The Common Mistake That's Giving You Lackluster Oatmeal

Oatmeal can be a simple, hearty, and healthy meal to start the day. Dried oatmeal is easy to keep on hand, lasts a long time in the pantry, and is versatile and customizable to particular tastes. To get the most out of your oats, you should think twice about heating oatmeal in the microwave, and it even matters which bowl you use to eat oatmeal. But one common oatmeal mistake that could be making yours lackluster at home: it may not last quite as long in the pantry as you think (though it's probably not harmful).

For optimal flavor, you should be using your oatmeal at peak freshness. Most oatmeal packages will come with a "best if used by," "best by" date, or something similar. These dates are the manufacturer's approximation of when they will be at optimum freshness and still contain the fullest flavor. Many of us know that eating foods beyond a best by date doesn't mean they will actually be spoiled. In fact, according to the USDA, "Except for infant formula, there is no federal requirement that food be labeled with a date." However, to ensure that your oatmeal will still contain all its locked-in flavor and cook up to the perfectly chewy and creamy texture, it may be one of those foods where you simply want to follow the date on the package. Or learn some tips and tricks for making your dry oatmeal last longer.

Beyond trusting the best by date, you can use your senses. As the USDA states, "Packaged foods (cereal, pasta, cookies) will be safe past the 'best by' date, although they may eventually become stale or develop an off flavor. You'll know when you open the package if the food has lost quality." Stored oatmeal should, essentially, look and smell like it did when you purchased it. It should be completely dry and easily poured from the container without any significant clumping of flakes. It should smell nutty, slightly grassy, with no sour odor.

So, how do you know when oatmeal is bad? Oatmeal does mold, so if you see any discoloration, it's time to toss the oats. If they smell funky (not a technical term, but it's usually easy to judge), they may not definitively be dangerous to eat, but they probably won't taste good. So, go ahead and throw them out. If stored properly in an airtight container, in a dark, dry place, rolled oats (or old-fashioned oats) and steel cut oats can usually last a couple years. Instant oats, because they're rolled thinner and designed to cook faster, are more susceptible to humidity, so they may spoil faster. Whether you choose to follow your nose or follow the date on the package, if you make sure your oatmeal is still fresh, it will be much more satisfying out of the bowl.