Yes, there’s a right way, and here is what the experts say.

Store oats in a cool, dry place like your pantry.

Opened packages of oats keep at room temperature about three months.

Quaker Oats on a store shelf

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it’s possible for you to refrigerate or freeze them for longer storage.

If oats smell or taste rancid or develop any mold, it’s time to toss them out.

When it comes to storing my oats, however, I am a bit lax.

Pouring oats into a bowl

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Heres what I learned.

Oats stored in non-porous containers will last longer.

Moisture and yeasts can cause your oats to turn rancid, and unwanted pests can get into them.

This is especially true if theoats come packed in paperair and moisture can make the oats turn rancid.

This could apply to several places in your kitchen, like in a closed cupboard or pantry.

Its simply reflecting the optimal time for a products freshness.

How Long Do Oats Last?

Mold can accumulate on the grains, so keep an eye out for growths and discolorations.

As for smell, spoiled oats will have a noticeable sour odor.

Sourness in the flavor of the oats is also one surefire way to tell you theyve gone bad.

The Final Word

As soon as you open your oats, transfer them into an airtight container.