How Oxygen Absorber Prevent Oats from Turning Rancid

The moment you start your healthcare journey, one name will pop up frequently, and that is "Oats." From doctors to your gym trainers, everyone will ask you to incorporate oats into your diet, and that's why It's common to find oats on the shelves of almost every household.

However, despite their popularity, oats are often discarded because they turn rancid quickly before we can even enjoy their benefits fully. Why is that so? Despite using the best quality, you can't prevent spoilage, especially once the original pack is opened. Well Oxygen is the reason that can greatly impact the quality of food; exposure to oxygen leads to spoilage of oats and other food items.

In this blog, we will see, why the oats go bad quickly and the best ways to protect your oats from turning rancid.

What is The Shelf Life of Oats?

There are many types of oats available in the market; each one has various types, textures, and shapes, but one thing remains the same, and that's the health advantage they hold. Some common types of oats are - rolled oats, steel-cut oats, quick oats, jumbo oats, etc. They will typically last for 12 months at least, and for almost 2 years if the package remains unopened or properly stored.

So, the shelf life of the oats also depends on how you store them once the original packet is open. However, you should always check the “best by” or “use by” date before purchasing for proper knowledge.

Reasons Why Your Oats Go Bad

Even if the oats are dry, they can expire before their shelf life ends! Let's take a deeper look at the main two reasons oats go bad -

1. The Wrong Packaging

The shelf life of the oats has a lot to do with their packaging; for instance, if they are packed using paper, humidity and airborne yeast can enter the bag and spoil the oats.

Sometimes, it's hard to tell if the airborne yeast has taken hold of your food, but the moment you taste it, you will know!

Rancid oats taste horribly bad and sour! A non-porous airtight container is the preferred choice when it comes to the best kind of packaging.

2. Unprocessed oats

Something's are better off in their raw form, while some are not; the same is true with oats! Unprocessed oats spoil faster as they still have natural oils inside them, which is the biggest reason for oats going bad.

Processed oats, on the other hand, go through a few steps, like cleaning, steaming, and then toasting; these steps help them to stay fresh for a longer time.

How to Store Oats Using Oxygen Absorber For Longer Freshness?

Oxygen absorbers are small packets that contain a mix of iron powder, activated carbon, and salts. As soon as they are exposed to oxygen, the iron undergoes a chemical reaction and absorbs and removes oxygen from its surrounding atmosphere. They are used

How do oxygen absorbers work: the oxygen absorbers start working as soon as you place them inside an airtight container or package; they reduce the level to less than 0.01%, creating a secure atmosphere.

Let's have a look at how to store oats using an oxygen absorber.

Step 1: Choosing a Proper Container

Choosing a proper container is often overlooked, which should not be, especially when it comes to storing food. Buy a mason jar, mylar bag, or a food-grade plastic bag with an airtight lid.

Step 2: Get the Right Amount of Oxygen Absorber

You’ll need oxygen absorbers specifically designed for food preservation. You also need to consider the packaging size and type. A rough estimate is that 500g of oats (dense food) will require 50–100 CCs of Oxygen absorber.

Here is Oxygen Absorber Chart, just in case you wish to utilize Oxygen Absorber for other food items than oats. This Oxygen Absorber Chart will help you ensure you’re using the right amount of oxygen absorber to maintain the quality and safety of your stored food.  

Oxygen Absorber Requirements Size Chart

Step 3: Prep your Oats

Once you open, take the required amount of oats and are ready to store them properly. You need to make sure that the oats are dry once you have made sure you are ready for the next step.

Step 4: Fill in the Container

Put the oats inside the container, leaving about 1–3 inches of space at the top for the oxygen absorber.

Step 5: Place the Oxygen Absorber

Place the oxygen absorber on the top of the oats right before sealing and quickly close the container to prevent air from entering.

Note - For Improving Oatmeal Shelf Life more efficiently and saving it from oxygen and moisture, keep the container in a cool, dark and dry place, ideally below 70°F (21°C). Heat and light can still speed up spoilage, even with the absorber.

Other Tips for Preventing Oats from Turning Rancid

Apart from using oxygen Absorber Packets, there are other easy methods that you can perform; they are as follows -

1. Buying airtight and watertight containers not only helps to store oats, but to store any food item with ease, leading to less exposure to moisture and oxygen.

2. Always keep such food items in dry places, like inside a cupboard. This will minimize the exposure to light, heat, and moisture, also eliminating the risk of mold growth.

3. If you are looking to protect your oats for a shorter period, putting them in an airtight container and then refrigerating them is also a good option.

We are one of the largest distributors of Oxygen Absorbers to a wide range of food packaging industries. Click here to explore our range of Oxygen Absorbers and ensure your food stays fresh for longer. Preserve quality, prevent spoilage, and protect your oats from turning rancid!