This Is How Long Overnight Oats Will Last in the Fridge (2024)

Sheela Prakash

Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor

Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.

updated May 1, 2019

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This Is How Long Overnight Oats Will Last in the Fridge (1)

Overnight oats just may be the superstar of the make-ahead breakfast world. Not only do they require no cooking whatsoever, but they are also adaptable, wholesome, and satisfying. Start stirring up a handful of Mason jars of them at the start of each week and you’re guaranteed to make a habit of it. How many jars can you actually make on Sunday night, though? If you make enough to get you through all five days of the work week, will they actually stay good until Friday?

How Long Overnight Oats Last

Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. The caveat is that they’ll continue to soften the longer they sit — which might be a bonus if you like your oatmeal on the super-creamy side. They’re definitely best on day one and two, when they are soft but still have retained some of that toothsome chew, but five days is the max. Over time, you’ll find that the liquid will separate from the oats while the container sits in the fridge — just give it a quick stir to reincorporate everything before enjoying.

One strategy for still having this breakfast waiting for you in the fridge is to make them in batches of two to three jars. Over the course of the week, just tuck another jar into the fridge to replace the one you had for breakfast. See! Easy.

One more note: If you’re planning to store your overnight oats for the full four days, it’s wise to leave out things like nuts, coconut flakes, granola, and fresh fruit, as they’ll also soften while sitting in the fridge. Stir them into your serving just before digging in for the best results.

5 Overnight Oat Recipes to Try

This Is How Long Overnight Oats Will Last in the Fridge (2024)

FAQs

This Is How Long Overnight Oats Will Last in the Fridge? ›

Overnight oats are a simple, healthy breakfast that you can make ahead for busy mornings. The recipe below yields 1 serving, so make as many servings (each in a separate jar) as you'd like. Overnight oats will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

How long can overnight oats stay in the fridge? ›

We recommend storing overnight oats in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to five days. That means if you're meal-prepping on Sunday, you can make a work week's worth of overnight oats and not have to think about breakfast again until Saturday.

How long should overnight oats sit? ›

You can eat the oats after they have been sitting for 2 hours, BUT I recommend waiting 8 to 12 hours so the oats have time to soak up all of the milk. The longer you wait, the creamier they will be. They are called overnight oats for a reason, they are best if they can sit in the fridge overnight!

How long do overnight oats last in a mason jar? ›

A glass jar with a tight seal will allow your overnight oats to last in the fridge for about five days. This makes overnight oats perfect for weekly meal prepping. A large batch made on Sunday night can last the entire week.

How long does oatmeal last in the fridge? ›

Cooked oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, extending its shelf life and ensuring it remains safe to eat. The United States Department of Agriculture's general directives for leftovers are that they will remain fresh for up to four days in the fridge or as long as four months in the freezer.

Is it good to eat overnight oats everyday? ›

Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you're ready to start your morning with a bowl of oats, try our Cinnamon-Roll Overnight Oats.

What is the best milk for overnight oats? ›

milk – you can make overnight oats with any type of milk you prefer. I personally like non-dairy options and usually use unsweetened almond milk for my overnight oats. yogurt – this gives the oats a extra creamy texture while adding a bit of protein.

What not to add in overnight oats? ›

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

What is the secret to overnight oats? ›

Add Twice as Much Milk as Oats

Whether you prefer whole milk, rice milk or coconut milk, you can use it. Just make sure to add twice as much milk as oats. Note: You can also use whey, buttermilk or thinned yogurt for a tangier flavor.

What type of oats are best for overnight oats? ›

The Best Oats for Overnight Oats: Old-fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, become tender and creamy when soaked. Quick-cooking oats, which are smaller, can end up pasty and steel-cut oats, which are sturdier, stay quite firm even after soaking.

What is the best liquid for overnight oats? ›

Dairy milk and oat milk both work well. Coconut milk adds rich flavor and yields an especially creamy texture. Maple syrup – For sweetness. Honey works too.

What is the best container for overnight oats? ›

Ball Mason Jars are a classic choice for preparing overnight oats, and as an added bonus, they're generally inexpensive to buy. These 8-ounce versions come in a pack of two for just $10, but you can also buy sets of 12 jars if you want to stock up.

What is a substitute for chia seeds in overnight oats? ›

Here are some alternatives. Flaxseed: If you don't like flaxseeds or chia seeds, you can replace them with nut butter, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or mashed fruit. Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or brown sugar is an excellent replacement for maple syrup.

Do overnight oats go bad in the fridge? ›

Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. The caveat is that they'll continue to soften the longer they sit — which might be a bonus if you like your oatmeal on the super-creamy side.

How do you know if oats have gone bad? ›

Since the date on your package of oats might not tell you much, you'll have to rely on your senses to decide whether it's a good idea to eat them. "Your eyes can see mold and discolored food, your nose can smell odors that show change in quality and your hands can feel a slimy texture," says Taub-Dix.

When should you throw out oatmeal? ›

If you see any type of mold growing on your oats — whether cooked or dry — do not eat them. If you're unsure whether your oats are still good, start by inspecting the color, texture, and scent. If you notice any dark spots, strange odors, or clumping, it's probably best to throw them out or add them to the compost bin.

Can I eat overnight oats after 7 days? ›

How Long Overnight Oats Last. Overnight oats can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days in the refrigerator. The caveat is that they'll continue to soften the longer they sit — which might be a bonus if you like your oatmeal on the super-creamy side.

How long are overnight oats good for once mixed? ›

Oats Overnight are ready after 4 hours and last up to 36 hours in the fridge so they make a great breakfast two days in a row (or save for a snack later in the day after dinner -makes a great dessert replacement!) Where can I find the nutritional label/information?

Do dry overnight oats go bad? ›

Although dry oats can last for a few years, one of the ways you can tell if your oats have gone bad is by trusting your senses. Although this isn't a perfect test, it is the first judgment to see if they're past the expiration date. Oats that have spoiled will change in texture and color.

Is oats overnight actually healthy? ›

Overnight oats offer a range of health benefits, due to their rich fibre and protein content. They also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, some of which include manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. This makes overnight oats healthy for your gut, as well as for overall health and well-being.

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