How long does oat milk stay good for?

Nali Consulting were featured as food scientists on the website Well + Good.

Our food consultant Natalie Alibrandi helps Well + Good understand how long oat milk lasts once opened. Be sure to check out our highlights and the full article below.

Publisher: Well + Good

Full Article: Here’s How Long That Carton of Oat Milk *Actually* Stays Good For, According to a Food Scientist

Date first published: December 28, 2022

Food and Beverage Journalist: Nathalie Alonso

Image credits: Well + Good, Photo: Stocksy/Nadine Greeff

Contributor at Nali Consulting: Natalie Alibrandi, Linkedin

Key contributions from Nali Consulting:

How long does oat milk last?

According to London-based food scientist Natalie Alibrandi, CEO of Nali Consulting, once the container has been opened, store-bought oat milk typically remains good for about seven to 10 days in the refrigerator.

There are factors that can reduce the shelf life of oat milk, however—like leaving the opened container at room temperature for more than a few minutes at a time, for example, especially on a warm summer day. “As soon as you are done using the milk, put the cap back on and return it to the fridge,” Alibrandi says. “And whatever you do, don’t leave your oat milk out on the counter uncapped for several hours of time—or, ideally, any span at all—as you will quickly reduce its perishability limit.”

The main concern with oat milk, Alibrandi explains, is mould growth that can make you ill if you ingest it. While some brands of oat milk are produced in aseptic cartons and can last for as long as year at room temperature when unopened, Alibrandi explains that you should always follow the “best by date” on the carton for best result—and keep the carton in the fridge if the packaging advises doing so. Once you open the carton, your seven to 10 days starts. “The actual milk is typically completely sterile before it has been opened,” says Alibrandi. “Therefore, the only exposure to other microbes is through the air once the product is opened.”