Quick summary: Yes, oatmeal can go bad, especially if not stored properly. The shelf life of oatmeal depends on its type and whether it’s opened or unopened.
You want a quick breakfast, and all you find in the pantry is an old bag of expired oats. Will you feel sick if you eat it? You are in the right place for all the information.
If you are not a big fan of oatmeal, there is a good chance that one bag will live with you for months before you use it. You often go for whole grain oats only when there is nothing else more interesting in the house for breakfast. So how do you know if oatmeal is edible or not? What is the shelf life of oatmeal? And can you eat expired oats?
It is a portion of dry food, so it is sometimes difficult to recognize at a glance whether everything is fine or not. And you’re not even sure what will happen to you if you eat rotten oats. Although oats themselves are not harmful, certain other influences can cause you health problems.
How Long Does Oatmeal Last?
What is the shelf life of grain oats? It is impossible to give an unambiguous explanation of how long the oatmeal will last.
It depends on what kind it is, but also whether you opened the package or not. Here are the general assumptions for the basic types.
Unopened plain oatmeal
Plain dry oats that do not have any additives are a fairly safe food even after the expiration date. If the storage conditions were good and there was no moisture present, the uncooked oats can be perfectly correct even a year after the expiration date written on the package.
Instant flavored oatmeal
On the market, you have numerous variants of instant oatmeal that are ready to eat faster and often have the addition of fruits, nuts, and other additives. They also have additional aromas for better taste. This kind of oatmeal will still last a little longer than the date written on the label, if stored properly, but not as long as simple plain oats. Instant oats will last for several months after expiration.
Cooked oatmeal
If you have already prepared oatmeal, but you have a portion left, you can store it in the fridge and consume it in just a few days, ideally. It can stay in the refrigerator for a maximum of five days, but towards the end, make sure everything is in order and safe to eat.
Can Oatmeal Go Bad?
Oatmeal can certainly spoil over time and can often cause food poisoning. For example, if mold is present, you will certainly feel at least indigestion after consumption. So be especially careful and see if any spoilage signs are present.
Here’s how to tell if oatmeal is bad:
Sign 1: Smell is wrong
A foul smell will reveal a lot is wrong with the food, and it is actually the first test we all believe instinctively. If the oatmeal smells stale, you better throw it away.
Sign 2: You suspect mold
Mold is a very bad phenomenon and can occur very often if at least a small amount of moisture is present. Mold is also common in prepared oatmeal. Remember that mold does not always have to be visible on the surface. If you smell that oats could be moldy, be sure to throw them away.
Sign 3: Pantry pests in the bag
Open packaging of oats will be very attractive to kitchen parasites. They will crawl into a bag and live happily there with enough food to survive. If you notice something crawling through your oats, throw it all away.
What Is The Best Way To Store Oatmeal?
Oatmeal is a portion of dry food, so its storage is very simple. A pantry or kitchen cabinet will be a perfect place, and you just need to provide a couple of basic conditions.
Tip 1: Avoid moisture when you store oats
As with any dry food, oats do not like dampness. The slightest presence of moisture will allow the development of mold, which will be followed by rapid spoilage. So always have a dry place where you keep oatmeal. Also, do not keep such foods in the cupboard above the stove as steam from cooking will create humid conditions.
Tip 2: Seal well to extend the shelf life
Always close the oatmeal bag tightly to prevent tiny pests from slipping into it or keep in an airtight container. This will also prevent other odors that oats can absorb.
Tip 3: Keep the prepared oats in the refrigerator
Be sure to keep leftover oats in the refrigerator and consume them within three to five days. If you accidentally leave such oatmeal on the kitchen cupboard overnight, be sure to throw it away in the morning.
FAQs
How can you tell if oatmeal is bad?
You can tell if oatmeal is bad by checking for any unusual odors, off colors, or the presence of insects or mold. Fresh oatmeal should have a neutral scent and appearance without any signs of contamination or spoilage.
Is it okay to eat expired oatmeal?
Yes, it’s generally okay to eat slightly expired oatmeal if it appears and smells normal.
Can spoiled oatmeal make you sick?
Yes, consuming spoiled oatmeal that has developed mold, an off smell, or unusual appearance could potentially lead to foodborne illness. It’s safer to avoid eating oatmeal that shows signs of spoilage.
How long do oats last once opened?
Once opened, oats typically remain good for about 6 to 12 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage helps maintain their quality and prevents moisture and pests from affecting the oats.
Conclusion
Oatmeal is a healthy start to the day and a good choice for breakfast. However, it often happens that one package lasts for months in the kitchen cupboard or that it even expires before we open the package. It is hard to tell the exact shelf life.
Oatmeal that is unopened can undoubtedly be good for at least a few months after expiration. The only danger lies in the appearance of moisture that will allow mold development. So always avoid damp places and keep the bag tightly sealed.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
