Are you a fan of oat milk?
It’s a popular alternative to dairy milk, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
But what happens if you accidentally leave your oat milk out on the counter? Does it spoil? Is it still safe to use?
In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with all the information you need to know about storing and using oat milk.
So, grab a cup of coffee (with oat milk, of course) and let’s dive in!
Does Oat Milk Spoil If Left Out?
According to the USDA, an opened container of oat milk can safely sit out for up to two hours. After that, it’s best to discard it. This is because bacteria grow rapidly at temperatures between 40°F and 140°F, which means that drinking oat milk left out for longer than two hours could be dangerous.
If you accidentally left your oat milk out overnight, it’s best to discard it. Even if it doesn’t show signs of spoilage, it could have unsafe levels of bacteria and toxins produced by those bacteria.
It’s important to note that unopened oat milk is shelf-stable, but once the package has been opened, it becomes perishable and must be kept under refrigeration. When determining how long opened oat milk lasts, key factors are time, temperature, and air exposure.
Time: If the container was opened and left at room temperature for a few hours, then the oat milk may spoil much faster. According to the USDA temperature danger zone guidelines, perishable food items need to be refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours. After you use the oat milk, place it back in the fridge so it stays cold and fresh.
Temperature: When oat milk is left out on a hot summer day, then 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 the longevity of the oat milk storage, even if you place it into the fridge after an hour or two. Store it in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible.
Air exposure: It is important to minimize contact with air as that increases the risk of the oat milk going bad. For optimal storage conditions, an airtight container should be used with minimal amount of air left inside the vessel; otherwise, it will spoil quickly. Most manufactured oat milk brands come in an airtight container, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
The Shelf Life Of Oat Milk
Once the oat milk has been opened, it is best when consumed within 4 to 7 days, although it may last for up to 10 days. It’s important to refrigerate oat milk and oat creamer immediately after opening and make sure the container is sealed airtight.
If stored properly below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, then oat milk may even last up to 14 days. Manufacturer recommendations state 7-10 days on the packaging, but 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.
To extend the shelf life of your oat milk, it’s important to minimize exposure to air, temperature extremes, and time outside cold storage. Store it in the coldest part of your fridge, away from any warm spots or temperature fluctuations. Make sure to keep the container tightly sealed and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods.
Factors That Affect The Spoilage Of Oat Milk
Several factors affect the spoilage of oat milk, including time, temperature, and air exposure. Once you open a container of oat milk, it becomes perishable and must be kept under refrigeration. If you leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours, bacteria can grow rapidly, making it potentially dangerous to consume.
Time is a critical factor in determining how long opened oat milk will last. If the container is left open and at room temperature for a few hours, the oat milk may spoil much faster. According to the USDA temperature danger zone guidelines, perishable food items need to be refrigerated or frozen within two hours. Therefore, after using the oat milk, it’s best to place it back in the fridge so that it stays cold and fresh.
Temperature also plays a significant role in the shelf life of oat milk. 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 the longevity of the oat milk storage, even if you place it into the fridge after an hour or two. Therefore, store it in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible.
Air exposure is another critical factor that affects the spoilage of oat milk. It’s important to minimize contact with air as that increases the risk of the oat milk going bad. For optimal storage conditions, use an airtight container with minimal air left inside the vessel; otherwise, it will spoil quickly. Fortunately, most manufactured oat milk brands come in an airtight container, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
Signs That Your Oat Milk Has Spoiled
It’s important to know the signs of spoiled oat milk so that you can avoid consuming it and potentially getting sick. Here are some key indicators that your oat milk has gone bad:
1. Smell: Oat milk that has spoiled will have a sour or rancid smell. If you notice a strange odor when you open the carton, it’s best to discard it.
2. Appearance: If your oat milk looks strange or has changed in texture, it may have spoiled. Thoroughly shake the carton before pouring some into a glass. If it looks congealed or separated, there’s a good chance it has gone bad. Additionally, visible mold is a sure sign that your oat milk is no longer safe to consume.
3. Taste: If you’ve checked the smell and appearance of your oat milk and it seems fine, give it a taste. If it has an off flavor or tastes sour, don’t keep drinking it.
It’s important to note that even if your oat milk passes the smell, appearance, and taste tests, it may still be unsafe to consume if it has been left out for too long or exposed to bacteria. When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
How To Properly Store Oat Milk
To properly store oat milk, it’s important to follow a few simple steps. First, make sure to refrigerate the oat milk immediately after opening it. This will help to slow down the growth of bacteria and keep the oat milk fresh for longer.
When storing oat milk, it’s best to use an airtight container with minimal air left inside. This will help to reduce the amount of exposure to air and minimize the risk of spoilage. Most manufactured oat milk brands come in an airtight container, so this shouldn’t be an issue.
It’s also important to keep the oat milk at a consistent temperature. Avoid leaving it out on the counter for extended periods of time, especially on hot summer days. Instead, store it in the fridge as soon as possible to keep it as fresh as possible.
Finally, be sure to check the expiration date on the packaging and consume the oat milk before it expires. While oat milk can last up to 10 days after opening if stored properly, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consume it within 4 to 7 days.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your oat milk stays fresh and safe to consume for as long as possible.
Tips For Extending The Shelf Life Of Oat Milk
If you want to extend the shelf life of your oat milk, there are a few things you can do to help keep it fresh. Here are some tips:
1. Store it properly: Make sure to store your oat milk in the fridge at all times, even before opening. If you have a shelf-stable package, you can keep it at room temperature until you open it, but once opened, it needs to be refrigerated. Keep the oat milk in the back of the fridge where it’s coldest and away from any other foods that might contaminate it.
2. Use an airtight container: If you transfer your oat milk to a different container, make sure it’s airtight to prevent exposure to air and bacteria. This will help keep your oat milk fresh for longer.
3. Freeze it: If you have a lot of oat milk that you won’t use within the recommended timeframe, consider freezing it. Oat milk can be frozen for up to 6 months, and it will still taste good when thawed. Just make sure to leave some room at the top of the container for expansion.
4. Don’t drink directly from the container: Avoid drinking directly from the container as this can introduce bacteria and reduce shelf life. Pour the amount you need into a separate glass or container and then put the rest back in the fridge.
By following these tips, you can help extend the shelf life of your oat milk and reduce waste. Remember to always check the expiration date and use your senses to determine if the oat milk has gone bad before consuming it.
Can You Still Use Oat Milk After It’s Been Left Out?
If you accidentally left your oat milk out for longer than two hours, it’s best to discard it. This is because bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, which could lead to unsafe levels of toxins.
Even if the oat milk doesn’t show any signs of spoilage, it’s still not recommended to use it. This is because bacteria can multiply quickly, and the longer the oat milk sits out, the greater the risk of harmful bacteria growing.
It’s important to note that unopened oat milk is shelf-stable and can last for a long time without refrigeration. However, once the package has been opened, it becomes perishable and must be kept refrigerated.
When it comes to determining how long opened oat milk lasts, several factors come into play. These include time, temperature, and air exposure. If the oat milk has been left out for more than two hours, it’s best to discard it to avoid any potential health risks.
