Facts: How long does oat milk last?

There are many rumors that oat milk has a shorter shelf life and spoils faster than cow's milk. Is this true, and how long does oat milk last?  In this article, Zextrasure will provide detailed information about oat milk's shelf life and proper storage methods to keep it fresh.

How long does oat milk last?

The answer to "How long does oat milk last?" depends on the type of oat milk. Oat milk can be consumed within a few days to several months, depending on its type. 

Currently, you can find two main types of oat milk in supermarkets: fresh oat milk (produced by local facilities without preservatives) and long-life UHT oat milk (processed at high temperatures to eliminate bacteria). Additionally, you can also make homemade oat milk using your recipes, which typically has a shorter shelf life.

Besides the origin, whether the milk has been opened also affects its shelf life. Below are specific usage timelines for each case:

At room temperature

Oat milk storage varies depending on the type and whether it has been opened or not:

• Unopened "long-life" oat milk: This type can be stored unrefrigerated for 6 to 12 months from the manufacturing date. It doesn’t need refrigeration until opened. Once opened, even long-life oat milk can only be left out of the fridge for 3-4 hours before it starts to change.
• Unopened "fresh" oat milk: Since it is not pasteurized like UHT milk, fresh oat milk must be refrigerated. If left at room temperature, it can spoil within just 2 hours.
• Homemade oat milk: Like unopened store-bought fresh oat milk, homemade oat milk can also spoil after 2 hours at room temperature. It may spoil even faster due to the lack of sterilization during production.

Oat milk shouldn't be kept at room temperature for an extended period

In the fridge

If you’re wondering, “How long does oat milk last after opening?” here’s a quick guide to help you know how long oat milk can last:

• Opened fresh oat milk: It should be used within 5 to 7 days for optimal freshness.
• Opened long-life (UHT) oat milk: Once opened, UHT oat milk generally stays fresh for 7 to 10 days, but it must be refrigerated during this time. 
• Homemade oat milk: It has a short shelf life without preservatives and should be used within 5 days.

Keeping oat milk refrigerated helps extend its shelf life

See other:

• Is goat milk dairy?

• Can you freeze coconut milk?

Signs of spoiled oat milk

The answer to the question “How long does oat milk last open?” depends on the storage conditions of the milk. Therefore, understanding the signs of spoilage can help you make good ideas, since some types of milk can spoil before their expiration date. Here are the key indicators that your oat milk may have gone bad:

• Color Changes: Fresh oat milk typically has a light, creamy hue. If it appears yellowish or becomes noticeably darker, this could indicate spoilage.
• Unpleasant Smell: Oat milk usually carries a mild, slightly sweet scent. If it develops a sour or unpleasant smell, it is likely spoiled and unsafe to consume.
• Texture Changes: Spoiled oat milk can become thick, clumpy, or slimy due to bacterial growth. 
• Strange Taste: While tasting spoiled oat milk isn’t advisable, if you look at a sour or bitter flavor, it’s a clear indication that the milk has gone bad.
• Odd Appearance: If you notice mold on the lid of the container, you should not use the milk, even if it doesn't have a sour smell or any changes in texture.

Spoiled milk usually gives off a strong, sour odor that is unpleasant

How to Store oat milk to keep it fresh

To maintain its flavor, proper storage techniques are essential to preserve the fresh taste and nutritional value.

Store at normal temperature

Unopened oat milk can last 6 to 12 months at room temperature when stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and heat. The recommended temperature range for storing oat milk is between 15°C and 24°C (59°F to 75°F). Additionally, avoid placing oat milk near heat sources or in areas with high humidity.

Store in the refrigerator

Refrigerated oat milk can be stored for 1 to 2 weeks without any change in flavor. To keep oat milk at its best, it's important to store it correctly based on its type. Here are the best storage tips:

• Refrigerate It Properly: You can store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator, the temperature stays between 32°F and 40°F. The ideal refrigerator temperature is around 37°F because it prevents the milk from freezing and spoiling.
• Homemade Oat Milk: Homemade oat milk should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 5 days.
• Store-Bought Oat Milk: Once opened, store-bought oat milk should be kept in the fridge, ideally between 33°F and 40°F, and consumed within 1 to 2 weeks. You should close the lid tightly and avoid leaving it on the countertop for extended periods. Although it’s safe to leave oat milk out for up to two hours, it’s best to minimize this time to keep it fresh.
• Shelf-Stable Oat Milk: Unopened shelf-stable oat milk can be kept in a cool, dark place like a pantry. If stored away from heat and in an airtight container, it can last for months, or even up to a year.

Preserve by freezing

Storing oat milk in the freezer can extend its shelf life by an additional 3–4 months. However, freezing may alter the texture, so it is unsuitable for drinking directly but is still fine for use in recipes. Frozen oat milk often separates and can develop a slightly grainy texture once thawed. 

Extend the shelf life of milk by freezing it

Compare the shelf life of oat milk and other types of milk

Oat milk and similar types of milk, once opened, have a very short shelf life. But how does it compare to other plant or animal milk? Find out details below. 

Other plant-based milk

When it comes to plant-based milk, each type has a different shelf life and storage requirement due to varying ingredients and processing methods. So, if you’re wondering “How long does oat milk last?” compared to other options, here’s a comparison of the shelf life, key components, and signs of spoilage for oat milk, almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk.

There is a slight difference in the usage time for different types of milk 

Dairy milk

Regular milk typically has a shorter shelf life after opening compared to oat milk and other plant-based milk. When refrigerated, an open of dairy milk typically remains fresh for 5-7 days. Oat milk can typically last for 1 to 2 weeks after opening, so it is an attractive option for individuals who don't consume milk quickly.

Combined with its lactose-free and vegan-friendly properties, oat milk's extended shelf life is contributing to its rising popularity as a dairy milk alternative.

The article has addressed the question, "How long does oat milk last?" and offered detailed guidance on proper storage methods. Oat milk offers many health benefits, so be sure to follow the storage tips we’ve shared above to keep it fresh and extend its shelf life.