Oatmeal is one of the most popular and one of the healthiest breakfast choices. If you also like oatmeal you may be wondering whether oatmeal can go bad and how to tell if it is already rancid.
In this article we will tell you something more about oatmeal and we will help you to see the signs of spoilage on your oatmeal.
Also, we will tell you how long can oatmeal last and how you should store it properly. Read along and you will find out soon.
More about Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a favorite hot cereal of many people, but it can also be used in other recipes. Oatmeal can be a great nutritional breakfast, because it is high in fiber and low in fat. People often buy oatmeal in the form of dried grains that need only a few minutes to be prepared.
Also, you can mix different grains and dried fruits to prepare your oatmeal. Oatmeal is usually prepared with milk, yogurt or water. You can also add sugar if the oatmeal is not sweet enough, but it is not necessary.
Oatmeal has many health benefits for people. It helps lower cholesterol and it takes longer to digest, so you won’t be hungry for a long time.
What Is the Shelf Life of Oatmeal?
Oatmeal has a pretty long shelf life. Some people are even wondering if oatmeal can go bad or it can last forever. Actually, the shelf life of oatmeal depends on a variety of factors, such as storage conditions and packaging. Some researches have shown that oatmeal can last for up to 12 months if it is stored in a dry and cool place.
Also, if the packaging of oatmeal is opened, it should be placed in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, your oatmeal will also last for up to 12 months. Manufacturers usually suggest that you consume oatmeal within a year after the date of its production. You should also have in mind that the quality of oatmeal will deteriorate over time. It may change in flavor, texture or color, but it will still be safe to use. You may not be satisfied with the quality of the oatmeal after a certain time of storing and you may throw it away even before its expiration date. It is a matter of your personal preference.
How To Store Oatmeal Properly?
Oatmeal can last for a long time if it is stored properly. Proper storage of oatmeal depends on whether it is dry or prepared. The packaged and dry oatmeal should be stored in a cool and dry place. It is usually stored in a cupboard or in the pantry. You should store your oatmeal away from moisture, because it can allow mold to grow and your oatmeal can be easily spoiled.
Also, it is important that the oatmeal package is sealed tightly when not in use. This way your oatmeal won’t pick up any odors or moisture. If you have already prepared oatmeal then you should store it in the fridge. It is recommended to store prepared oatmeal in airtight container in order to keep away the moisture and contaminants.
Also you should be very careful when you are serving your oatmeal. It is necessary to use clean silverware in order to avoid cross contamination.
How To Tell If Oatmeal has Gone Bad?
There are a few signs that you will notice if your oatmeal has gone bad.
The first sign of the spoilage is mold. Mold will start to grow on the top of oatmeal if it has gone bad.
The second sign of the oatmeal spoilage is a bad smell. If your oatmeal smells off, you should discard it.
Summary
You have seen in this article that packaged and dry oatmeal can last for up to 12 months if it is stored properly.
Now that you have learned more about oatmeal, we are pretty sure that you will eat the whole package of oatmeal before it goes bad. You will easily notice if your oatmeal has gone bad. If you are not sure whether the oatmeal is fine or spoiled, it is best to throw it away.