Does Oat Milk Need To Be Refrigerated?

Oat milk is a delicious, creamy alternative to dairy milk that is made from oats and water. Oat milk can be used in any recipe that calls for dairy milk and can also be enjoyed on its own. Oat milk is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a non-dairy milk option that is easy to store and use. Unlike cow’s milk, oat milk may not need refrigeration before opening, depending on the brand and packaging. 

When it comes to oat milk, there are a few things you need to know in order to make sure you’re storing it correctly. 

First of all, not all store-bought oat milk is created equal. Some brands will be acceptable to store in your pantry, while others need to be refrigerated before opening. Generally, oat milk purchased from a store in the non-refrigerated aisle doesn’t need to be refrigerated before opening. Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator. Oat milk sold in the refrigerated aisle needs to be refrigerated at home, even before opening. Homemade oat milk should always be refrigerated.

If you’re like many people, you might be wondering when you need to refrigerate oat milk. Keep reading to find out when to refrigerate your oat milk and when it’s OK to store it in your pantry. 

Does Oat Milk Need To Be Refrigerated Before Opening?

The best practice is to store it how you found it. If you purchase your beverage in the refrigeration aisle, it’s best to put it in your refrigerator immediately. Doing so will help keep your food fresh and prevent it from spoiling. You can store it in your pantry if you purchase it in a non-refrigerated aisle. 

Another way to find out is to check the packaging. If it didn’t say anything about refrigeration and was not refrigerated at the store, then you can assume it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge. You can keep it in your cabinet until you are ready to use it. However, if the packaging says that the oat milk needs to be refrigerated, you should store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This will help to keep it fresh and prevent it from going bad.

When To Refrigerate Oat Milk (Brand Specific)

Below is a table showing popular oat milk brands, which ones should be refrigerated before opening, after opening, and how long each one should last in your fridge. 

Note: Make sure you drink the product by or before its expiration date. That way, you can enjoy it at its best quality, and always double-check the label for refrigeration instructions. 

Does Oat Milk Need To Be Refrigerated After Opening?

Once opened, oat milk should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within the designated time frame on the label, usually 7-10 days. 

To extend its shelf life, most oat milk brands can be frozen for up to 6 months. When thawed, oat milk may have a slightly grainy texture, but it can still be used in recipes or enjoyed on its own.

How Long Does Store Bought Oat Milk Last?

Different oat milk offerings will have different shelf lives. Generally, 7-10 days after opening. Or up to 9 months if unopened and the expiration date has not passed. Be sure to check the label for refrigeration instructions and the expiration date. Each brand uses different preservatives, flavors, additives, and packaging that affect the product’s shelf life. Some brands are also fortified with iron, calcium, and vitamins. 

Does Homemade Oat Milk Need To Be Stored In The Fridge?

Homemade oat milk is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. The main difference between homemade oat milk and store-bought oat milk is that homemade oat milk doesn’t include any stabilizers or preservatives. As a result, it has a shorter shelf life and should be stored in the refrigerator. 

How Long Does Homemade Oat Milk Last?

Homemade oat milk will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Oat milk differs from store-bought varieties because it doesn’t include stabilizers or preservatives. As a result, homemade oat milk will generally last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. However, it’s easy to make a fresh batch as needed. The next time you’re looking for a dairy-free and nut-free milk alternative, give homemade oat milk a try. You may be surprised at how delicious and creamy it is.

Freeze To Extend The Life Of Your Oat Milk

If you’re a fan of oat milk, you’ll be happy to know that most brands freeze well. Oat milk will settle when frozen, so it can be a little grainy after it is defrosted. There are a few tips that will help, like straining the thawed oat milk. 

When freezing oat milk, be sure to use an airtight container. This will help to prevent freezer burn and keep the oat milk from absorbing other smells and flavors from the freezer. For best results, use frozen oat milk within 3 months, and always before the expiration date. 
When thawing oat milk, it’s easiest to do it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, give it a quick shake or stir before using. And if you find that the oat milk is a little grainy after defrosting, strain it before using. To learn more about freezing oat milk, check out this article!