Mold produces mycotoxins, which can cause acute food poisoning if ingested. Once opened, shelf-stable almond milk must be refrigerated and is good for about 7 to 10 days. HOW LONG DOES ALMOND MILK LAST ONCE OPENED But, the good news is you can keep your homemade almond milk for more extended periods if you freeze it properly. Commercially made almond milk is usually ultra-pasteurized. It is also the choice of many vegans, but more and more people are starting to use it as a substitute for dairy milk. Check the expiration date of your almond milk to know the shelf life of your almond milk. Our content does not constitute a medical consultation. Does coconut milk go bad? Yes, once opened, all almond milk must be refrigerated. Last medically reviewed on February 14, 2022. Before purchase, check the package for signs of a broken seal. Heres Why), Why is Almond Milk More Expensive? Dehydrated How long does Almond Flour last? Here's a rundown of the best benefits, how to add it to your diet, and, Potassium is an essential nutrient that serves your body in lots of vital ways. The carton should contain instructions, such as refrigerate after opening, and will often say something like enjoy within 7 to 10 days. Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here. It is packaged in sterile containers under aseptic conditions, then hermetically sealed to keep out bacteria or other microorganisms. It typically keeps for one to two months if stored properly, and after being opened and refrigerated, it can keep for up to 10 days. I hope this article helps you navigate the dilemma around storage of your favorite almond milk. Does Beer Expire? However, since pasteurized/refrigerated almond milk appears to contain a lot of fat, I personally choose shelf-stable almond milk over refrigerated. Almond milk that is shelf-stable, which typically comes in unrefrigerated rectangular boxes, can be stored in your pantry or any other cool, dark location away from heat and light. Some people prefer to refrigerate their Silk almond milk before opening it, while others find that it tastes just as good at room temperature. Check the texture of the beverage, too. But these potato salad recipes are way healthier. Watch on Can you drink unopened expired almond milk? Your email address will not be published. Once opened, however, that same almond milk will only last about seven to ten days, according to the folks at the New Barn, and it should be . We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Bacteria and other microorganisms will happily infiltrate your milk starting the process of fermentation. We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! Since my wife is lactose intolerant, I also happen to be a frequent user of almond milk by extension. During this time, it must be kept refrigerated. And if the temperature is above 90-degree Fahrenheit, you should not leave your almond milk out for more than an hour. Heres what happens when opened and unopened milk is left out of the fridge overnight and for more than four hours. Almond milk loses its nutritional value and consistency when frozen, making it unfit for consumption. Preserve the store-bought unopened refrigerated almond milk 5 or 7 days after the use-by date. MyRecipes.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. Except for unopened, shelf-stable versions, leaving almond milk out on the counter, in the pantry, or anywhere else thats not your fridge will put it on the fast track to spoilage. This is because the temperature at refrigerator doors tends to fluctuate and could lower the lifespan of your almond milk. The World Health Organization advises consumers to store foods properly and not keep foods for extended periods of time to avoid mycotoxin exposure. The best way to know how long you can keep your almond milk before throwing it away is to check the manufacturers directions. Baileys 2023 Greatist, a Healthline Media Company. You can tell almond is bad from the color (almond milk may appear yellow), an awful smell, and the thickness of the mixture. Powdered Eggs Depending on the quantity of thickeners added, some brands of almond milk are a little thicker than others. Enjoy your almond milk with a nice snack! Does oat milk need to be refrigerated? Take a small sip if everything appears to be going well so far. Refrigerated store-bought almond milk is the type of almond milk you buy at the grocery store or online created by almond milk manufacturers. So, you should not consume almond milk left out for more than two hours unless it is in an unopened, shelf-stable package. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Homemade almond milk only lasts three to five days at most. Yes, once opened, all almond milk must be refrigerated. The World Health Organization advises consumers to store foods properly and not keep foods for extended periods of time to avoid mycotoxin exposure. See the use-by date of store-bought almond milk. Can It Go Bad? This type of almond milk should be stored in the fridge at all times and tightly sealed after each use to keep it from spoiling too soon. You cant store unpasteurized almond milk at room temperature for more than two hours. Shelf stable almond milk doesnt need refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature for many months when unopened. Anything else renders your almond milk unsuitable for consumption. After this, the quality of your almond milk will start to deteriorate. Yes, almond milk is fine if it isnt refrigerated, but it depends on whether it was just prepared or if it was unrefrigerated within two hours. Almond milk is a plant-based dairy alternative that has been gaining popularity in recent years. How Long Does Condensed Milk Last? If you dont plan on drinking the entire container, transfer some of it into a sealable jar or container and place it in the fridge. It will no longer be silky smooth as it should be. Once you open the carton, be sure to consume Silk almond milk within seven days. The main reason for this is that after freezing and thawing, the texture of the almond milk will change. In my experience, I have noticed that shelf-stable almond milk tends to contain fewer ingredients. Does soy milk go bad? In some cases, it's because it has added preservatives. On our blog, youll find healthy recipes that make use of leftovers and can be easily prepped ahead of time. If it has already passed, you can use it for 5-7 days. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'juicerhack_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_4',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-juicerhack_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');Pathogens bacteria can cause several food-borne illnesses and spoilage bacteria can degrade the color, texture, quality, and nutrients of almond milk. Look out for lumps in the milk. The shelf life of almond milk depends on the type of almond milk and how well it is stored. Updated on August 31, 2022 Photo: Getty Images / Design: Mehroz Kapadia If you always added fresh, cold milk to your favorite childhood cereal growing up, the idea of boxed milk might seem questionable. Most of the manufactured almond milk is pasteurized and also used preservatives for getting longevity at room temperature. 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. Yes, even though it can last longer than dairy milk, almond milk does expire and eventually does go bad. The same holds true for any almond milk you purchase that has already been chilled. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'agrofoodious_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_17',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-agrofoodious_com-medrectangle-4-0');I have also done thorough research on the essentials of its shelf life, storage, and spoilage and I thought it would be good to share the information with other almond milk lovers. If almond milk is properly fermented, it can be made into kefir which is a delicious, healthy, and safe fermented almond milk. Food poisoning may occur if consumed after this time. For folks who don't or can't drink milk, oat milk makes for a great alternative. Both homemade and packaged almond milk that has been opened need to be refrigerated. Homemade almond milk is almond milk you make yourself at home. Does Wine Go Bad? Because homemade almond milk has no preservatives, it should be consumed within 3 to 4 days of purchase. Additionally, safe food storage can aid in preventing harmful bacteria-caused foodborne illnesses. ): Once opened, almond milk is generally only good for about 3 to 10 days, depending on your preferred type. Refrigeration slows the growth of bacteria and mold that can cause almond milk to go bad. When unopened, refrigerated almond milk will last until the expiration date printed on the label. This packaging is made from specially designed Tetra Pak or aseptic materials that extend the food shelf life, even when kept at room temperature. Once you open the carton, be sure to consume it within seven days. Keep Food Hot On the other hand, unpasteurized almond milk should be refrigerated all the time. When does shelf-stable almond milk go bad? Almond milk is a staple of several vegan diets. As a result, freezing is the best way to preserve and keep homemade almond milk fresh. Simply throw away almond milk that has been opened for more than two weeks. Some people make it with apre-made almond milk baselike JOI, while others blend raw almonds, then blend them together with water. See a certified medical professional for diagnosis. Simply pour the milk into an ice cube tray and freeze for several hours. Mycotoxins, which are produced by mold, have the potential to make you very ill from eating. When the almond milk packaging is lined with aluminum foil, it eliminates the need for refrigeration or additional preservatives. Don't simply toss the milk after those dates, however . If you decide to refrigerate your Silk almond milk before opening it, simply store it in the fridge until youre ready to drink it. Even at that, the dates listed above are the best you can expect if you have stored the milk under the best available conditions. The shelf life of almond milk depends on the type of almond milk it is. Almond milk can be refrigerated based on how it was prepared and packaged. The best way to freeze almond milk is to first freeze it in an ice-cube tray and then transfer the cubes into a freezer bag or airtight containers for use as you need them. Also Read: Does Baileys Need to Be Refrigerated? Store-bought almond milk is mostly water, and its consistency is quite similar to milks. Milk Pick helps people find alternative milk options that are dairy free and delicious! However, you can rest assured that it wont affect the nutritional value of your almond milk. How Does IQF (Individual Quick Freezing) Work in Food? While I know that dairy products have a limited shelf-life, I've deluded myself into thinking that nondairy milks, like almond milk, can last in my fridge an exponentially longer amount of time. (Costs Explained), 5 Best Almond Milks for Frothing (Tested), 7 to 10 days for refrigerated store-bought and opened shelf-stable products, Up to the manufacturers expiration date (several months to a year) for unopened shelf-stable almond milk, Keeping homemade almond milk in a clean, glass container with an air-tight seal, Inspecting the almond milk carton to ensure it doesnt have damage like punctures or tears, Storing the carton in the back of the fridge instead of on the door where the temperature fluctuates, Never drinking directly from the carton, as this introduces additional bacteria into the product, Thick, chunky, or clumpy almond milk (sometimes almond milk may separate and just needs to be shaken, so look for other signs to confirm its bad), A sour or otherwise unappealing smell (fresh almond milk should smell slightly sweet and nutty), An off taste (you can take a small sip to check for sourness or unpleasant taste). Refrigerated cartons usually need to be consumed within seven days of opening. (Safety & Storage Tips), Dipping Bread In Wine: All You Should Know, The Best Dry White Wines For Bolognese (2022), 8 Must Try Cocchi Americano Substitutes (2022), 37 Split Pea Soup Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings, 30 Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipes For 2022, Whats In Mai Tai? But, Can you use expired almond milk? Yes, you can use expired almond milk to make pancakes, baked muffins, and other baking things. Her writing focuses on mental health, self-improvement, and healthy living. The first sign that your almond milk may have gone off doesnt even require you to open the carton to notice. These are the nutritional elements per 100m of Almond milk you drink. Even when properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade almond milk or almond milk obtained locally and fresh doesnt have any additives to extend its shelf life; instead, it only lasts for about five days. Yes, almond milk goes bad if you dont store it properly. But once you open it, youll need to refrigerate it ASAP. Evaporated Milk Copyright 2023 StillTasty LLC. Freezing almond milk is most often used before it is used in cooking or baking. How to know if your almond milk is bad? Read Also: Exactly How Long Does Almond Milk Last? Once the milk is frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. You should only focus on buying shelf-stable. Do you know does almond milk need to be refrigerated? Can it go bad? But, you have to notice some obvious signs to tell whether your almond milk is gone bad or not. It's uber important you get enough potassium from your diet. Once they are fully frozen, transfer the cubes to a resealable freezer bag to easily access serving-size portions. It has a longer shelf life than regular dairy so we still see people with almond milk thats way out of date, wondering if its usable. Homemade almond milk will last three days under optimal conditions. At these temperatures, two types of bacteria namely pathogens bacteria and spoilage bacteria may grow fast and may spoil your almond milk soon. As an expert chef, I had to deal with almond milk often and try to get why leaving almond milk out overnight goes bad soon. If youve ever bought a carton of Silk almond milk, you may have wondered if it needs to be refrigerated before opening. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a92430bc83d285f4265a7a28d207ad38" );document.getElementById("ae1b4971eb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. How long can almond milk sit out unrefrigerated? When choosing almond milk, you generally have 3 basic options: Understanding the basic differences between these types can help you know whether to refrigerate your product and how long its good for. 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