How to store steel cut oats

Shelf life of oatmeal

Similarly to dried rice or pasta, commercially processed and uncooked rolled, quick, or steel cut oats will typically last at least 12 months — and up to 2 years if the package remains unopened or the oats are stored in an air-tight container (2).

Steel cut oatmeal can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. To freeze: Portion your desired amount of the cooked oats into your container of choice. Freeze for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Before storing for long term, please find out a suitable space in your pantry that is cool, dry, clean, and dark. Place the oatmeal in a sealed airtight container. You can preserve freshness even better by removing excess oxygen from the container before storing oats.

Opened oatmeal ought to be stored tightly covered in a resealable plastic bag or in a plastic or glass container. It is best practice to use opened oatmeal within one year. Dry oatmeal can also be stored in a freezer bag in the freezer for one year. Your freezer should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Leftover steel cut oats can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.