Oat milk is all the rage these days. It’s a dairy-free alternative that’s creamy and delicious, and it can be used in all sorts of recipes. But does oat milk go bad? And if so, how can you tell? Here’s everything you need to know about storing oat milk and what signs to look for that indicate it’s time to toss it out.
What is Oat Milk?
You may have seen oat milk on store shelves and wondered what it is. Oat milk is a dairy-free alternative to milk that is made from oats. It is a good source of fiber and vitamins and has a creamy texture. Oat milk can be used in place of milk in many recipes and can be enjoyed on its own.
How is oat milk made?
Oats are soaked in water and then blended with water to create a creamy mixture. Next, the oats are strained to remove any solid pieces. The liquid that remains is oat milk. Oat milk can be flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or other flavors. It can also be sweetened with sugar or honey.
Can Oat Milk Go Bad?
Yes, it can! Like any other food product, oat milk can spoil if it’s not stored correctly or past its expiration date. To extend your oat milk’s shelf life, store it in the fridge in a sealed container. And check the expiration date before you buy—it’s usually printed on the bottom of the carton.
If you’re unsure whether your oat milk has gone bad, sniff it. If it smells sour or off, it’s time to toss it out. Also, look for mold or chunks floating in the liquid. If you see either of these things, the oat milk has spoiled and is no longer safe to drink.
How Long Does Oat Milk Last After Opening?
Oat milk is perishable. It should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 7-10 days of opening. However, if you’re like me and often forget to put your oat milk away after using it, you may wonder how long it can sit out.
Here’s the thing: oat milk can technically sit out at room temperature for up to 24 hours. However, after that time, the milk quality will start to decline. The oats will spoil, and the milk will develop an off-flavor. So, while you technically can drink oat milk that has been sitting out for 24 hours, it will not taste perfect.
If you do find yourself in a situation where you need to drink oat milk that has been sitting out, there are a few things you can do to try to salvage it. First, smell the milk before drinking it. If it smells sour or off, don’t drink it. Second, give the milk a good shake before drinking it. This will help redistribute any separated fats back into the liquid. And finally, if all else fails, add the oat milk to a recipe where it will be cooked. This will help kill any harmful bacteria that may have developed while the milk was sitting out.
Can Spoiled Oat Milk Make You Sick?
Yes, spoiled oat milk can make you sick. Oat milk is a perishable product that can go bad if it’s not stored correctly. When oat milk spoils, it can develop bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. If you experience these symptoms after drinking spoiled oat milk, please seek medical attention immediately.
How To Tell When Oat Milk is Bad
1. The oat milk has chunks or lumps in it.
If you notice that your oat milk has chunks or lumps, this is a definite sign that it has gone wrong. Oat milk should be smooth and creamy, so any chunks or lumps are a surefire indication that it’s time to toss it out.
2. The oat milk has separation.
Another sign that your oat milk has gone bad is if you notice the separation between the liquid and solid parts of the milk. This is usually due to the expiration date on the expired carton, so if you see a separation, check the date and discard the milk if it’s past its due date.
3. The oat milk smells sour or funky.
One of the easiest ways to tell if oat milk has gone bad is by sniffing it. As with any other type of milk, when oat milk starts to go bad, it will develop a sour or funky smell. Fresh oat milk should have a slightly sweet smell, while bad oat milk will have an unpleasant, rotten smell. If you notice this, it means the milk is no longer safe to consume and should be discarded immediately.
4. The oat milk tastes sour or off.
In addition to smelling bad, spoiled oat milk will taste sour or off. If you notice this, do not drink the milk. If the smell test doesn’t give you a clear answer, you can always give your oat milk a taste. Take a small sip of the milk and see if it tastes sour or otherwise off. If it does, spit it out and discard the milk. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
5. Check the Use-By Date
All oat milk will come with a use-by date. This is the date the milk is no longer safe to consume. If your oat milk is past its use-by date, don’t even bother doing a smell or taste test—toss it out.
6. Look for Changes in Color or Texture
Oat milk that has gone bad will often change color or texture. For example, the milk may become darker or start to form clumps. If you notice any changes in color or texture, it’s best to discard the milk.
7. Do a Visual Inspection
Before pouring a glass of oat milk, ensure no strange chunks are floating in the milk and that the consistency is smooth and creamy. If everything looks good, then go ahead and enjoy your oat milk!
Can You Drink Expired Oat Milk?
It depends on how long the oat milk has expired. If it’s only a few days past the expiration date, it’s still safe to drink. However, if it’s been weeks or even months, it’s best to play it safe and throw it out.
Here’s why: when the milk expires, it starts to form bacteria that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Oat milk is especially susceptible to this because it’s a dairy product. So, while you might be able to get away with drinking expired cow’s milk or soy milk, we wouldn’t recommend taking your chances with oat milk.
If you do decide to drink expired oat milk, make sure to do so within a few days of its expiration date. And always keep an eye out for any signs that the milk has gone wrong, such as chunks, discoloration, or an off odor. If you notice any of these things, it’s time to toss the carton and get a new one.
What Happens When You Drink Expired Oat Milk?
While drinking expired oat milk probably won’t kill you, it can cause unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is because expired oat milk contains higher levels of bacteria than fresh oat milk. When these bacteria enter your digestive system, they can cause an infection known as food poisoning.
How to Properly Store Oat Milk?
1. Oat milk should be stored in a cool, dark place.
You should avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near a heat source. The ideal storage temperature for oat milk is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Oat milk should be stored in an airtight container.
This will help to keep the milk fresh for longer. Use a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable plastic bag.
3. Oat milk can be stored in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Once you have opened the container, consuming the milk within seven days is best. Be sure to give the milk a good shake before using it, as the oats may settle at the bottom of the container.
4. Check the expiration date before you buy.
Oat milk has a shorter shelf life than cow’s milk, so it’s important to check the expiration date before you purchase it.
5. Shake well before using.
Oat milk tends to separate when stored, so be sure to shake it well before using it in your favorite recipe or beverage.
What Can You Do With Expired Oat Milk?
Oat Milk for Body Care
While expired oat milk may not be suitable for drinking, it can benefit your skin. For example, expired oat milk can help to soothe and nourish your skin when used in a facial mask or scrub. Here’s how to do it:
1. Combine equal parts expired oat milk and honey in a bowl.
2. Mix well and apply to your face.
3. Leave for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
4. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer.
You can also use expired oat milk in a body scrub. Just combine 1 cup of expired oat milk with 1 cup of sugar and mix well. Then, rub it on your skin in the shower and rinse it with warm water. Your skin will feel soft, smooth, and healthy in no time.
Oat Milk for Neutralizing Pet Odor
The science behind using expired oat milk for neutralizing pet odor is quite simple. When milk goes bad, it starts to form lactic acid. Lactic acid is a sour-tasting compound that is produced when milk spoils. This compound is also very effective at neutralizing odors. So, when your oat milk expires and starts to form lactic acid, you can use it to neutralize pet odors!
To use expired oat milk for neutralizing pet odor, pour some into a bowl and place it in the room where the odor is coming from. The oat milk’s lactic acid will help neutralize the odor, making your home smell fresh and clean again.
Oat Milk for Paper Mache Projects
Did you know you can also use oat milk for paper mache projects? That’s right—expired oat milk makes an excellent paper mache glue!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup of expired oat milk
- 2 cups of flour
- A large bowl
- A whisk
- A piece of cardboard or newspaper
- Scissors
- A straw
- A paintbrush (optional)
- Paint (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by mixing the oat milk and flour in the bowl. Then, use the whisk to make sure there are no clumps.
2. Cut your cardboard or newspaper into about 1-inch wide and 6 inches long strips.
3. Dip a strip of cardboard into the oat milk mixture, then use your fingers to apply it to the piece of cardboard or newspaper. Continue until the entire surface is covered.
4. Allow the paper mache to dry for 24 hours. Once it’s dry, you can use the scissors to cut it into any shape you like.
5. If you’re using a straw, poke a hole through the paper mache to insert the straw. If you’re not using a straw, skip this step.
6. Once you’ve cut out your shapes and inserted the straws (if desired), blow up the balloons and tie off the end.
7. Hang your paper mache sculptures from a string or wire until they’re dry, then pop the balloons and enjoy your creations!
Optional: You can also paint your sculptures once they’re dry. Just use a paintbrush to apply paint directly to the surface of the paper mache. Get creative and have fun!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Now you know all about using expired oat milk. You can use it in a facial mask or body scrub, neutralize pet odors, or even use it in paper mache projects. So, the next time your carton of oat milk expires, don’t throw it out—put it to good use instead!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does oat milk go bad if refrigerated?
The oat milk should be used within 4-7 days of freezing; otherwise, it starts to lose its nutritional value. The leftover cartons only have a couple more days before they spoil, so feel free to finish them off and throw away any unpromising-looking or smelling containers.
What do rancid oats smell like?
If you store nuts for an extended time, they can turn rancid and release a disagreeable odor. This is not the sweet, nutty aroma we all know and love but rather something bitter or sour that smells unpleasant enough to avoid. The offputting scent comes from stored fat which begins oxidizing once again after months without use; this process produces acetic acid as well – both ingredients responsible for making wine vinegar!
How long does Oatly last after opening?
The best way to store your drinks is by keeping them cool and away from sunlight. You must consume within a week of opening, so be sure that you always read the date on each container before consuming.
Can you drink oat milk after ten days?
It’s incredible how much a single serve of oat milk can change your morning routine. With only one cup, you get a fantastic boost of energy that lasts all day long! But don’t worry – if the taste starts to fade after ten days (which is normal), use up what remains from last week and hopefully enjoy another week’s worth before it expires.
