Oat milk is a delicious dairy alternative made by blending oats with water. It’s naturally free of lactose, nuts, and soy, making it an excellent option for those with allergies. Once opened, it needs to be refrigerated and consumed within 7-10 days.
In this post, we’ll explore the shelf life of oat milk, how to tell if it’s gone bad, and the nutritional benefits of oat milk.
What does oat milk taste like?
Oat milk has a slightly sweet and mild flavor, similar to cow’s milk. Its taste is often described as being naturally sweeter than almond or soy milk. Although some brands may have a slightly different taste depending on added ingredients like vanilla or chocolate.
Whether you’re making smoothies, pancakes, or creamy sauces, oat milk integrates well without significantly altering the taste of your dish.
How long does oat milk last?
The shelf life of oat milk depends on whether it is commercially packaged or homemade, and if it’s been opened:
Store-bought
Commercially produced oat milk typically comes in two varieties – shelf-stable and refrigerated. Unopened, shelf-stable oat milk can typically last from 6 to 12 months. Refrigerated oat milk, on the other hand, typically has a shorter shelf life, usually within 7 – 10 days after opening, regardless of the expiration date.
Homemade
This type lacks the preservatives found in stores and thus has a much shorter shelf life of about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
How do I tell if oat milk has gone bad?
Consuming spoiled milk can lead to food-borne illnesses. Here are 6 spoilage signs to look out for:
- Change in appearance: Separation is typical in many plant-based milks. However, excessive separation or a texture that doesn’t return to normal after shaking could indicate spoilage.
- Smell: Does your milk give off a foul odor? If yes, this might be an indication that it’s gone bad. Fresh oat milk typically has a mild, slightly sweet scent.
- Color change: If you notice any yellowish or dark spots on your oat milk, it’s a sign that it’s gone bad.
- Texture: Spoiled oat milk often develops a thick or slimy texture even after shaking the container. This results from bacterial activity and indicates that the milk should not be consumed.
- Presence of mold: Mold or any fungal growth around the cap area or inside the milk itself indicates that it’s gone bad and should be thrown away. Mold can appear as green, black, or white spots.
- Expiration date: While not a sign of spoilage, an expired “best by” or “use by” date can be a useful guideline. If your oat milk is significantly past this date, it’s more likely gone bad, especially if other signs of spoilage are present.
Does oat milk have gluten?
Oat milk is naturally gluten-free as oats themselves do not contain gluten. However, oats could get contaminated since they’re often grown near gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye.
If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it’s advisable to choose milk that’s specifically labeled as gluten-free. This labeling indicates that the oat milk meets the required standards for gluten content (typically less than 20 parts per million (ppm).
You may also like: Is Quinoa a gluten-free food?
Does oat milk need to be refrigerated?
The answer is yes and no. Shelf-stable oat milk can be stored in a cool, dry place without refrigeration. However, once opened, it should be refrigerated and typically consumed within 7 to 10 days, as indicated on the packaging.
Can you freeze oat milk?
Yes, you can freeze oat milk. This method can be a practical option if you have excess milk or want to extend its shelf life. However, there are some considerations to bear in mind:
- Texture change: Upon freezing and thawing, oat milk may separate or become slightly grainy due to the breakdown of its emulsion (the mixture of water and oats).
- Change in flavor: Some users report a slight change in flavor after freezing and thawing oat milk. While it’s still safe to consume, the taste may not be as fresh as pre-freezing.
How to freeze oat milk correctly
In freezing oat milk, ensure the following:
- Airtight container: Use an airtight, freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top of the container for the milk to expand as it freezes.
- Portioning: Consider freezing your milk in smaller portions or ice cube trays for easy thawing.
- Labeling: Always label your container with the freezing date to track how long your milk has been stored.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen oat milk in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps minimize texture changes.
Nutritional benefits of oat milk
High in fiber
One of the standout properties of oat milk is its fiber content. Oats are a good source of beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that has been shown to have heart-healthy benefits, lowering cholesterol levels.
Although oat milk contains less fiber than whole oats due to its processing, it still provides a beneficial amount compared to other milk alternatives.
Lower in allergens
Oat milk is a great option for individuals with dietary restrictions. It’s naturally free from lactose, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Its mostly also free from soy, nuts, and gluten, which are common allergens found in other milk alternatives.
Provides essential nutrients
While oat milk naturally contains some vitamins and minerals, most commercial brands are fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
These additions make oat milk a nutritionally comparable alternative to cow’s milk, especially important for those following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
May help lower blood sugar levels
The beta-glucans in oat milk can also help manage blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re managing diabetes.
Low in fat and calories
Unsweetened oat milk is relatively low in calories and fat, making it an ideal choice for weight management diet. It’s worth noting that the fat present in this milk is mostly unsaturated fat, which is considered a “good” fat due to its heart-healthy benefits.
Wrapping up: Does oat milk go bad?
Oat milk, like any other dairy alternative, does go bad. Once opened, commercially packaged products typically lasts 7-10 days in the fridge. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply exploring dairy alternatives, oat milk is worth considering in your dietary lineup.
