Oats are a pantry staple in many households. They’re versatile, nutritious, and have a long shelf life. But can you still use rolled oats after the expiration date printed on the container has passed? Here’s what you need to know about oat shelf life, safety, and how to tell if your oats have gone bad.
Do oats go bad?
Yes, oats can eventually go bad, but not necessarily by the expiration date on the package. The expiration date is simply the last date the manufacturer guarantees the product will be at peak quality. It doesn’t mean the oats are suddenly unsafe to eat after that date.
Properly stored oats have an approximate shelf life of:
- Unopened oats: Up to 1 year past the printed expiration date
- Opened oats: 6 months to 1 year
The key is proper storage. Keep oats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If stored this way, they are very shelf stable. High heat, humidity, or temperature fluctuations will shorten their shelf life.
How to tell if oats are bad
Here are signs that oats have gone bad and should be discarded:
- Rancid smell: Oats that have gone rancid due to oxidation will smell bitter or metallic.
- Change in texture: Bad oats may be crunchy or mushy when dry instead of having a firm texture.
- Clumping: Oats that are moist and clumping together have likely gone bad.
- Signs of moisture: Any mold, sliminess, or wetness indicates spoilage.
- Insect infestation: Visible webbing or bugs in the packaging.
- Color changes: Grayish, yellow, or brown discoloration.
Do a visual inspection and smell check before preparing oats that are past their expiration date. If they pass these checks, they should still be safe to consume.
Can expired oats make you sick?
Eating spoiled, moldy, or rancid oats could potentially make you sick. Oats don’t normally contain harmful bacteria, but storage conditions like warmth and humidity can allow bacteria or mold to grow.
Potential risks of eating bad oats include:
- Foodborne illness from bacteria like Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, and E. coli
- Allergic reaction or breathing issues from mold exposure
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
To avoid foodborne illness, don’t eat oats past their prime. Promptly discard any that smell off, look discolored, or show signs of moisture or bugs.
Can you cook expired oats?
Yes, cooking or baking with expired oats is safe as long as they have been stored properly and show no signs of spoilage. The heat from cooking will kill any harmful bacteria that might be present.
Some tips for using older oats:
- Inspect dry oats thoroughly before cooking.
- Discard any clumps or odd smelling oats.
- Bring water to a rolling boil when making oatmeal.
- Use expired oats for baking items like cookies, breads, and granola bars.
- Avoid eating raw oats past their expiration date.
Proper cooking makes oats safe to eat even past the expiration, though their texture and flavor will deteriorate over time. Use very old oats in recipes where the texture isn’t as important.
How to store oats to extend shelf life
To get the longest shelf life out of your oats, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry pantry. Here are some oat storage tips:
- Use airtight containers: Glass jars, plastic containers, or resealable bags work best.
- Keep away from heat and moisture: Don’t store oats above or near the stove, dishwasher, sink, etc.
- Store in a cool area: The ideal temperature is between 50-70°F.
- Buy smaller packages: Once opened, oats have a shorter shelf life. Buy single serving packages.
- Freeze for longer storage: Frozen oats last 6-8 months. Thaw completely before using.
- Watch for signs of spoilage: Discard at first sight or smell of moisture, bugs, etc.
With proper storage and handling, rolled oats can often be safely consumed months or even years past the printed expiration date on the package. Rely on your senses to determine if oats are still good or need to be discarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eating expired oats make you sick?
Eating oats that have gone bad due to improper storage can potentially make you sick. Oats can develop mold, bacteria, or other toxins if stored in warm, humid conditions. Stale oats may also harbor foodborne illness bacteria like Bacillus cereus and E. coli if moisture gets into the packaging. Always inspect oats and discard any that look, smell, or taste off.
Do oats need to be refrigerated or frozen?
No, oats do not need to be refrigerated or frozen for safety, only for maximum shelf life. Properly stored oats will last for months at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life for up to 1 year, while frozen oats stay fresh for 6-8 months. Just be sure they are in an airtight container before storing.
Can you eat oats after the expiration date if they smell ok?
Yes, smell is one of the best ways to determine if oats have gone bad. Give them a sniff test before preparing or eating them. Oats that maintain their natural mild, grainy smell are likely still safe to consume after the expiration date as long as they show no other signs of spoilage like clumping or moisture.
Do the oats need to be cooked before eating if expired?
It’s not strictly necessary, but cooking expired oats provides an extra layer of protection against potential bacteria growth. Cooking with high heat will kill any germs. Avoid eating uncooked oats that are past their expiration date raw or soaked in liquid. Only eat them if they have been thoroughly cooked, like in baked goods or oatmeal.
Why do my oats smell bad but look ok?
A rancid or bitter smell means oats have undergone oxidation and spoiled, even if they still look okay visually. This can happen after prolonged storage or temperature fluctuations. Do not eat oats with an off smell, even if there is no visible mold, bugs, or clumping. The smell means they have deteriorated and should be discarded.
Conclusion
Rolled oats have an impressive shelf life of up to 12 months. With proper storage in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, they can often last even longer than the printed expiration date. Look for visible signs of spoilage and give oats a smell check before preparing them past their expiration. Discard any that smell rancid or show signs of bugs, clumping, or moisture. Cook expired oats thoroughly to kill potential bacteria before eating. While oats don’t necessarily go “bad” right after their expiration date, they will continue to degrade in quality and safety over time.