Oreo cookies, a beloved snack, found their way into our homes and often appear on our tables.
They are known for their crispy exterior and soft interior, which makes them one of the most popular brands of cookies.
These cookies have been around for decades now, and yet there’s still so much about them that we don’t know.
For example, do Oreos actually expire?
And if they do, how long does it take for them to start going bad?
How long do Oreos last?
The answer to this question depends on who you ask.
Some people believe that Oreos only need to be eaten within two weeks after opening, while others say that they can last up to six months.
According to the FDA, Oreos should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
However, this doesn’t mean that they will last indefinitely.
A study conducted by the University of Minnesota found that Oreos could last anywhere from three days to three months depending on the type of cookie.
In terms of how long they can last before they spoil, some experts say that Oreos can last up to six months but will eventually lose their crispness and sweetness as time goes by.
This means that if you buy them at the grocery store, you might want to give them a few months before eating them.
Do Oreos go bad?
While some experts claim that Oreos don’t go bad, others argue that they do.
According to the FDA, Oreos should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
However, since Oreos are made with different types of ingredients, they may go bad faster than other kinds of cookies.
For instance, people who use hydrogen peroxide in their kitchen to clean surfaces and appliances might notice that Oreos tend to get moldy faster compared to other cookies.
Hydrogen peroxide also reacts with moisture, which means that Oreos are more likely to go stale over time.
Another reason why Oreos might go bad sooner is because they contain preservatives called E-510.
These chemicals prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which helps to extend the shelf life of the cookies.
However, many people believe that these chemicals aren’t good for your health, especially when you consume too many of them.
How can you tell if Oreos are expired?
If you see that your Oreos have gone bad, then you should toss them out immediately.
You don’t need to worry about getting sick from consuming them, but you should definitely avoid buying them from the grocery store because they may already be past their expiration date.
However, if you’re wondering whether or not Oreos are expired, you can always check the label to find out the expiration date.
If you see “Best if Used By” on the package, then you can assume that it’s fine to eat them right away.
If you see “Use By” instead, then it’s better to throw them out once you open the package.
In addition, if you see “Sell By” on the package, then you should probably toss them out right away.
What happens if you eat expired Oreos?
As mentioned earlier, Oreos may taste good for a short period of time, but they won’t be as delicious as they used to be.
As time passes, the texture and flavor of the cookies will gradually change.
Some people say that Oreos are no longer sweet even though they were originally intended to be.
Others say that they have lost their crunchiness, and some even say that they smell bad.
Since Oreos contain preservatives, you shouldn’t expect to feel any side effects after eating them.
However, if you eat more than a dozen of them, then you might experience digestive issues such as nausea and vomiting.
Is it safe to eat expired Oreos?
Yes, Oreos can still be consumed safely, although you should make sure that you don’t eat more than 12 cookies at a time.
After all, you don’t want to end up with indigestion.
You should also wash your hands thoroughly after handling any food items that you just purchased, and you should never eat expired Oreos without washing them first.
How long do Oreos stay fresh?
There are several factors that determine the shelf life of Oreos.
These include the type of cookie, the packaging material, and the storage conditions.
For example, Oreos made from wheat flour will usually last longer than those made from corn or rice flour.
Furthermore, Oreos that are wrapped in plastic will stay fresher than those that are packaged in paper.
If you’re worried about storing Oreos properly, then you should purchase them in bulk and put them in the freezer to prolong their lifespan.
You can also place them in the refrigerator if you want to save space.
What is the shelf life of Oreos?
The FDA recommends that Oreos should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature.
However, this doesn’t mean that they will last indefinitely.
Oreos can last up to six months, but they will eventually lose their crispness and sweetness as time goes by.
When you open the package, you should look for the “best if used by” date.
If you see “use by” on the package, then you should toss them out right away.
If you see “sell by” instead, then you should toss them out once you open the package.
How do you store Oreos to keep them fresh?
You can either keep Oreos in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminum foil.
It’s important to make sure that you don’t leave them exposed to sunlight or heat, since these elements will cause the cookies to degrade quickly.
It’s also best to store Oreos in the fridge, where they will remain cold and fresh.
Can you freeze Oreos?
Yes, you can freeze Oreos.
Just make sure that you remove them from the freezer as soon as possible.
Although freezing prevents them from spoiling, it can also affect the texture and flavor of the cookies.
You should also avoid letting them thaw completely before eating them.
Instead, you should eat them straight from the freezer so that they retain their crispness.
What is the best way to eat Oreos?
You can either eat them plain or add toppings such as peanut butter, chocolate chips, and nuts.
But if you want to ensure that the cookies are crunchier, you should eat them warm from the oven.
You can also use a microwave to reheat them.
Just make sure that you don’t let them sit in the microwave for too long or else they will lose their crispness.
Do Oreos Expire?
Equipment
- 1 oven
- 1 bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter 225 g, softened
- 1 cup white sugar 200 g
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 250 g
- 1 ¼ cups cocoa powder 150 g
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup butter 115 g, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar 240 g
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (225 grams) of softened butter with the white sugar and salt, until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs until fully incorporated.
- Sieve together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda into the mix. Blend well.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix together until combined.
- Turn the dough out onto your surface and push together into a flat square. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 325˚F (160˚C).
- Remove the dough from the fridge, and for ease of rolling out, divide the dough into 4 (this way the dough stays cool longer and prevents the need of re-chilling later on).
- To roll out the dough, place a quarter of the dough between two sheets of parchment paper (alternatively the dough can be rolled out on a lightly floured surface – though the parchment is preferred as it prevents any additional flour from altering the color/appearance of the dark cookies). Roll the dough between the two sheets of parchment to ¼-inch (½ cm) thickness.
- Using a small round cookie cutter (alternatively, we found the rim of a champagne glass to be a perfect size!) cut the dough into individual rounds and place on a large parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving at least ½-inch (1¼ cm) between each cookie.
- Pack together and re-roll out any scraps to cut additional cookies. Repeat with this process with each remaining ¼ of the dough.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 15 minutes. If baking multiple trays at the same time, be sure to rotate the pans in the oven halfway through. Remove and transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- To make the filling, combine ½ cup (115 grams) butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium mixing bowl. Beat together until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the cookies by spreading a generous scoop of the icing onto one of the cookies and sandwiching it with another. Give it a light squeeze and scrape any excess off to clear and even out the sides.
- Serve with a glass of milk.
- Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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