Do Oreos Go Bad? How Long Do Oreos Last? Are Expired Oreos Safe To Eat?

Do Oreos Go Bad

Who doesn’t love a pack of Oreos? Imagine a sunny evening, sitting in front of the TV, binge-watching your favorite show, and snacking on some delicious Oreos. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Of course, it does, which is why people always pick up a few packets of it in every grocery shopping.

But keeping in mind the simple theory of Marginal Utility from economics, you are bound to get bored of it after some time. In such cases, one might even toss the packets of Oreos at the back of the pantry, forgetting about them for months. That causes them to go bad eventually.

Since Oreos have a limited shelf life, it is necessary to understand how fast they can go bad. This can help you be more mindful of your purchases to avoid such situations in the future.

How Long Do Oreos Last?

How Long Do Oreos Last

Determining how long Oreos will last depends on their condition.

How long do Oreos last unopened?

First things first, read the expiry date on the package. It is very important information that many seem to ignore bluntly. Once you’ve read the expiry date and got the relevant information, you can now get a sense of how long your Oreos will last.

However, if your Oreos have passed their expiry date, there is no need to panic. You can still consume them for a couple of weeks. All cookies last at least for a good 9+ months, and no, Oreos are no different, as long as the packet is unopened.

How long do Oreos last once opened?

If you have opened your pack of Oreos, you can consume this even after two weeks. They will not go bad. However, the crunchiness of the cookies is sure to be compromised. If you have an open pack of Oreos and you can’t find yourself to finish the entire pack, store them in an airtight container. Keeping Oreos in airtight containers will keep their delicious taste and flavor alive. This will help keep the crunchiness of the cookies alive and not let them get blah or soggy.

How long do chocolate-covered Oreos last?

If you have a sweet tooth, chances are you have chocolate-covered Oreos in your pantry or refrigerator. If yes, you must know that such Oreos will not last for more than 2 weeks, given that they are stored in an airtight container and stowed in the refrigerator.

How long do Oreos last in the fridge? 

If the packet of Oreos is unopened, you can expect it to last for a few months, even after its best-by date. Once you open the packet, they will only last for 2 weeks in the fridge.

How To Tell If Oreos Have Gone Bad?

It does not take a genius to tell if Oreos have gone bad. If you are wondering what the easiest way is to tell if Oreos have gone bad, stick around and continue reading.

The easiest ways to tell if Oreos have gone bad are like this:

  • Foul Smell: The easiest way to tell if Oreos have gone bad is through their smell. If they have a weird smell coming from them, don’t think twice. Toss those cookies right out.
  • Moldy: if your Oreos look any kind of moldy, it’s a wake-up call and a huge red flag to throw them out.
  • Taste Stale: If your Oreos taste off, stale, or nothing like fresh, yummy Oreos, then it is sure that the Oreos have gone bad.

Can You Eat Oreos After the Expiration Date? Is it okay to use expired Oreos?

Consuming Expired Oreos

Like most packaged snacks, Oreos come with a best-by date. Do note that this is not an expiration date and Oreos are safe to eat, even past the date. The only difference is that the quality might deteriorate after it. One might notice changes in terms of taste, smell, and consistency.

But consuming expired Oreos will not make you sick, especially if they do not have any signs of mold.

If you have consumed moldy Oreos, there is no need to panic. Have some lemon juice and call it a day. Watch out for signs of diarrhea or nausea and consult your nearest doctor.

How To Store Oreos To Extend Their Shelf Life?

The best and most sensible thing to do to store Oreos so they can increase their shelf life is by knowing how to store them. Oreos are cookies. Most of their taste lies in their perfect crunchiness. Storing them in airtight containers, jars, or bottles will help extend their shelf life to a great extent.

If you have opened your pack of Oreos and you are finding yourself unable to finish it, then you can use your Oreos wisely. Make desserts out of it.

Be it milkshakes, oreo cheesecakes. If you have opened your pack of Oreos, you can consume this even after two weeks. By doing this, you can store Oreos for at least 9 months or more.

How long can you store homemade Oreos?

While that was all about store-bought Oreos, let us go to homemade Oreos.

Since homemade Oreos do not contain any sort of preservatives, you must freeze them. This will make them last for at least 2 weeks.

But wait, can Oreos be frozen? Well, let’s find out how!

Can You Freeze Oreo cookies?

Yes, you can freeze Oreo cookies. The process is pretty straightforward, and it helps you preserve them for up to 8 months.

Freezing Oreo Cookies in Original Packaging 

If the Oreos are in their original packaging, you can follow these steps:

  • If the Oreo cookies are unsealed, you can simply place them in the freezer.
  • If they are opened, you must wrap them with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer.
  • Ensure that they are placed in a place where they remain safe from getting crushed.

Freezing Oreo Cookies in a Different Packaging 

If you can’t seem to find the original packaging of Oreo cookies, you can follow these steps:

  • Segregate the cookies into small batches.
  • Transfer them into an airtight container or freezer-safe bags.
  • Seal and label them.
  • Place them in the freezer.

In both cases, the Oreo cookies will not last for more than 8 months.

The best way to thaw frozen Oreo cookies is to keep them at room temperature for a few hours. This will retain its quality and taste without making them brittle.

What are the Alternatives to Oreos if it has gone bad? 

In case your Oreos have gone bad, but you need to serve something to your kids and their friends, you can try the following cookies:

  • Organic Sandwich Cookies By Tasty Brand
  • Kinnikinnick Kinnitoos
  • Graham Crackers
  • Trader Joe’s Joe Joes
  • Chocolate Sandwich Cremes By 365 Whole Foods Market

FAQs

Can expired Oreos make you sick?

No, the chances of falling sick by consuming expired Oreos are slim to none unless they have mold. One might feel a difference in terms of taste and crunchiness, but nothing severe.

Should Oreos be refrigerated? 

If you are planning to use Oreos for a long period, it is best to refrigerate them. It shall ensure a longer shelf life without messing up with the quality.

How long can Oreos sit out?

Oreos will last for 2-3 weeks after their best-by date at room temperature, given that they are unopened. If you want to store an open pack of Oreos, you must either seal them or transfer them to an airtight container.

Conclusion 

Tossing out a packet of your favorite Oreo cookies is not something that anybody would like. But such situations can be avoided by keeping in mind the best-by date and undertaking a few storage techniques.

Yes, it does a few extra care steps. But hey, the crunchiness and sweet taste of those delicious Oreo cookies certainly makes up for it, doesn’t it?

Let us know your experience with Oreo cookies in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.

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