There’s nothing more convenient, and tasty, in the mornings than overnight oats. With literally hundreds of different variations to try, few healthy breakfasts offer as much versatility. The trick is making sure you dedicate time the night before to prepare - ensuring you’ve always got a handful of tasty ingredients to put into it. Or, if you’re short on time but still want a yummy breakfast, our Overnight oats are even more simple to prepare and keep well in the fridge. Below, we’ll go into just how long we recommend you keep them, the tell-tale signs of when to throw them away, and some hints and tips on how to make them last as long as possible.

How long can overnight oats last for in the fridge?

Our ready-made Overnight Oats can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 days. You should always store your prepared overnight oats in a cool place so that no germs can form. We’ve found that the oats tend to taste the best and have a more pleasant texture in the first one-two days, so when you’re preparing your own batch or using one of our ready-made products, keep this in mind. Over time, the oats will absorb the liquid, leading to a more ‘runny’ texture, but so long as it’s within the three-day period, they will be safe to eat.

Factors affecting longevity

As you’d expect, there are a number of factors that can influence how long your overnight oats can last. Below, we’ll go through them, and some hints and tips on how to make them last longer.

1. Your Ingredients

Choice of Liquid

Dairy Milk & Yogurt: As these have a higher protein and fat content than water, these tend to spoil faster. This means you’re best enjoying the oats within the first two days, three tops, so keep that in mind when making a batch, or using this in our overnight oats.

Plant-Based Milks: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and coconut milk (from a carton) generally have a longer refrigerator shelf life as they’re often pasteurized at a higher temperature. This will help your oats last between three-four days, so could be a good option if you’re opting to make a larger batch.

The Type of Oats

Rolled oats tend to be the best when making overnight oats as they hold their texture without becoming too mushy. Steel-cut oats tend to be firmer, good for those who want more bite, but won’t ever achieve the same, creamy texture as the former. Instant oats, meanwhile, are pre-cooked and so will absorb liquid faster, making them the weakest of the bunch for overnight oats.

Toppings and Add-Ins

Fresh Fruit: Many overnight oats recipes contain fresh fruit, such as berries. The golden rule here is to keep fresh and wet toppings separate. If you prepare your overnight oats several days in advance, for example as a breakfast idea for meal prepping, then it is better to add the fruit before eating. This is because high moisture fruits such as bananas and grapes start to break down after just one day. Plus, fruits taste best fresh and your overnight oats last longer.

Top tip: Chia and flax can improve the texture of your overnight oats by acting as a binder, plus it can help them last longer and stop them getting too watery.

2. Proper Storage

Airtight Containers are Non-Negotiable: You want to minimise your oats’ exposure to air, so when you store them in the fridge, make sure they are in a sealed container. To ensure they’re in the coldest part of the fridge, do not place them in the door, as this will be subject to temperature fluctuations when it’s open and closed. Instead, always store the oats at the back of the fridge, which is typically the coolest. A temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below is ideal for food safety.

How to Tell if Your Overnight Oats Have Spoiled

Even if you've done everything right, it's always smart to use your senses before eating - namely, smell and sight.

The sniff and eye test: If you prepare your overnight oats with milk or yogurt, you can also do the eye-nose-mouth test: Do your overnight oats still look good? The texture should be thick and creamy, with the oasts still holding their shape. Do your overnight oats still smell fresh and don't have a sour smell? Look for any signs of mold, which will likely be colourful, fuzzy spots. If in doubt then throw it out!

Best tips for Ultimate Meal-Prep Success

Stagger Your Prep and understand your ingredients: Get into the habit of making the correct batch sizes for your ingredients. So, if you like using dairy milk, snake smaller batches. If you’re plant based, then this gives you a bigger window. Dedicate a day or two a week for prep and stick to it.. That way you’ll build up a routine that’s easily replicable.

Remember, our overnight oats are completely ready to go. So if you’re not in the mood for a loaf of prep, just opt for one of our delicious flavours and you’ll have a wonderful breakfast the following morning - complete with the perfect consistency.