How long can you keep overnight oats in the fridge?
In this article, we will answer the question “How long can you keep overnight oats in the fridge?”, and how to make overnight oats?
How long can you keep overnight oats in the fridge?
Generally, overnight oats can be safely refrigerated for 3-5 days. However, the shelf-life of the overnight oats is dictated by the shelf-life of its most perishable ingredient.
It could be yogurt, milk, or fruit. The initial quality of these perishables also plays a crucial role in dictating the shelf-life of overnight oats.
Overnight oats with fruits are best consumed within 2 days. Oats soaked in yogurt will last up to 7 days in the fridge provided you used fresh yogurt and checked its expiry before use. Overnight oats with milk are best consumed within 3 days.
Can you make overnight oats without refrigeration?
Dry oats can be separately stored in the pantry for up to 2 years. But overnight oats should not be kept for more than 4 hours on the counter.
Overnight oats must be refrigerated because once the oats come in contact with water, chances of microbial growth are higher.
The higher temperature of the counter facilitates the growth while refrigeration temperatures prevent it.
How to tell if the overnight oats have spoiled?
Discard the overnight oats if you notice any off-putting smell, mold growth, or discolorations. Even If the overnight oats are within the safe timeline, inspect before eating.
How to store overnight oats in the fridge?
Choose the right container
Instead of a plastic air-tight container, choose a wide-mouth glass mason jar (16 oz.) to refrigerate overnight oats. Overnight oats in glass look more appealing than in a plastic container.
Save toppings for later
Do not refrigerate the overnight oats with the nuts, fruits, or any other toppings. Fruits are perishables and will lose their quality within 24 hours.
Exposure to liquid will facilitate the process. This is especially true for bananas and apples, which turn brown after slicing in no time.
If you are determined to have your overnight oats completely prepared, use small-sized frozen berries. These will thaw while the oats soften overnight.
Why you should use Almond milk in overnight oats?
Almond milk lasts longer than regular cow milk. Therefore, If you do not want to skip milk for the richness and taste it provides in the oats, simply opt for the almond milk.
Where to put the overnight oats in the fridge?
Go for the middle rack of the fridge. Keep it at the back of this rack. Putting the overnight oats in the fridge door is a very bad practice.
Because this section of the fridge undergoes the ost temperature fluctuations. So, if the oats are soaked in yogurt or milk, you know how temperature fluctuations can ruin their quality.
How to make the best overnight oats?
Grab all your favorites
This part is a bit creative though. You should be able to make innovative yet delicious flavor combinations.
Some recipe inspirations are given in the article below. You could add your favorite seeds, add-ins like protein powder or Greek yogurt, flavorings, fruit, and other ingredients.
Use plant-based yogurt like almond yogurt, coconut yogurt, cashew yogurt, flax yogurt, plantain yogurt, etc, If you are vegan.
If you want to make gluten-free overnight oats, specifically purchase oats that claim ‘Gluten-free’. Read the label before buying. Using rolled cut oats is preferred for making overnight oats.
They are just a little more processed than their steel-cut counterparts but provide a rich and creamy taste and are a good nutrition source.
Instant oats are highly processed. They soften faster but they are not recommended for making overnight oats.
Mix all the ingredients
Mix the oats and the liquid (water or milk) in a 2:1 ratio in the mason jar or air-tight container. However, you can skip the rations and add as much quantity of liquid as needed to cover the oats.
Stir and soak
Stir the oats in the liquid and pop the container in the fridge. Let soak for 7-8 hours (ideal) or 4-5 hours when in hurry. If you like your hot oatmeal, microwave the overnight oats for a minute or two before eating.
Healthy Overnight oats ideas
Peanut butter overnight oats: Great for peanut butter lovers that are looking to include protein in their breakfast.
Keto overnight oats with berries and cream: These are the go-to overnight oats choice for people on a keto diet.
Mango-ginger overnight oats: It’s a rare combo but it is worth it.
Cinnamon roll overnight oats: These are incredibly filling due to the high fiber content.
Pumpkin pie overnight buckwheat and oats: the buckwheat is for the texture and the pumpkin pie is to satisfy sweet cravings.
Other FAQs about Pork that you may be interested in.
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Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How long can you keep overnight oats in the fridge?”, and how to make overnight oats?
