A Guide to Oatmeal Shelf Life: How to Keep Your Oats Fresh for Longer
When you get up on cold fall or winter mornings, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of oatmeal. However, many people don’t know the shelf life of rolled oats or the best practices for storing oats in the long term. Can steel-cut oats go bad? It’s a question we all need to know the answer to! If you’re eager to learn more about the shelf life of oatmeal, then read on.
In this guide, we’ll explore the shelf life of oatmeal and its different types, what can affect the shelf life of rolled oats, and more, as well as tips for storing oats long-term in your pantry. We’ll even cover the signs of spoiled oats so you know when to toss them out and when to get another batch for your breakfast. Let’s start off with exploring the shelf life of oatmeal.
The Shelf Life of Different Types of Oatmeal
Whether you like rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or flavored oatmeal packages, you have to know what the shelf life is to ensure you don’t eat it after it’s past its prime. Fortunately, oatmeal has a fairly long shelf life compared to other breakfast favorites, such as cereal or bread.
When it comes to shelf life, oatmeal can last up to 12 months. Steel-cut oatmeal generally only lasts up to 18 months. The shelf life of rolled oats is the same, too. However, if you don’t open the package or store the oatmeal in an airtight container like the Tightvac, the shelf life extends to two years.
With such a long shelf life, oatmeal is an essential breakfast staple to keep in your pantry. Yet, it is important to know what factors affect your oatmeal’s shelf life, as this can limit the time you have to enjoy your oats.
What Factors Affect Oatmeal’s Shelf Life?
If you want to avoid early spoilage, then you’ll have to protect your oats from multiple external factors. From pantry pests to oxidation, there are plenty of issues to look out for that could reduce your oats’ shelf life:
- Pantry Pests: Even though they are microscopic, they are often still there! Indian meal moths are one of the worst, but you may also encounter weevils, flour bugs and other insects that can leave eggs in the oats if they are left to sit for too long. Worst of all, this can also spread to the rest of your pantry, too!
- Oxidation: If your oats are exposed to the air, they will oxidize, as all other food does. This means that the oats will not spoil, but they will lose the vitamins and nutrients that you’d enjoy otherwise. So, if you want to keep your oats as nutritious as possible, make sure they are sealed away in an airtight container!
- Water or Moisture: A pantry that has a moisture problem can easily wreak havoc on oats stored in your kitchen. Because oatmeal is dry, it will soak up the moisture like a sponge, potentially creating an opportunity for mold to grow. When this happens, toss your oats away. In the future, avoid storing them in high humidity.
- Bad Smells: There’s nothing worse than storing oats long-term next to something else that smells nasty. If you store your oats next to unpleasant smells, your oats will begin to smell the same. It doesn’t mean that they are unsafe to eat, but rather that they will begin to taste like other substances.
- Packaging: How you store your oatmeal will ultimately affect its shelf life. You can store your oats in a dark, moisture-free, smell-free location, but they could still go bad if you don’t store them in the right container. Choose an airtight container and make sure it is always properly sealed.
- Expiration Dates: Often, many people assume that the expiration date is the date that it goes bad. But that’s not the case at all! Fortunately, oatmeal is one of those foods that shows an expiration date as a sign of when the taste or flavor will change. So, in terms of oats’ shelf life, don’t listen to the expiration date!
Tips for Storing Oatmeal in the Long Term
When it comes to storing oats long term, you’ll need to follow a few practical tips to ensure that you’re keeping them safe from the elements and unwanted pests. Your storage method is the key to your oats’ shelf life! For uncooked oats, keep them sealed away in a dry, dark, cool location.
Once you have opened up the oats to cook, you’ll want to transfer the remaining oats into a container with a tight seal. An airtight container is the best option, no matter if you store your oats and oatmeal in the fridge or freezer.
Is it Possible to Refrigerate Oats and Oatmeal?
It is possible to put your oatmeal in the fridge, but not your oats. Your oats’ shelf life will benefit from being stored in the pantry away from the external elements, but cooked oatmeal can go in the fridge. Make sure that you put your cooked oatmeal in a container with a tight seal and keep it in the fridge until you want to eat it. To prepare it, simply heat it up and enjoy.
Can You Freeze Oatmeal?
Yes! You can freeze your oatmeal after you have prepared it. It is not recommended to place your oats in the freezer, as being exposed to moisture can allow for mold to develop. However, if you want to store your cooked oatmeal long term, storage in the freezer is doable as long as you use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Once you are ready to eat them, simply place some in the microwave and cook for only one to two minutes. You’ll want to stir your oatmeal to break it up, and then you’re all ready for breakfast!
The Signs of Spoiled Oatmeal: Clear Signs You Should Toss It in the Trash
If you’re unsure if the oats have spoiled, there are a few clear telltale signs that it is time to throw them away. For instance, if you see any off-putting colors, like a weird shade of green or blue, it’s definitely gone bad. If it smells off or rancid, it’s definitely spoiled. Finally, if you see any clumps or mold, the oatmeal is past its prime.
Properly Store Your Oatmeal Long Term with Tightvac Containers
We hope that this guide taught you something new about the shelf life of oatmeal and storing oats long term. If you’re looking for an easy container for storing oats, then why not try the Tightvac? As an airtight, opaque container, Tightvac storage offers the best solution for a wide variety of pantry staples, and it comes in multiple sizes. Browse our food containers today to shop for your first Tightvac.
- Brie Allen
