Can you drink almond milk more than 10 days after opening?
Introduction
Almond milk has become a popular plant-based milk alternative for many people. It is made from ground almonds and water, giving it a creamy, nutty flavor. Some of the main reasons people choose almond milk include avoiding dairy, getting more nutrients like vitamin E and calcium, and having a milk substitute if lactose intolerant. When you open a carton of almond milk, how long does it last before going bad? Here is a detailed look at the shelf life of opened almond milk and signs that it has spoiled.
How Long Does Opened Almond Milk Last?
The shelf life of opened almond milk depends primarily on the type of almond milk and how it has been stored. Here are some general guidelines on how long almond milk lasts once opened:
| Type of Almond Milk | Refrigerator Shelf Life After Opening |
|---|---|
| Plain almond milk | 7-10 days |
| Flavored almond milk | 7-10 days |
| Almond milk creamer | 7-10 days |
| Open carton of almond milk | 7-10 days |
| Lactose-free almond milk | 7-10 days |
As you can see, the shelf life after opening is roughly the same regardless of the type of almond milk. The key things that determine how long opened almond milk will stay fresh are:
– Storage temperature – Keeping almond milk refrigerated at 40°F or below is ideal. The warmer the temperature, the faster it will spoil.
– How often it’s opened – Each time you open the carton, more air gets in, speeding up spoilage. Limiting how much you open it helps almond milk stay fresher for longer.
– Expiration date – Check the “best by” or “use by” date when you first open it. This is the manufacturer’s guarantee of peak freshness.
– How much air is in the carton – The more air space inside a partially used carton, the faster almond milk can oxidize and spoil from oxygen exposure. Storing opened cartons with minimal headspace helps.
Follow proper refrigerated storage and almond milk should last 7-10 days past the date opened before going bad. Some even report it staying fresh for up to 2 weeks. To maximize the shelf life, pour unused milk into an airtight container rather than keeping it in the original packaging.
How to Tell If Opened Almond Milk Has Gone Bad
Almond milk, like other dairy milk substitutes, does not curdle or form obvious clumps when it spoils. So here are some signs to check if your opened almond milk has gone bad:
Smell
Fresh almond milk has a pleasant, nutty smell. If it gives off a sour odor similar to spoiled dairy milk or smells rancid, it has gone bad.
Taste
Spoiled almond milk will taste sour or bitter compared to when freshly opened. It may leave an unpleasant aftertaste.
Color
The color of unspoiled almond milk is creamy white. If it darkens or develops a yellow tint, that indicates it’s gone bad.
Texture
Almond milk can get sludgy, thicker, and leave residue on the side of a glass when it has spoiled. Bad almond milk may also separate so the liquid looks curdled.
Mold
Check almond milk cartons carefully for any fuzz, spots, or colonies of mold. This is a clear sign it has spoiled and should be discarded.
Days Since Opening
If it has been over 10 days since you first opened the almond milk, err on the side of caution and throw it out after this timeframe, even if other signs do not point to spoilage yet. The longer almond milk sits opened, the higher the risk of contamination.
Can You Drink Almond Milk Past the Expiration or Best By Date?
The expiration date printed on almond milk cartons refers to unopened almond milk. Once opened, the clock starts ticking based on the guidelines above.
But what about drinking almond milk past the printed expiration date if it has never been opened?
With unopened, commercially packaged almond milk, you can safely drink it for:
– **5-7 days past its expiration date** if it has been refrigerated continuously at 40°F or below.
– **2-3 weeks past its best by date** if refrigerated. Almond milk typically has a best by date set several weeks past the expiration date.
As long as the unopened carton is not damaged, swollen, or leaking, and there are no signs of spoilage like odor or mold when you open it, unopened almond milk lasts 1-3 weeks beyond the sell by or best by date.
How to Store Almond Milk to Maximize Freshness
To get the most shelf life out of your almond milk once purchased:
– **Check dates** – Check the sell by and use by dates when shopping. Purchase the cartons with the furthest out expiration dates.
– **Refrigerate immediately** – Get almond milk straight into the fridge when you get home from the store. Don’t leave it out on the counter.
– **Use within 7-10 days of opening** – This ensures you drink almond milk when it’s freshest and don’t exceed the fridge life of opened cartons.
– **Transfer to airtight container** – To extend the shelf life by a few extra days, pour leftover milk into an airtight container rather than leaving it in the carton.
– **Keep coldest section of fridge** – Store opened almond milk in the back, where the temperature is coldest. Don’t keep it in the door.
– **Check for signs of spoilage** before each use. Give it a smell, glance at the color, and inspect closely for any mold.
– **Don’t freeze** – Freezing can cause separated liquid and changes in texture. Almond milk is best kept refrigerated.
By following these storage tips, you can enjoy almond milk up to 10 days after opening the carton if properly refrigerated and checking for signs of spoilage. Discard any that smells or tastes off. With an unopened carton, almond milk stays good 1-3 weeks past the printed sell by or expiration date. Be sure to refrigerate almond milk after opening to extend the shelf life as long as possible.
Nutritional Content of Almond Milk
Here is how a 1 cup serving of plain, unsweetened almond milk compares nutritionally to cow’s milk:
| Nutrient | Almond Milk | Cow’s Milk (1%) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 35 | 102 |
| Fat | 2.5g | 2.5g |
| Protein | 1g | 8g |
| Calcium | 464mg | 305mg |
| Vitamin D | 101 IU | 124 IU |
| Vitamin E | 4.85mg | 0.07mg |
The nutritional values can vary slightly based on brand, but almond milk contains less calories, protein and carbohydrates than cow’s milk. It has an edge in vitamins like E and is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D to match dairy milk. It contains no lactose or cholesterol.
Both cow’s milk and almond milk supply important nutrients. Almond milk is lower in calories than 2% or whole milk varieties. Those sensitive to lactose can more easily digest plant-based milks like almond milk. When possible, choose unsweetened or original versions to limit added sugars.
Uses for Almond Milk
Almond milk is a versatile substitute for cow’s milk that can be used for:
– Pouring over cereal or oatmeal
– Adding to coffee, tea, hot chocolate
– Making smoothies
– Using in baked goods like cakes, muffins, or cookies
– Mixing into pancake or waffle batter
– Adding to cream-based soups
– Using in place of milk for macaroni and cheese
– Serving as a beverage on its own
– Making dairy-free puddings, custards, ice cream
The uses are very similar to regular dairy milk. However, almond milk may not work as well for cooking or baking compared to cow’s milk. The lack of protein and fat can change the texture and how recipes turn out.
Many recipes can be directly substituted, but may need slight adjustments like adding a bit of extra flour or cornstarch to account for the thinner consistency. When boiling or simmering almond milk, it can separate. Overall, it works well in place of milk for many applications, just with minor modifications needed in some cases.
Almond Milk vs. Other Nut Milks
In addition to almond milk, milk alternatives are made from a variety of nuts and seeds. Here’s how some of the most popular types compare:
| Nut Milk | Taste | Texture | Nutrition Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almond milk | Mild and nutty flavor | Thin, watery | Highest in vitamin E |
| Cashew milk | Creamy, subtle nuttiness | Smooth, thick | Good source of healthy fats |
| Coconut milk | Strong coconut flavor | Very thick and creamy | High in saturated fat |
| Oat milk | Mild and grainy | Thick, creamy | Contains fiber |
| Soy milk | Strong bean-like taste | Thin, watery | High in protein |
Almond milk is lower in calories than coconut milk and doesn’t have the strong flavor of soy milk. It has a thinner consistency than cashew or oat milk. Choose unsweetened varieties to limit added sugar. Nutritionally, almond milk delivers the most vitamin E compared to other nut milks.
The best plant-based milk comes down to your nutritional needs and personal taste preferences. Those sensitive to nuts should avoid almond and cashew milk. Almond milk makes a great dairy-free addition to smoothies, cereal, coffee, and more.
Conclusion
Almond milk can stay fresh for 7-10 days when refrigerated after opening. Look for changes in smell, texture, and appearance to determine if opened almond milk has spoiled. With an unopened carton, almond milk stays good for 1-3 weeks past the printed sell by date if refrigerated. Limiting light and air exposure, storing in the coldest part of the fridge, and transferring to an airtight container can help maximize the shelf life after opening almond milk. While not an exact substitute for cow’s milk, almond milk is lower in calories and higher in certain nutrients like vitamin E. Substitute it 1:1 for cow’s milk in baking, cooking, smoothies, cereal, and more for a tasty, plant-based alternative without lactose.