As an avid Costco shopper, I recently scored a massive bag of oats for just a few dollars, fully convinced I’d be set for months of oatmeal, granola, and muffins. Then reality hit: there was no way I’d get through it all before it went stale or, worse, attracted pantry weevils.
So I wondered: Can you freeze oats, or will they just turn to mush in the freezer?
According to food and culinary scientist and author of Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking, Jessica Gavin, freezing oats is not only safe, it’s also a smart way to extend their shelf life and cut down on food waste. Here’s what you need to know before clearing space in your freezer.
Can You Freeze Oats?
Yes, you can and should freeze oats if you plan on buying in bulk. While oats are shelf-stable, they contain unsaturated fats that can begin to break down after a few months, turning them bitter or rancid, according to Gavin. Even when stored in a cool, dark place, oats typically last about three to four months in the pantry before their quality starts to decline.
Freezing significantly slows this process and helps preserve both flavor and freshness. This method works for all common types of dry oats, including rolled (old-fashioned), quick-cooking, and steel-cut oats, as well as oat flour.
Can You Freeze Cooked Oatmeal?
If you’re batching breakfast, you can absolutely freeze leftover cooked oatmeal, too. Let oatmeal cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. For quick, single-serve portions, muffin tins or silicone cupcake molds work well. Freeze the oatmeal in the molds first, then pop the portions out and store them in an airtight zip-top freezer bag or container.
Cooked oatmeal will keep for about two to three months in the freezer. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water and stir well to restore its creamy texture. If the oatmeal changes color, smells off, or develops a slimy texture, discard it.
How To Freeze Oats
Store dry oats in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents moisture from getting in and helps preserve the oats’ texture and flavor for cooking or baking later.
For convenience, consider freezing oats in portions you typically use, such as one- or two-cup amounts for baking or weekly oatmeal batches. Label each container with the oat type and the date so you can easily rotate through your stash.
This method works well for rolled oats, quick oats, steel-cut oats, and oat flour.
Does Freezing Affect Texture?
Oats freeze exceptionally well, according to Gavin, who explains, “because they’re dry, the grains keep their structure, so they cook and bake exactly the same as pantry-stored oats.” When stored in an airtight container, uncooked oats can be frozen for long periods without a noticeable change in texture or performance.
How To Avoid Freezer Burn
When air seeps into bags and containers in the freezer, it causes moisture to evaporate from the food’s surface, leading to dry, tough spots or icy buildup. While freezer burn doesn’t make food unsafe to eat, Gavin notes that it can negatively affect texture and flavor, making it far less appealing. That’s why your best defense is removing as much air as possible when storing oats.
Use freezer-safe, airtight containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, pressing out excess air before sealing. Another easy tip is to double-seal your oats, either by placing filled bags inside a second zip-top bag or lining rigid containers with parchment before closing the lid.
Finally, store oats in smaller portions you’re likely to use all at once. Larger containers get opened and closed more often, which lets in moisture and air each time and increases the risk of freezer burn over time.
How Long Can You Freeze Oats?
When stored properly in airtight, freezer-safe containers, uncooked oats can last up to two years in the freezer without noticeable quality loss. Be sure to label containers with the date and type of oat so you can easily rotate your supply.
While frozen oats may remain safe to eat beyond that point, their flavor and texture are best within that two-year window, especially for baking, where freshness matters most. If oats ever develop an off smell or visible frost buildup from poor sealing, it’s best to discard them and start fresh.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
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How To Thaw and Use Oats and Oatmeal
Uncooked oats don’t need to be thawed before using, according to Gavin. They can go straight from the freezer into your favorite baked good recipe.
If you prefer to thaw them first, transfer frozen oats to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. “Avoid thawing oats on the counter, as they can quickly enter the temperature danger zone between 40 and 140°F, where bacteria grow most rapidly,” Gavin explained.Frozen cooked oatmeal should also be thawed overnight in the refrigerator, which helps prevent it from entering the temperature danger zone where bacteria can grow. If you’re short on time, Gavin also endorses reheating oatmeal directly from frozen in the microwave.
Need a little inspiration? Frozen oats can go straight into many of your favorite baking and cooking recipes, including: