Trying to figure out when to dump out your almond milk? Depending on whether you choose homemade, commercial, or shelf-stable, your almond milk’s shelf life varies.
Almond milk usually lasts longer than its dairy milk cousin. But much like the OG cow’s milk,almond milkhas a temporary shelf-life and eventually goes bad.
Depending on what type you use (homemade, commercial, or shelf-stable), your almond milk will start to go bad within a matter of days. However, proper storage and handling can keep your almond milk good ’til the last drop.
When does almond milk go bad?
Almond milk generally starts to go bad within 3 to 10 days of opening the carton.Homemade almond milkhas a shorter shelf-life (3 to 7 days) than store-bought varieties, which usually keep for 7 to 10 days after being opened.
When does refrigerated almond milk go bad?
Almond milkfound in the refrigerated section of your grocery store has been ultra-pasteurized, which gives it a little longevity. During the pasteurization process, the milk is quickly heated to 280°F (138°C) to kill any existing bacteria and germs in the ingredients, and then quickly cooled down.
This type ofalmondmilk should be stored in the fridge at all times and tightly sealed after each use to keep it from spoiling too soon.
Once you open the carton, you generally have about 7 days to drink up before the milk goes bad. This is because opening the container allows oxygen to get in, which then lets bacteria breed.
When does homemade almond milk go bad?
Homemade varietiesare usually good for anywhere between 3 to 7 days after they’re made. And you’ll def be able to tell when things are getting a bit funky. Your milk will start to become clumpy and begin to stink — clear signs that it’s time to toss it.
So, why doesDIY almond milkgo bad faster than its store-bought brethren? Unlike refrigerated or shelf-stable versions,homemade almond milkdoesn’t go through the pasteurization process, so any bacteria found in any of your ingredients aren’t killed. It also isn’t immediately sealed in a sterilized container, so oxygen gets in right away to create the perfect playground for more bacteria.
You may also notice ingredient separation is more noticeable in homemade almond milk. If it’s still fresh, giving your carton or bottle a quick shake will usually mix your milk right up!
Does almond milk go bad if not refrigerated?
Yes! Except for unopened, shelf-stable versions, leaving almond milk outon the counter, in the pantry, or anywhere else that’s not your fridge will put it on the fast track to spoilage.
This is because almond milk that’s left unrefrigerated for too long will start to attract bacteria, which makes it go bad — and can increase your chance ofgetting sick.
So, how long is “too long”? According to the USDA, you should never leave food requiring refrigeration out in room temp conditions for more than2 hours.
When does shelf-stable almond milk go bad?
You may be wondering, “But what about the almond milk that you buy from thepantrysection? That’s not refrigerated!”
This is known asshelf-stable almond milk. The main difference is it’s been ultra-pasteurized and then sealed in special packaging that keeps it from spoiling when stored at room temperature. Shelf-stable cartons ensure the milk stays sterile and that no bacteria can get in.
Shelf-stable almond milk is usually still safe to drink for 4 to 6 weeks after the “sell by” or “best buy” date listed on the carton — IF it hasn’t been opened. But once you open it, you’ll need to refrigerate it ASAP. It’ll then keep for about 7 to 10 days.
Again, you should always monitor the milk to make sure it’s not showing signs of going bad, and check any labels on the cartons for more specifics on how long it should last.
How to tell if almond milk has gone bad?
Even if it’s only been a few days (and not the suggested amount of time for freshness), if you start to notice the following signs, it’s likely time to toss that almond milk:
How to store almond milk to keep it fresh
A general rule of thumb when storing almond milk: Store it like the store does.
Commercially bought (aka from your store’s fridge section) and homemade almond milk should beput in the fridgefrom the get-go. Shelf-stable cartons can be keptin the pantryora cupboarduntil they’re ready for use. Once opened, however, these also need to be refrigerated.
Not storing almond milk properly can shorten shelf-life, so it’s important to keep conditions consistent.
Try these simple storagehacksto keep your almond milk as fresh as possible (and retain all of its nutrients!):
Once opened, almond milk is generally only good for about 3 to 10 days, depending on your preferred type. Homemade almond milk goes bad the fastest, and should be drunk within a few days.
Almond milk that’s gone bad will usually start to look lumpy, clumpy, or generally inconsistent. It’ll also start to smell funny, and the taste will be off. For shelf-stable products, a bloated carton can signal contaminated milk before it’s even opened.
It’s important to store your almond milk properly. All opened cartons should be kept in the back of the fridge (where it’s nice and cold) with the cap closed tightly.
