Oatmeal is a popular breakfast food that is made from oats. It can be prepared and enjoyed in many ways – from overnight oats to stove-top oatmeal to baked oatmeal. Since oatmeal is made from whole oats, it has a relatively long shelf life compared to other breakfast foods. But exactly how long does uncooked oatmeal last? Here is a comprehensive guide to the shelf life and storage of different types of oatmeal.
Dry Oats
Dry oats on their own, without any other ingredients added, will last a very long time past the “best by” date on the package when stored properly. Unopened containers of dry oats (quick oats, old fashioned oats, steel cut oats) will stay fresh for 12-24 months beyond the printed date on the packaging.
Once opened, the shelf life is shortened due to exposure to air and moisture, but dry oats will still last around 4-6 months past the printed date. They may slowly lose flavor and nutritional value beyond that time frame, but they are still safe to eat. Dry oats should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry pantry.
Signs dry oats have gone bad:
- Noticeable rancid smell
- Change in texture – very soft and mushy
- Visible clumping
As long as dry oats look and smell normal, they are fine to cook and eat.
Uncooked Oatmeal
Oatmeal that is prepared with hot water or milk but not yet cooked will last 3-5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. The dairy in the liquid shortens the shelf life compared to dry oats alone. Prepared overnight oats made with dairy and left at room temperature would only be good for 2-4 hours.
Signs uncooked oatmeal has gone bad:
- Sour smell
- Change in color
- Mold growth
- Unexpected change in texture
Discard uncooked oatmeal that shows any of those signs of spoilage.
Cooked Oatmeal
Oatmeal that has been cooked to completion will keep for 3-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cooked oats have more moisture, so refrigeration is important even for leftover oatmeal made with just water. If milk, yogurt, fruit, nuts, or other mix-ins were added, the shelf life decreases to just 2-3 days.
To extend the shelf life of cooked oatmeal, it can be frozen for 2-3 months. Let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before eating.
Signs cooked oatmeal has gone bad:
- Mold growth
- Strange odor
- Change in texture – dried out, mushy, gummy
- Taste is off, sour
Oatmeal that displays those signs of spoilage should be discarded.
Commercial Instant Oatmeal Packets
The pre-portioned instant oatmeal packets have a longer shelf life than homemade oatmeal. Unopened instant oatmeal packets can be stored in the pantry for 9-12 months. Once opened, they will stay fresh for 1-2 months.
The packets contain dry oatmeal along with flavoring and add-ins that affect the shelf life:
- Packets with dried fruit: 6-8 months unopened, 1 month opened
- Packets with nuts: 4-6 months unopened, 2-3 weeks opened
For best quality and flavor, try to eat opened instant oatmeal packets within 1-2 weeks.
Signs instant oatmeal has gone bad:
- Stale, cardboard-like taste
- Dry, shriveled texture
- Rancid smell
- Mold growth
- Discoloration
Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats have a longer uncooked shelf life than rolled or instant oats since they are less processed. Unopened steel cut oats will keep 24+ months beyond the printed date. Opened steel cut oatmeal lasts 6-12 months in an airtight container.
Soaked but uncooked steel cut oats made with just water can be refrigerated for 5-7 days. If milk or yogurt is added, enjoy within 3-5 days. Cooked steel cut oatmeal keeps for 4-6 days refrigerated.
Scottish Oats
Scottish oats are similar to steel cut oats in that they are minimally processed and take longer to cook. They have a comparable shelf life:
- Dry and unopened: 24+ months past printed date
- Opened package: 6-12 months
- Soaked but uncooked: 5-7 days
- Cooked: 4-6 days refrigerated
Quick Oats
Quick oats are rolled thinner than old fashioned oats, so they cook faster. But this extra processing shortens their shelf life slightly. An unopened container of dry quick oats will stay fresh for up to 18 months past the printed date. Once opened, they last 4-6 months.
Prepared uncooked quick oats are good for 3-5 days refrigerated. Cooked quick oats keep for 3-5 days in the fridge.
Old Fashioned Oats
Old fashioned rolled oats have a little more texture than quick oats and therefore keep slightly longer. Unopened old fashioned oats can be stored for up to 24 months past the printed date. After opening, they last for about 6 months.
Uncooked old fashioned oats soaked in liquid will keep for 4-6 days in the fridge. Cooked old fashioned oats are good for 4-6 days refrigerated.
Factors That Shorten Shelf Life
There are a few factors that can decrease the shelf life of oats and oatmeal:
- Exposure to air – Keep oats in an airtight container.
- Moisture – Dry oats last longer than oats soaked in liquid.
- Heat – Store oats in a cool, dry place.
- Dairy and fresh fruits – Ingredients like milk, yogurt, and bananas shorten the shelf life.
- Preparation method – Steel cut and old fashioned oats retain freshness longer than instant.
How to Store Oats and Oatmeal
To get the maximum shelf life out of your oats and oatmeal, follow these storage guidelines:
- Keep dry oats in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark pantry.
- Prepared uncooked oatmeal should be refrigerated and eaten within 3-5 days.
- Cook oatmeal thoroughly before storing it in the refrigerator.
- Freeze cooked oatmeal in an airtight container if not eating within 3-5 days.
- Check oats and oatmeal periodically for any signs of spoilage like odor, texture, and appearance changes.
Shelf Life of Oats and Oatmeal Table
This table summarizes how long the different types of oats and oatmeal last:
Type | Unopened | Opened | Uncooked | Cooked |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rolled Oats | 12-24 months past printed date | 4-6 months | 3-5 days refrigerated | 3-5 days refrigerated |
Steel Cut Oats | 24+ months past printed date | 6-12 months | 5-7 days refrigerated | 4-6 days refrigerated |
Scottish Oats | 24+ months past printed date | 6-12 months | 5-7 days refrigerated | 4-6 days refrigerated |
Quick Oats | 18 months past printed date | 4-6 months | 3-5 days refrigerated | 3-5 days refrigerated |
Old Fashioned Oats | 24 months past printed date | 6 months | 4-6 days refrigerated | 4-6 days refrigerated |
Instant Oatmeal Packets | 9-12 months | 1-2 months | n/a | n/a |
Conclusion
With proper storage, uncooked oatmeal can last from several months up to a couple years past the printed date on the package. Prepared oatmeal lasts 3-5 days refrigerated, while cooked oatmeal keeps for 3-5 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Steel cut oats and old fashioned oats have the longest shelf life, while pre-flavored instant oatmeal packets have the shortest.
To maximize freshness, keep dry oats in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Refrigerate prepared oatmeal and eat within 3-5 days. Freeze cooked oatmeal if you won’t eat it all within 3-5 days. Check oats and oatmeal periodically and discard any that smell or look spoiled. Follow these tips for delicious and healthy oatmeal even months past the best by date!