in a cool, dry place: Unopened cartons of oat milk should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This can help prolong its shelf life and prevent spoilage.
5. Do not mix with other liquids: Mixing oat milk with other liquids can prevent it from solidifying properly, as it contains natural stabilizers that help keep it fresh.
6. Do not freeze in the original carton: While oat milk can be frozen, it should not be frozen in the original carton as this can cause the container to burst. Instead, pour the oat milk into a freezer-safe container before freezing.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your oat milk stays fresh and safe to consume. Remember, drinking spoiled or expired oat milk can lead to food poisoning and other health issues, so it’s important to always check for signs of spoilage and follow proper storage and handling procedures.
How To Safely Enjoy Oat Milk
To safely enjoy oat milk, it’s important to follow some guidelines. First and foremost, it’s crucial to store oat milk properly in the refrigerator after opening. This will help prevent bacteria growth and keep the milk fresh for longer. Oat milk should be consumed within 7 to 10 days after opening, and any oat milk that has been left out for more than two hours should be discarded.
When purchasing oat milk, make sure to check the expiration date printed on the carton. In some countries, oat milk is considered fresh when sold within two days after opening, while in others it can last up to four weeks. If there isn’t an expiration date printed on the carton, ask the store employee for advice.
It’s also important to keep oat milk at the right temperature. Oat milk should be kept between 40 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bacteria growth. If it gets too hot, the bacteria in the milk will die off and the milk will spoil.
If you want to freeze your oat milk, you can do so without worrying about spoiling it. Just place a portion of the oat milk in a freezer bag and put it in the freezer. You can thaw it later by placing it in a microwave or running warm water over it.
Lastly, never mix oat milk with other liquids as this can prevent the oat milk from solidifying properly. Instead, just shake the milk before using it.
By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy your oat milk without worrying about getting sick from spoiled or expired milk.
