Expired Products: What You Need to Know

13. Oats

Duration: 6 months to 3 years
Cost on average: $3–$8*
Many people's go-to breakfast is oatmeal. They are an excellent way to start the day because they are satiating and full of nutrients. Oats are a dry food; however, depending on the variety, they might have an expiration date of six months to three years. The oats will only endure an average of six months if they are flavored with fruit or dry cream.

Sea Wave/Shutterstock © Oats
While rolled or steel-cut oats can last for a year or two, instant oatmeal only lasts for a year. It is not advised to eat expired oats because they may not contain as many nutrients as unexpired oats, but rather because they would make you sick.

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DriftParagon I test, tinker, learn—and publish the distilled version so you don’t have to.

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