How Long Does Almond Milk Last? Can It Go Bad?

Does almond milk go bad? Does it last longer than regular milk? Can you drink it past the date? As almond milk is a “newish” trend, these answers aren’t common knowledge – yet.

This article will provide all the information you might need to enjoy and safely store this excellent milk alternative.

Does Almond Milk Go Bad?

Yes, almond milk does go bad. Almond milk’s expiration date is usually longer than dairy milk but will eventually go bad just like the original. Make sure to monitor the expiration date and store your goods appropriately, which will vary depending on the production method.

How long does Shelf-stable almond milk last?

Starting with the type of almond milk that lasts the longest, shelf-stable almond milk can last a surprisingly long time if stored correctly.

Shelf-stable almond milk can last up to 10 months unopened on a shelf, but once opened, it needs to be used within 7-10 days.

Though this variety of milk will come with a printed sell-by date, there is no reason to throw out a carton that has passed this date. We have found that the printed date is a conservative estimate of how long it will last. In truth, in most cases, we have found that this form of almond milk can last for up to three weeks beyond this date.

Naturally, there are exceptions to this rule. If you are concerned, please consult our section below on how to spot the signs that your almond milk has gone off.

How long does Refrigerated almond milk last?

With refrigerated almond milk, the printed date on the package is much closer to being accurate.

Generally, as soon as this date has elapsed, we begin to approach the milk with much more caution than we would with the shelf-stable type.

We could only recommend using an unopened carton of almond milk for a few days after the printed date.

Once opened, the whole carton should be used within seven days.

How long does Homemade almond milk last?

As homemade almond milk will most likely not be pasteurized, this form of almond milk should be used as quickly as possible after it has been made.

Always store it in the fridge and use it within 3-5 days.

How Do I Store Almond Milk?

Almond milk is an excellent alternative to dairy milk. It can be made at home or purchased from the store in a refrigerated or shelf-stable container.

There are many benefits of almond milk – it is lactose and gluten-free, it has less sugar than dairy milk, and it has more calcium than dairy milk.

The first thing to do is to refrigerate the milk after it’s been opened. If you don’t plan on drinking the entire container, transfer some of it into a sealable jar or container and place it in the fridge.

If you want to store your homemade almond milk for later use, ensure you sterilize the jars before storing them in the fridge. You can also store your almond milk in a refrigerator-safe container.

Shelf-stable almond milk doesn’t need refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature for many months when unopened. You should only focus on buying shelf-stable

Should You Refrigerate Almond Milk?

There are two different types of almond milk; those that need to be refrigerated and those that don’t.

If you are in doubt, or if the packaging doesn’t explicitly state, the best thing to do is to play it safe and put it in the fridge.

Whereas storing shelf-stable almond milk in the fridge won’t harm it, the inverse can be catastrophic. It is best not to risk it and to clear some space in the back of the fridge.

Home-made almond milk will not be shelf-stable, so it should be stored in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Almond Milk?

Yes, you can freeze almond milk, but it’s not as simple as you might think. While it is entirely safe to freeze almond milk, after defrosting it, the challenge is that it separates. This can alter its flavor and make it quite unpalatable, so always stir before serving afterward! The main reason for this is that after freezing and thawing, the texture of the almond milk will change. It will no longer be silky smooth as it should be.

Thawed almond milk can’t replace fresh; however, it’s still a great substitute in recipes and baked goods. You can’t use it in things like cereal or coffee, as this will affect the taste.

The best way to freeze almond milk is first to 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.

Signs That Your Almond Milk May Have Gone bad

The first sign that your almond milk may have gone off doesn’t require you to open the carton to notice. If the carton has become oddly bloated or misshapen, some form of chemical reaction has occurred, indicating spoilage.

Should everything be ok, the next step is to pour a little bit of the milk into a glass and have a smell.

If the smell isn’t sweet and nutty anymore, or the liquid isn’t as smooth as it should be, it is best to discard the milk immediately and replace it.

Naturally, if the milk has gone a long way beyond the sell-by date, the safest thing to do is to discard it.