Are you a fan of oat milk? If so, you may have wondered whether or not it needs to be refrigerated.
With so many conflicting instructions out there, it can be hard to know what to believe. In this article, we’ll be focusing on Califia oat milk specifically and answering the question: does it need to be refrigerated?
Whether you’re a barista looking for the perfect oat milk for latte art or just someone who enjoys a glass of oat milk with their breakfast, read on to find out everything you need to know about storing Califia oat milk.
Does Califia Oat Milk Need To Be Refrigerated?
The short answer is yes, Califia oat milk needs to be refrigerated once it has been opened. This is because oat milk is a perishable substance and can spoil quickly if left at room temperature for too long.
However, if the oat milk is unopened and shelf-stable, it can be kept without refrigeration for six to nine months. This applies to Califia products packaged in cartons such as Better Half, Barista Blends, select Creamers & Plant Milks, and select Concentrated Cold Brew.
It’s important to note that all of Califia’s bottled products, including Plant Milks, Creamers, Cold Brew Coffees, Yogurts, Juices, and Seasonals, are perishable and must always be refrigerated. The same goes for their Plant Butters.
If you’re unsure whether or not a particular Califia product needs to be refrigerated, always double-check the label instructions. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food safety.
The Importance Of Properly Storing Oat Milk
Properly storing oat milk is essential to avoid the growth and spread of harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning. When oat milk is not refrigerated, it creates an environment that allows bacteria to thrive, leading to potential health risks. Drinking unrefrigerated oat milk can be dangerous as it may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella, listeria, and E. coli.
To ensure the safety of consumers, it is crucial to refrigerate oat milk as soon as possible after opening the container. Refrigeration inhibits the growth of bacteria and increases the product’s shelf life, allowing it to be consumed safely for a few days after opening.
It is also important to note that drinking unrefrigerated oat milk may mean that the product has passed its expiry date, leading to further health risks. To avoid any such issues, it is best to refrigerate oat milk and consume it within a few days of opening.
The Shelf Life Of Califia Oat Milk
Once opened, Califia oat milk should be refrigerated and consumed within 7-10 days. This is because once the carton is opened, the oat milk becomes perishable and can spoil quickly if not stored properly. It’s important to keep the container sealed airtight to minimize air exposure, which can increase the risk of spoilage.
When determining how long opened oat milk lasts, key factors are time, temperature, and air exposure. If the container was left at room temperature for a few hours, then the oat milk may spoil much faster. According to USDA guidelines, perishable food items need to be refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours. After using the oat milk, it should be placed back in the fridge to stay cold and fresh.
Temperature also plays a role in the longevity of oat milk storage. When oat milk is left out on a hot summer day, the chance of spoilage is much greater than being left out in the cold of winter. The ambient room temperature will have an effect on how long the oat milk stays fresh, even if it’s placed in the fridge after an hour or two.
Califia oat milk should be stored in an airtight container with minimal air left inside to prevent spoilage. Most manufactured oat milk brands come in an airtight container, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
It’s important to note that while manufacturer recommendations state that Califia oat milk lasts 7-10 days after opening when stored properly, your senses will help determine if something is wrong before or after that length of time. Changes in color and flavor will be a clear indication that the oat milk has passed its prime.
What Happens If You Don’t Refrigerate Califia Oat Milk?
If you don’t refrigerate your opened Califia oat milk, it will spoil and become unsafe to consume. The USDA states that no perishable food should sit out for more than two hours before becoming dangerous to consume, and oat milk falls under this category. Even if the original packaging hasn’t been opened yet, refrigeration is still necessary for Califia oat milk.
It’s important to keep in mind that most plant-based milks, including oat milk, have a short shelf life once opened. Califia oat milk needs to be consumed within 7-10 days of opening to ensure optimal freshness and safety. This applies to both refrigerated and shelf-stable oat milk products.
If you’re someone who doesn’t go through their oat milk quickly, freezing it is an option. However, make sure to transfer the oat milk to a freezer-safe container and leave some room for expansion. When thawing, do so in the refrigerator and consume within 7-10 days of thawing.
How To Store Califia Oat Milk Correctly
To ensure that your Califia oat milk stays fresh and safe to drink, it’s important to store it correctly. Once you’ve opened the bottle, make sure to refrigerate it immediately. Califia oat milk should be consumed within 7-10 days of opening to avoid spoilage.
If you’re planning on storing your oat milk for a longer period of time, it’s best to freeze it instead. Simply pour the oat milk into an airtight container, leaving some room at the top for expansion, and place it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it again, thaw the oat milk in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good shake before opening.
It’s also important to keep your oat milk away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can cause it to spoil more quickly. Make sure to store it in the back of your refrigerator, where temperatures are most consistent.
By following these simple storage guidelines, you can ensure that your Califia oat milk stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
Tips For Extending The Shelf Life Of Califia Oat Milk
If you want to extend the shelf life of your opened Califia oat milk, there are a few tips you can follow:
1. Refrigerate immediately after opening: Once you’ve opened your oat milk, make sure to put it in the fridge right away. This will slow down the growth of bacteria and help keep it fresh for longer.
2. Use a clean container: If you’re transferring your oat milk to a different container, make sure it’s clean and dry. Any leftover residue or moisture can contribute to spoilage.
3. Keep it sealed: When storing your oat milk in the fridge, make sure to keep it tightly sealed. This will help prevent any contamination from other foods in the fridge.
4. Use it within 7-10 days: Even with proper storage, opened oat milk will eventually go bad. To ensure freshness, try to use it within a week to ten days of opening.
5. Freeze it: If you have extra oat milk that you won’t be able to use before it goes bad, consider freezing it. Oat milk can be frozen for up to three months, although the texture may change slightly after thawing.
By following these tips, you can help extend the shelf life of your Califia oat milk and reduce food waste.
Can You Freeze Califia Oat Milk?
Yes, you can freeze Califia oat milk, but it’s important to note that the texture and consistency of the milk will change once it has been frozen. Freezing the oat milk will cause it to become slightly grainy after thawing, so it’s important to consider whether or not you truly need to freeze it before doing so.
To freeze Califia oat milk, there are a few different methods you can use. First, you can place the entire carton in the freezer if it is unopened. This will allow the oat milk to last up to six months in the freezer. Alternatively, you can pour the oat milk into a freezer-safe bottle, leaving at least 1 inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. This method will also allow the oat milk to last up to six months in the freezer.
It’s important to label the date of initial freezing on your container or carton so that you know how long it has been frozen. Once thawed, it’s not recommended to refreeze the oat milk, so plan to use everything that you choose to thaw after freezing.
When it comes time to use your frozen Califia oat milk, it’s important to thaw it properly so that it retains as much of its consistency and flavor as possible. Gradual defrosting in the refrigerator is recommended, and shaking the container or bottle well before use can help to redistribute any separation that may have occurred during freezing.
While defrosted oat milk may be slightly grainy in texture, it is still safe to consume and can be used in cooking or heated up for use in hot drinks like coffee or hot chocolate. However, due to its changed texture, it may not be ideal for use in cereal or other dishes where a smooth consistency is preferred.
