How can you tell if oatmeal has gone bad?

Oatmeal is one of the most popular breakfast choices among people of all ages. You may question whether or not oatmeal can expire and how do you know if oatmeal has spoiled.

Whether you eat oats every day, or purchase bulk quantities, if you do not cook oatmeal on a regular basis then you will have to store oatmeal in a sealed airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark area. When stored properly, oat can easily last between one to two years, and as long as thirty years when sealed in plastic bins and #10 cans.

If you want to store dry oatmeal, then you do not need to follow rocket science. In the case of uncooked or raw oats, you need to keep them in a cool or dry place, and it can last long without any problems. 

Placing the oatmeal storage container in a pantry is a great choice, a fridge or freezer also works well but that is not always the most economical or efficient use of space. However, if you have a separate cupboard in your kitchen or downstairs basement area, then is is recommended to store bulk oats in these areas to maintain quality and freshness for long term.

Best by, sell by, use by and best before are examples of expiration date labels that become continue to confuse the the consumer. So how do you know if the date label on your oatmeal is accurate?

To be honest, most date labels are not based on exact science.

In fact, manufacturers provide date labeling to help consumers and retailers decide when food is of best quality, label dating does not concern food safety.

If date labels are not to be considered as fact, then what are the best ways to determine if your oats have expired? It’s recommended to rely on your senses to determine the freshness and quality of oats. 

Look and smell, then taste to determine whether oats are still safe to consume. Raw oats should have a sweet nutty smell, look dry and taste neutral without any strong, bitter or foul flavors. 

If your oatmeal has been stored and kept properly, then you can consume it after the expiration date. If you have expired oatmeal, then you may notice some changes in their texture, color and flavor as well. 

As a result of freshness, you may lose some nutritional value of oatmeal. Otherwise, it is considered safe to eat! 

The fact is that oatmeal can go bad if you keep it under improper conditions that will affect changes in color and flavor. Uncooked oats will go bad easily if you keep them exposed to moisture, heat, and oxygen. 

It’s best to eat your oatmeal within one year or so. However, if you cannot finish within the timeframe, then follow the recommended storage procedures to extend the shelf life.

Many commercial oats packages come with ‘best by’ date printed on that. But it does not mean that after that particular date or month it will go wrong.

Dry oats have a long lifespan. So, it will not go bad after the expiry date as this is a common misconception. 

If you have oats that have extended beyond the best-by date, then you can use them in cookies, muffins, or pancakes. It will not at all be harmful to you. 

Furthermore, the fact remains that the original package will not provide optimal freshness and nutritional value. So, expired oats can be safe to eat. However, if you notice any kinds of molds, discoloration, or off-putting smells, then do not eat. 

It depends on the quality of the oatmeal as well. If you buy the best products, then there will be less chance of unsatisfactory textures and foul smells.

In general, expired oats can still be good for months if not years beyond the date. Therefore, it is possible that expired oatswill not harm you in any way.

Rancidity is simply the oxidation of fat. As a result, you can notice the fact that eating rancid oats will not make you ill or sick. 

So, you can eat rancid oats if it is only the fats that have oxidized. However, the molecules that form as oxidation occurs can disturb your digestive system. 

Above all, rancid oats are less nutritious as oxidation destroys the good fats and also diminishes the vitamin contents. Experts also agree on the fact that eating rancid oats will not make anyone sick. 

You can eat lapsed oats from time to time, but they are probably not optimal for regular consumption. The regular consumption of rancid oats can make you sick over time. It can cause some inflammatory diseases as well.

Oats have health benefits such as high fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds like beta-glucan. They are very helpful to decrease the level of cholesterol, and can also boost the immune system as well.

If you have old oatmeal, then you should not throw it out. Many people automatically throw out oats if they have expired. But, you should not do it. 

You can use old oats on your skin to exfoliate and make your skin smooth and feel younger. Bath bombs, scrubs and soaps are simple and easy ways to use old oats that have passed their prime. 

Furthermore, oatmeal scrubs are a natural remedy for acne problems. Simply cook a basic porridge recipe with oatmeal and cool it before applying on the affected areas.

Apart from this, if you have dry and irritated skin, apply oatmeal on those parts of your skin. You can get soothing relief after applying this, and it helps to heal the open pores.

Make a face mask. You just need to mix one cup of oats with flour and little amount of water. Apply the mask and let sit for 15 minutes before washing off.

Your hair can also benefit from the quantities of vitamins and minerals found in oats. Use oats for hair care to encourage natural hair growth. It will also prevent split ends, treat dandruff, and soothe dry and itchy scalp.

Make crafts for easily amused little kids. If you have kids in your home, then you can turn the old oatsinto modeling clay.

After overnight soaking, it will turn hard dough just like the clay dough. Add food coloring if you want more creative versatility.

However, they’re some concerns over oats going bad and can you still eat expired oats. Dry oats must be stored inside an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark area to preserve quality. By following the recommended storage tips, you can easily extend the life of oats.

If oats have passed their expiration date, they are most likely safe to consume. Check for concerning factors such as discoloration, mold, off-putting smell and critters.