How to tell if shelf-stable almond milk is bad? Either way, you must want to know more about the food items that you consume regularly. 10 Dairy-Free Alternatives and How to Use Them. If youve brought home a particularly large bottle and youre wondering how youre going to get through it all, these are questions that you might be asking yourself. What Does It Mean If There Are Black Specks In Almond Milk? A kitchen cabinet away from the oven would be an ideal place to store almond milk in shelf-stable packaging. Shelf stable almond milks can last for up to 10 months unopened on a shelf, but once opened they need to be used within 7-10 days. Properly stored, unopened shelf-stable almond milk will generally stay at best quality for about 3 to 4 weeks after the date on the package when stored at room temperature. If it has a sour or tart odor, the fermentation process is likely to have started. One cup of almonds and 1.5 cups of water should leave you with about a cup of almond milk. The below table shows how long almond milk lasts: What you buy in supermarkets is usually almond milk that has been ultra-pasteurized. How Long Is Milk Good for After the Expiration Date? Instead, it may be an indicator that the flavor and texture will be less appealing. And keep the lid tightly sealed. The indicating factor lies with the packaging. As with all food, properly storing almond milk is the key to maximizing its shelf life. Short answer: Yes, it does. Answer. Weve all been there: You open up the fridge and grab your carton of almond milk, ready to make a smoothie, when you realize youre not exactly sure how long its been open. Drinking from glass is preferable than straight from the package. Using the "best by" date on the package is a good way to take the guesswork out of how long it will last, since you have no way of knowing how long it has been sitting at your grocery store. Once in hot coffee, however, Beitchman says that spoiled milk will curdle on its own: "You'll see it spill off into tiny little kernel particles.". The 7-10-day recommended shelf life is based on optimal conditions. Everyone knows that best-by dates are often a suggestion rather than .css-1me6ynq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#125C68;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#125C68;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1me6ynq:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}a hard-and-fast rule, but detecting when almond milk has really gone foul is harder than detecting regular spoiled milk. Its incredibly easy and tastes as good as the store bought stuff with fewer strange ingredients. Oat milk tends to be thicker than other alternative milks and many people find it froths up nicely, making it a popular choice for coffee drinkers. But in many cases, the product seems to actually look, smell and taste fine beyond that, so what gives? If your almond milk still has a funky texture, into the bin it goes. But if youre hoping to free up some precious refrigerator real estate by storing your almond milk in the pantry, thats also a possibility. It may be better to use it in frozen desserts, smoothies, or cooked dish, instead of for drinking.Similar to other liquid, freezing almond milk in ice cubes trays works very well. Tip Frozen and thawed almond milk will work best with recipes rather than for drinking as it is. How Long Does Breast Milk Last in the Fridge? Like other packaged foods, your pantry is a perfect place. And, if youre still not certain, its better to throw it away. The Kitchen Community is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thawed out almond milk wont have a long shelf life. Of course, homemade almond milk wont have any use by or best before dates, nor will it have undergone the same packaging process as commercially produced almond milk. Soak them in a bowl of water for at least six hours (I usually just leave them overnight) until they are nice and fat looking. If your almond milk hasnt expired, nothing will happen! The reason some almond milk doesnt need to be refrigerated is because it is stored in shelf-stable packaging. This is especially true if it hasnt been refrigerated properly, either. The almonds will get plumper as they absorb. Each milk alternative has its own unique taste, texture and nutritional profile, so which one you choose depends on personal preference, as well as what you're looking for and how you plan to use it. In this article, we'll discuss how and why almond milk might go bad and what to expect if your almond milk hasn't been properly stored, as well as give you some helpful tips for storing your almond milk properly to extend its shelf life as long as possible. Please give it a good sniffing. Blending will take anywhere from two to four minutes. In some cases, its because it has added preservatives. Unless other spoilage signs are seen, try to shake it up. Recall that the expiration date is only the maker's estimate of how long the item will be in top quality. If you are having trouble keeping liquids down, its a good idea to go to the hospital to get some help staying hydrated while you recover. However, there are some shelf-stable almond milk brands that will last a super long time if stored in the right conditions. Of course, just like cow's milk and other alternative milks, almond milk does go bad, which is why it's essential to understand its shelf life and the best way to store it. Copyright 2011-2023, All Rights Reserved. How long does almond milk last once opened? Whether you follow a vegan or plant-based lifestyle, have an allergy, want to lower your cholesterol or just prefer the taste, there's a lot to love about almond milk. Your two cups of almonds should have plumped into three cups or so. Try to squeeze it pretty well. Or, you just incidentally opened a new pack while a half full of almond milk is tucked in the back of the fridge? This timeframe is a guideline, however the milk could still be totally fine to drink after those days have passed. "This pasteurization treats the milk in a way that low heat can't, and while it tastes slightly different than other almond milk, it's more hygienic and less likely to harbor pathogens, meaning it can stay [unopened] on the shelf for years," explains Celine Beitchman, the director of nutrition at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. You may be skewed to one particular product over another i.e. But, a kitchen cupboard or cabinet will do the job too. These dates dont necessarily mean that the almond milk has gone bad. (Ever checked the ingredient label of your alternative milk? The best advice is, of course, to consume the milk before this date to get the maximum quality. It's curdled in the carton or fully separated even if you've recently taken it out of the fridge. As with leaving almond milk out, it will also start to go bad if its left in a warm environment. It spoils quickly at a warm temperature. Almond milk is a dairy-alternative that is made by soaking ground almond meal in water. After the expiration date has passed, youll notice that the almond milk has started to get an unpleasant smell and taste. But be sure to do a smell and taste test before each time you use it. But, how long is almond milk good for? This doesnt mean that you need to store it straight in your refrigerator from the grocery store, though. How Long Does DayQuil Last? But, a kitchen cupboard or cabinet will do the job too. Some brands may also add sweeteners or flavorings to enhance the taste of almond milk but, generally speaking, it never pushes it into a more almond-like flavor. MOST brands suggest that the milk needs to be utilized within 10 days after being opened. It can be kept at room temperature before opening. Almond milk is a healthy option for plant-based milk. Almond milk naturally has a fresh and nutty smell. However, this isnt a 100% sure sign of almond milk going bad. Preheat . If you want to drink it straight you may want to add a bit of vanilla or a date into the blender when you blend it to make it have a little extra sweetness and flavor. If you notice any unusual changes in texture, smell, or taste, be alarmed. A spokesperson for Ripple says the company guarantees its plant-based milks as safe for consumption between 7-10 days of opening, but not beyond that for safety reasons due to potential variables in the environment in which the product is kept. How long does unopened almond milk last in the fridge? Shelf-stable almond milk will need to be moved into a fridge once it's been opened, and should remain fresh for up to two weeks tops after being opened, she adds. Be sure that you only make what you can consume for three days, as that is the amount of time it will last. Labels on most almond milk and other alternative milks, such as soy, oat and cashew, advise consuming the product within 7-10 days of opening. This happens when the milk starts to ferment, which spoils both the texture and flavor. This makes for a product with an extended shelf life. The secret is in the storage. Whenever I can find almonds for a good price, I make my own almond milk! Additionally, almond milk may develop a sour odor if it has not been stored in a cold environment. It needs to always be refrigerated upon opening at a temperature of 40 F or lower. Next, look at the almond milk. The precise answer to the question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - store unopened bottles of shelf-stable almond milk (almond milk that has been sold unrefrigerated) in a cool, dark area. So, can you drink expired almond milk? Take a very small sip. What Happens If You Drink Expired Almond Milk? If you got your almond milk in the refrigerator area, then you need to store it in your refrigerator at home. Add your honey or maple syrup in the bowl and mix very well. If you leave your almond milk out at room temperature, it wont immediately go bad. Pour the processed mixture through a fine mesh strainer and into a bowl or other container. With so many almond milk brands to choose from, it can be difficult to tell whether the one youve chosen is shelf-stable or needs to be refrigerated. Most likely, it wont last as long as it would have since it was exposed to warmer temperatures. You can also add it to hot beverages without it going bad, although the heat of the water may cause it to curdle. But, the refrigerated one can only stay for a maximum of one week after its use-by date. Milk can go bad well before the sell by date if it's not stored properly. Of course, Beitchman explains that best-by dates and expiration dates vary wildly and. Watch on almond milk recipe, does almond milk go bad, homemade almond milk, how long does almond milk last. The best way is to smell and look at the almond milk: if the almond milk develops an off odor, flavor or appearance it should be discarded. Plus, how you can prevent this from happening and keep your almond milk fresh for as long as possible. You should have almond milk that has a silky texture and a nutty, sweet smell. This depends on the type of almond milk you have on hand and whether or not its open. As with anything that has gone bad, drinking expired almond milk can make you quite sick. All rights reserved. However, to be sure, check your almond milk using the tips given above. How to Spot Spoiled Alt Milk, According to Experts, Start Your Day with These 5 Almond Milk Smoothies, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Homemade almond milk goes bad the fastest, and should be drunk within a few days . Truthfully, its complicatedread on for the lowdown and youll see what we mean. If an open carton of almond milk, whether refrigerated or shelf-safe, has been left out for an extended period of time it will go bad. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. It may not be a very discernible change in taste, but you will surely notice the changes in texture and consistency. The problem is, once opened, it goes bad very quickly. In your blender, place the two cups of water and all the almonds. Once you open almond milkany kind of almond milk, including homemade almond milk always refrigerate it. Keep in mind that these are only guidelines, as the shelf life of almond milk varies from brand to brand and depends on how well its stored. Clean Green Simple is a plant-based resource for people interested in eating mindfully, living sustainably, and enjoying lifes simple pleasures. Make sure you have spotless hands while doing this. Keep away from sources of heat. More articles by Sara. Non-shelf-stable almond milk will go bad around the time of the expiration date even if it is an unopened carton and has been in the fridge the entire time. Your two cups of almonds should have plumped into three cups or so. If you make your own almond milk from scratch, it will have a much shorter shelf life than the manufactured kindonly about three days in the refrigerator, says Ortiz. This table is a general estimate. And it's versatile, great for adding to coffee, blending into smoothies, pouring over cereal, baking with, drinking on its own or using just about any way you'd use cow's milk or alternative milks. For chilled, refrigerated bottles or cartons, almond milk should be consumed within a week and a half to ensure optimal freshness, Beitchman says. You can use almond milk to replace dairy milk in most recipes or anywhere youd use commercial soy or almond milk. To freeze or not to freeze? As mentioned earlier, this homemade almond milk will last only about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. How long does Shelf-stable almond milk last? How long does almond milk last after opening and before being opened? But just how long does almond milk last? Unopened shelf-stable almond milk is unlikely to go bad even after the best-by date so long as the package has not been damaged or heated. . Shelf Life Tips How long does unopened shelf-stable almond milk last? The liquid tends to separate after thawing and makes it less desirable.If you dont mind with the altered texture or minor change in taste, go ahead and freeze your almond milk. Extra air in the container could mean that fermentation has started, which is a good indicator the milk has a high bacteria load in it. If you got your almond milk in the refrigerator area, then you need to store it in your refrigerator at home. Below, well take a look at the difference between shelf-stable and refrigerated almond milk. Fresh, unopened cow's milk typically has a shelf life of about 5 to 7 days when stored in the refrigerator at or below 40F (4C). How long does almond milk last once opened? Unopened almond milk has a shelf life of around 7-10 days, while opened almond milk will last for around 4-7 days. After this, the quality of the almond milk will begin to degrade. In the grocery store, youll find this type of almond milk on the shelf along with dry goods. If the lumpiness goes away and it no longer looks separated, it is probably fine. So make sure to use it up before it goes bad. 2-4 weeks past use by date. But Why? However, the quality of almond milk will degrade over time, becoming thicker and more viscous. How Long Does Almond Milk Last? Check the smell, appearance, and the state of the packaging itself. If your almond milk has gone bad, there are several dairy-free alternatives, including soy milk, rice milk, oat milk, hazelnut milk and coconut milk. Of course, taking a big gulp of way-past-its-prime almond milk will likely taste rather awful, so that's another reason to store it properly and make sure it's still fresh. How Do You Tell If Almond Milk Has Gone Bad? How Long Do Hard-Boiled Eggs Last Unrefrigerated? An unopened carton of shelf-stable almond milk will last 2-4 weeks past its "best by" date. Almond milk is a great alternative to cows milk. But, if it remains unopened, it will still be okay to consume 1 to 2 weeks after that best before date. Its easy to make almond milk, plus they dont contain preservatives. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Adding a bit of your almond milk into a cup of hot coffee is a simple freshness test, as almond milk often separates on its own not a sign that it's spoiled necessarily, since you can shake it up and enjoy it once more and sour flavor notes can usually slide past a sip or two. One of the reasons almond milk is so popular is that its relatively inexpensive when compared to other non-dairy milk alternatives. You can safely keep it in a cool, dry area, away from sources of heat or sunlight. If that happens, your almond milk will spoil much sooner. If your almond milk came from the refrigerator section, it will still go bad even if its not been opened. Whiskey: Whats the Difference? tl;dr. Once opened, almond milk is generally only good for about 3 to 10 days, depending on your preferred type. How long does unopened almond milk last? If that includes you, keeping some cartons in your pantry seems reasonable to do. If youve noticed black specks in your almond milk, you should throw it away. But how quickly and under what conditions depend on the type of almond milk you're talking about. If youre confused about how you should store almond milk at home, the simple rule is to follow how it is displayed in the store. This area of your refrigerator experiences the most temperature fluctuations and exposure to outside air. As you can see in the table above, with unsweetened almond milk, you can get a high amount of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D. Without the presence of saturated fat and trans fat, as well as cholesterol, almond milk is definitely healthy. The temperature fluctuates considerably, especially if you open it a hundred times a day. Unrefrigerated almond milk is shelf-stable and doesnt need refrigeration as long as it is unopened. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. To reiterate, the keyword here is open. The takeaway? Made by blending almonds with water and then straining the mixture to remove the nut solids, almond milk contains protein, vitamin E and healthy fats, and most store-bought versions are fortified with vitamins A, D, B2 and B12, all beneficial nutrients found in cow's milk. If you're making almond milk by hand, or if you have a glut of almond milk available in your pantry, you can save extra almond milk from going bad by storing excess in an ice cube tray in the freezer. In this case, its best to assume that homemade almond milk will only last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator at most. You may not need to do this in batches if you have a large food processor. If properly stored, it will typically last one to two months unopened and up to 10 days once it's opened and refrigerated. It needs to always be refrigerated upon opening at a temperature of 40 F or lower. And when it comes to determining the freshness of almond milk, guidelines should be just that. Storage also has a lot to do with how well/long the milk will keep. Unopened almond milk that is shelf-stable can be kept unrefrigerated, on a shelf or in a cabinet thats cool and dark until the best before date stamped on the box. Scotch vs. This kind will keep for seven days in the fridge after you open it. Bourbon vs. Homemade almond milk must be stored in an airtight container so that bacteria does not set in. in their supermarket. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Soak the almonds for at least a day (24 hours) in a bowl with water that completely covers all the almonds. Please read our disclosure policy. If properly stored, it will typically last one to two months unopened and up to 10 days once it's opened and refrigerated. You might be surprised to discover theres a lot more in there than nuts and water). Once again, we need to look at the packaging that your almond milk is being contained in. Most food products will keep longer if you freeze them. To be on the safe side, however, its still a good idea to throw the milk out. Try not to keep it not too long after its expiration date for safety reasons. While thickness varies by brand, most almond milks have a consistency similar to cow's milk. If the product looks, smells and tastes normal after 7 to 10 days in the fridge, it should be fineyou just need to use your good judgement and be on the lookout for signs of spoilage, especially as a bottle gets closer to empty, says Neumann. To estimate the shelf life of your unopened Silk Almond Milk, you should check the expiration date on the package. Like other foods, almond milk also goes bad. How long can almond milk be kept refrigerated? Finding black specks in any type of milk is never a good sign, especially if its been commercially packaged. Just like with dairy, you should check the use-by dates on the cartons while at the store. For alternative milks made with preservatives and stabilizers, such as gums or ascorbic acid, the shelf life can exceed 10 days. In any case, both shelf-stable and chilled almond milk begin to degrade in quality whenever you open the box or bottle. Press any extra liquid through the strainer using the back of a spoon. Shelf Stable VS. Refrigerated Almond Milk With so many almond milk brands to choose from, it can be difficult to tell whether the one you've chosen is shelf-stable or needs to be refrigerated. The ideal storage conditions are generally similar to storing soy milk or other kinds of milk. As for almond milk that has already been opened, its lifespan is seven to ten days in the fridge, regardless of whether you bought it chilled or at room temperature. For store-bought almond milk, be sure to reference the expiration date when determining how long an unopened container will last. For example, if it was refrigerated in the store, then keep it in your fridge. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest recipes and articles delievered to your inbox! You dont need to pore over the fine print on the carton in order to determine whether or not almond milk is shelf-stable, because this type of almond milk will be sold alongside similar items (like shelf-stable chicken stock and canned soup, for example). The best way to store unopened almond milk depends on the almond milk and where it comes from. If its refrigerated, youll need to use it as soon as possible. If it still looks curdled, then its best to assume that its no longer safe to consume. You can use this almond milk to replace milk in most recipes or anywhere youd use commercial soy or almond milk. More often with homemade almond milk. How long does unopened shelf-stable almond milk last? You may soak for up to 48 hours. Once you open it, keep refrigerated. The packaging might be distorted or . And, if youre still unsure, take a small sip. If you have bought almond milk from a room temperature aisle, it will be in shelf-stable packaging and this means it will have a very long shelf life. According to the food safety experts at StillTasty, shelf-stable almond milk that has not been opened will stay fresh at room temperature for three. Like other packaged foods, your pantry is a perfect place. Although almond milk doesnt contain any dairy, the natural fats in nuts are prone to going rancid in much the same way. The taste will somehow be blander, and the nutty flavor will be slightly weaker. When unopened, refrigerated almond milk will last until the expiration date printed on the label. Almond milk will last about 7-10 days in the fridge, while unopened almond milk can last up to 2 months. How long is almond milk good for? If it gives off a foul or sour smell, it has gone bad. This makes it a great milk substitute for vegans, as well as for anybody that suffers from lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It may be that the milk just started to separate, and it will still be fine to use. As with so many food products, the best way to tell whether or not almond milk has seen better days is simply by using your sense(s). The same rule applies to homemade almond milk. Her search for better health and better control of her blood sugars led her to a plant-based diet. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. You may want to reinforce with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Once opened, it should be used within 7 days. Check the use-by date printed on the carton and be sure to use the product within a couple of weeks of that date for the freshest tasting almond milk. Very rancid almond milk can cause more severe food poisoning. RELATED: Which Milk Substitute Is Right for Your Recipe? Almond milk that has been continuously refrigerated will keep for about 7 to 10 days after opening. Almond milk can curdle, although this is most likely to happen when fresh almond milk is heated too quickly or combined with an acidic ingredient, such as lemon or vinegar. Digestive issues are usually caused by mycotoxins, which are produced by mold. Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. Any almond milk sold in the refrigerated section of the supermarket should be stored in the refrigerator when you get home. Check the texture. If its super sour, youll need to throw it away. When its at its best, almond milk should smell a little nutty and sweet. It would be best if you ended up with an almond meal. It might also be gentler on your stomach, if youre sensitive to preservatives and thickeners found in store-bought milk. If shelf-stable almond milk develops an off odor, flavor or appearance, it should be discarded. If you dont notice these signs and the milk smells fine, you are probably okay to pop it back in the fridge. But does almond milk have the same storage requirements as dairy milk? For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. How long does unopened shelf-stable almond milk last at room temperature? What if you bought your carton of almond milk from the refrigerated section? Factor in its delicious flavor and its long shelf-life, and its easy to see why it is the go-to milk substitute for many people, vegan or not. Refrigerated almond milk comes in a variety of different types of containers. If youre still unsure, the final way of checking if your almond milk has gone bad is to taste it. How Long Does Almond Milk Last After The Expiration Date? You may notice odors or clumps within 7 days, which is usually a good sign that the milk is past its prime. If you grabbed your almond milk from a refrigerator, then it will need to be refrigerated at home. Anyone who has experienced a bad nut will be able to identify this easilybut even if youve been spared that misfortune, rancid is rancid and its not hard to detect. This layered method prevents light, oxygen, and bacteria from contaminating the milk on the inside. If you realize too late that your almond milk has gone bad, the most important thing you can do is stay hydrated. These specialty containers are made of paperboard on the outside and aluminum foil on the inside. Unrefrigerated almond milk is the most stable product, and you can expect it to last for a couple of weeks after the best by date. According to the food safety experts at StillTasty, shelf-stable almond milk that has not been opened will stay fresh at room temperature for three to four weeks past the date on the package. Is It Safe to Eat Strawberries If Some Have Mold on Them? This handy table is a great reference for determining how long your almond milk is likely to last. How long is almond milk good for? Almond milk lasts according to the type being stored. Use the leftover almond pulp to make almond meal. You may also use it to add to your oatmeal. How long does almond milk last unopened? I think the closer to the whole, natural food you can get the better, so making your own with water and almonds would be the cleanest version, says Zeitlin. ByHaley SchroederUpdated onJanuary 24, 2023BB FAQ Almond milk has become a staple in our homes. If you are lucky enough to have a local purveyor making fresh almond milk, store it in the refrigerator. It also needs to be always tightly lidded after opening. Bacterial colonies in the packaging cause the bloating by releasing gas that cant escape the carton. Its worth noting that some almond milk is fermented on purpose to make kefir. Go through this article to find useful knowledge on almond milks shelf life, storage methods, and common signs of almond milk going bad. How can you tell if opened almond milk is bad or spoiled? The same goes for molds on the mouth of the carton. Shelf Stable VS. Refrigerated Almond Milk. Then, blend thoroughly until the almonds become fine. Almond milk that is in shelf-stable packaging will be safe to drink far past the expiration date if it hasnt been opened. Turn almond milk pulp into versatile homemade almond flour for baking. Discard immediately. MyRecipes may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Again, if you notice this, you should discard the entire container of milk. Your almond milks shelf life will depend on the type you have. To make about 3 cups of almond milk, youll need to start with about2 cups of raw almonds. This means in a refrigerator that's set at 40 degrees or below. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Your favorite nondairy milk won't last forever but with proper storage you can maximize its shelf life, keeping it fresh for drinking, baking and smoothie-making. To maximize the shelf of unopened almond milk, do not store it on the fridge door, as the temperature is too warm - the unopened almond milk will last longer when stored in the main body of the refrigerator, in its original package. Presently, almond milk has gained a lot of popularity as plant-based milk that is easy to obtain everywhere. This content is imported from poll. Rice milk offers a fairly neutral flavor profile, which many find appealing, while coconut milk tends to taste distinctly of coconut. Those optimal conditions include consistent refrigeration and keeping the lid on tightand under those, the refrigerated shelf life of an alternative milk after opening can be considerably longer than 7-10 days, Neumann says. If you want to drink the almond milk straight, you may want to add a bit of vanilla or a date while blending to provide a little extra sweetness and flavor. Storage times shown are for best quality only - after that, the unopened shelf-stable almond milk's color or taste may change, but in most cases, it will still be safe to consume if it has been stored properly, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage (see below). This is another indicator that its started to go bad. The best way is to smell and look at the almond milk: if the almond milk develops an off odor, flavor or appearance it should be discarded. Getty Images / cgdeaw / Javier Zayas Photography / t_kimura. We already answered the question, How long does almond milk last after opening or before opening?. It is readily available in supermarkets, or you can make it at home. If you got it on a. After making homemade almond milk, gather the strained pulp and spread it evenly over a parchment-lined baking sheet. It is relatively easy to get almond milk in your local stores. Normal almond milk, on the other hand, has a scientific shelf life of about 5 to 7 days at room temperature. The shelf-life of your almond milk will ultimately depend on two things; the type of almond milk youve purchased and how youre storing it. There is no doubt that shelf-stable almond milk can stay fresh for quite a while, but the shelf life depends on various factors such as storage, ingredients, and the packaging. While more likely with rancid dairy milk, severe food poisoning can result from drinking bad almond milk. Expect a lifespan of five to seven days. About Our Authors Oxygen hastens the degradation process, which means the almond milk will spoil more quickly. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The short answer: yes, almond milk can go bad. Does Almond Milk Have To Be Refrigerated? The latter allows bacteria from your mouth to transfer into the packaging. When you make homemade almond milk, you must rinse the almonds very well. To extend the shelf life of unopened shelf-stable almond milk, keep unopened shelf-stable almond milk away from direct sources of heat or light. Some preservatives and additives may upset your stomach, causing you to feel bloated and constipated (or the opposite effect), even though theyve been approved by the FDA for being generally recognized as safe (or GRAS) for consumption, says Brigitte Zeitlin, registered dietitian and owner of BZ Nutrition. 55+ Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights. For one, homemade plant milks typically arent subjected to high heat, which means any bacteria on the almonds is present in the final product. If it still smells good and the packaging hasnt started to bloat, give the container a good shake. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Even if youve got shelf-stable almond milk, its essential that you refrigerate it as soon as its open. No forks or spoons required, justeasy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time. The color will change when you thaw out almond milk. We know alternative milks can last this long even if they are not maintained under the most ideal conditions, says Paul Neumann, vice president of research and development for Califia Farms almond milk. The way youve stored your almond milk will also dictate how long past its expiration date you can expect it to last. Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. But the milk will start to taste stale once it has sat for too long. Once exclusive to health food stores and organic farm shops, almond milk is now pretty easy to find in almost every grocery store and supermarket in the country. Homemade almond milk and milk thats chilled at the grocery store must be refrigerated from the moment you get it home until its all used up, whether the container has been opened or not. Store-bought refrigerated almond milk tends to be ultra-pasteurized, which is a heating and cooling process that kills bacteria and extends shelf life. It means, for refrigerated almond milk, you should always keep it chilledbefore and after opening. Yes. Some brands of store-bought almond milk are shelf-stable until opened. But if were being real, most of us are too busy to bother with that, and that is A-OK.. July 25, 2022 by Alamin. The below table shows how long almond milk lasts: Before opening store-bought, commercially-produced almond milk, you should store it at the same temperature where it sat in the supermarket. Freezing Strawberries Is Actually So Easy, Power Out? This kind of almond milk is not shelf-stable. If the liquid has been left out long enough to warm up to room temperature, then you might have a problem. Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged shelf-stable almond milk will typically carry a "Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the unopened shelf-stable almond milk will remain at peak quality. Almond milk is usually white, smooth, and creamy with a nutty smell. To extend the shelf life of your plant-based milk, be sure to store it in a cool, dark place. If your almond milk takes on a thicker consistency, develops a sour flavor or just smells a bit off then your best bet is to discard and start anew. If the milk has a thicker consistency and has lumps, it has spoiled. 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