Oreos are the yummiest cookies one can try, especially if they are fond of sandwich cookies and like to savor the flavor of chocolate and vanilla filling. Oreos are some of the most popular sandwich cookies available out there and will have a crunchy texture that everyone loves. However, this texture and consistency mean that they will mellow down when stored in wet conditions.
So, if you find an old pack of Oreos in the cabinet and aren’t sure if you can eat them or not, we have information available to help you out. This is because, with this article, we are focusing on the shelf life of Oreos and the right way of storing Oreos to retain the crunch. So, if you have had these questions about your Oreos, we have every detail you need to know!
How To Store Oreos?
How Long Do These Oreos Last?
When it comes down to the Oreos, they have a thick consistency and crunchy texture, which means they will be able to maintain the quality for a few weeks after the date mentioned on the label (it can be a few months as well). For the most part, when you have the pack of Oreos, these cookies will be fresh for over two weeks, particularly if you keep these cookies’ pack sealed. These cookies come with the expiration date on the packet, and the date is highly likely to be over nine months after the production date.
In addition, some people also have the best-by-date of over twelve months. However, there is no specific way of telling how long the Oreos will last. As far as the expiration date is concerned, it is only a safe estimate and is never accurate. For this reason, the cookies are highly likely to retain the quality for over a few months once the best-by-date is passed.
Will Unopened Oreos Expire According To The Mentioned Date?
If the Oreos are past the best-by-date, you need to open the pack and check out the cookies. However, in the majority of cases, the unopened Oreos are likely to remain fine. On the other hand, if you are concerned about the open Oreos, you need to remember that the quality of cookies will be maintained for a minimum of two weeks before they start going stale. To illustrate, the unopened Oreos will be fine for one to two months pasts the expiration date, while the opened Oreos will be around one to two weeks.
What Is The Best Way Of Storing Oreos?
The most optimal method of storing the Oreos is to store them at room temperature. In particular, you need to store them in dry areas, such as the pantry. In addition, the cookies must be stored away from the heat sources. Having said that, once the Oreos package is opened, it is suggested that you seal the leftover Oreos tightly, particularly in airtight containers. When it comes down to the unopened Oreos, they don’t demand special treatment because you can simply put them where you would store your jelly beans and chocolate.
On the other hand, when you open the plastic bag, the cookies will be exposed to fresh air, which means they will become stale quickly as compared to the unopened pack. Having said that, if you are likely to have leftovers of your Oreos for over a few days, it is suggested to store them in the re-sealable bag. On the contrary, if you don’t have access to a re-sealable bag, it is better that you use the bag clips for limiting air exposure to cookies. In addition, using the bag clip will help slow down the staling and degradation process. In fact, some Oreos are also available in the re-sealable bag, and if that’s the case with you, you don’t need to get special bags or bag clips.
If you choose to use the re-sealable bags, the cookies will have a better texture and will be firmer. On the other hand, please don’t put the cookies in regular plastic bags because the Oreos will turn crumbly. To summarize, it is better to opt for a dark, cool, and dry place.
The Symptoms Of Bad Oreos
If you have already had the Oreos for a long time, you must know the symptoms to ensure the Oreos are safe to eat. So, in the section below, we are sharing how to check if Oreos are bad or not, such as;
- The first sign is mold. This is because if there is fuzzy action going on the cookies, it’s time to let go of these cookies
- The second sign is the soggy and soft texture rather than crispy. If only the texture is impacted, it doesn’t mean that the cookies are spoiled, but they are surely old, so it’s best that you don’t eat them
- The third sign is the off smell. This is because if the Oreos don’t smell right, you must not take chances
- The fourth and last sign is the stale taste. This is because if the Oreos taste stale, it doesn’t mean that the cookies are unsafe to eat, but it would be better to thrash them
For the most part, the expired or old Oreos will be safe to consume, but there will be changes in flavor and texture. So, if there is mold and off smell in the cookies, that should be a no. On the other hand, the soft texture and slightly stale taste are fine to be consumed. All in all, these soft cookies are suitable to be eaten with coffee.
Why Do Oreos Last For A Long Time?
Oreos are known to be dairy-free options, and they are suitable for people who are looking for vegan options. As far as the shelf life is concerned, Oreos have preservatives, such as sugar, and are formulated to have a longer shelf life. Some of the ingredients include high-fructose syrup, sugar, artificial flavor, soy lecithin, and canola oil or palm oil, and all of them are shelf-stable ingredients. For this reason, the Oreos will last a long time.