How can you tell when almond milk goes bad?

Almond milk has become a popular plant-based milk alternative. With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, many people have made the switch from dairy to almond milk. But there is still some confusion around how to tell when almond milk has gone bad. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to determine if your almond milk is still safe to consume.

What is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and then straining out the solids. The resulting milk alternative has a light consistency and mild flavor that works well in both savory and sweet applications.

There are a few different varieties of almond milk available. Plain almond milk contains just almonds and water, while flavored versions can have added sugar, salt, vanilla, chocolate and more. You can also find almond milks fortified with vitamins and minerals to better match the nutritional profile of dairy milk. Both refrigerated and shelf-stable versions are commonly sold.

How to Tell When Almond Milk Goes Bad

Almond milk, like other nut milks, does not contain any lactose or dairy components. This means it generally has a longer shelf life than regular milk before spoiling. However, almond milk should still be consumed by the expiration date and can develop signs of spoilage.

Here are some tips for identifying when your almond milk has gone bad:

Check the Expiration Date

The most straightforward way to tell if almond milk is spoiled is by checking the expiration date printed on the carton. This date will vary depending on whether you purchased shelf-stable or refrigerated almond milk:

– Refrigerated almond milk will typically stay fresh for 7-10 days after opening.
– Shelf-stable, unopened almond milk can last 10-12 months in the pantry.
– Opened, shelf-stable almond milk will stay good for 7-10 days in the fridge.

So if the expiration date has passed, it’s best to throw out and purchase a new carton of almond milk.

Look For Changes in Color or Consistency

Fresh almond milk should have a uniform creamy white color. If you notice your almond milk has developed any gray, yellow or pink hues, this is a sign it has likely spoiled. Separation between the solids and liquids, chunky texture or overly thin and watery consistency are also red flags.

Give it a Sniff

Unspoiled almond milk has a mild, nutty aroma. Soured almond milk will have a distinct sour smell, similar to spoiled dairy milk. You may also detect bitter, unpleasant or moldy odors if the almond milk has gone bad.

Check for Mold

Before consuming your almond milk, examine the packaging closely. If you see any fuzzy mold spots or growth inside the bottle or carton, do not drink it. This is a tell-tale sign your almond milk has spoiled. Discard the entire container, even if the mold appears isolated.

Taste Test

If your almond milk passes the sniff test, go ahead and take a small sip. Fresh almond milk should taste mildly nutty and creamy. Spoiled almond milk will immediately taste sour, bitter or rancid. It may also leave a gritty or metallic aftertaste. If anything tastes “off”, err on the side of caution and throw it out.

How to Store Almond Milk Correctly

Proper storage methods can help extend the shelf life of almond milk and keep it fresher for longer. Here are some tips for storing almond milk:

– Keep unopened almond milk in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and sunlight. Avoid storing it above the stove, near the oven or next to a window if possible.

– Once opened, transfer almond milk to the refrigerator. Keep it towards the back, far from the door where temperatures fluctuate.

– Do not store almond milk on the refrigerator door where it can get warm from opening and closing.

– Make sure to screw the cap on tightly after each use.

– Keep different varieties of plant-based milk separate to avoid cross-contamination of flavors.

– Check expiration dates and use the oldest bottles first when possible.

– After opening, try to use almond milk within 7-10 days for best quality.

– Do not freeze almond milk, as this can cause separation and textural changes.

How Long Does Almond Milk Last After Opening?

The shelf life of opened almond milk depends on whether you purchased refrigerated or shelf-stable:

Refrigerated Almond Milk

– Unopened: 7-10 days
– Opened: 7-10 days

Refrigerated almond milk, whether opened or unopened, will generally last about 7-10 days past the printed sell-by or use-by date on the package.

Be sure to follow the “best by” date specified by the manufacturer. If it’s past the date, throw the almond milk away, even if unopened.

Shelf-Stable Almond Milk

– Unopened: 10-12 months
– Opened: 7-10 days

An unopened, sealed container of shelf-stable almond milk can typically last 10-12 months in the pantry before going bad. However, once opened it should be used within 7-10 days.

Make sure to refrigerate shelf-stable almond milk after opening. Don’t store it at room temperature or it will spoil much faster.

Does Almond Milk Need to be Refrigerated?

Refrigeration is important for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of opened almond milk. Here’s a breakdown:

– Unopened shelf-stable almond milk: Can be stored at room temperature in the pantry.

– Opened shelf-stable almond milk: Should be refrigerated once opened, with use within 7-10 days. Keeping it refrigerated prevents spoilage.

– All refrigerated almond milk: Must be kept chilled at 40°F or below, whether opened or unopened. Storing in the refrigerator preserves freshness.

The exception is aseptic boxed almond milk, such as Pacific Foods brand. The packaging allows it to stay shelf-stable for months, even after opening. But for best quality, refrigeration is still recommended.

Refrigerating almond milk slows down microbial growth and enzymatic activity to help it last longer. Keep your opened almond milk as cold as possible.

Can You Freeze Almond Milk?

Freezing is not recommended for almond milk. The frozen state can cause irreversible separation between the solids and liquid components once thawed. This results in a watery, gritty texture.

However, if you do freeze almond milk, follow these tips:

– Only freeze unopened cartons that have not reached the sell-by date.

– Leave space at the top of the carton or bottle to allow for expansion as it freezes.

– Thaw frozen almond milk overnight in the fridge before use. Then give it a good shake to recombine.

– Use frozen and thawed almond milk within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor.

– Do not refreeze almond milk once it has been thawed.

While not ideal, freezing can extend the shelf life of unopened almond milk by a few months. Just be aware the quality will degrade after thawing.

What Happens If You Drink Spoiled Almond Milk?

Drinking spoiled almond milk poses some health risks, but is unlikely to cause serious illness in generally healthy people. However, it’s still best to avoid consuming rancid almond milk.

Here’s what can happen if you ingest spoiled almond milk:

– Upset stomach – Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea from exposure to bacteria and microbial toxins.

– Food poisoning – Headache, fever, chills if hazardous bacteria like staphylococcus or bacillus cereus are present.

– Allergic reaction – Some people may be sensitive to molds and almond proteins in spoiled milk.

– Unpleasant taste – Sour, bitter and unpleasant flavors make spoiled milk unpalatable to consume.

While contaminated almond milk can make you sick, severe illness is rare. The most common symptoms are gastrointestinal upset that resolves on its own. But it’s still smart to discard and purchase fresh milk.

Certain populations are at higher risk for complications from spoiled milk, like pregnant women, infants, young children and those with compromised immune systems. When in doubt, don’t drink it.

How to Prevent Almond Milk From Spoiling

You can help prevent almond milk from spoiling prematurely by:

– Storing unopened almond milk cartons in a cool, dry pantry away from light and heat.

– Checking “sell-by” and “best by” dates and using the oldest almond milk first.

– Refrigerating opened containers right away and keeping almond milk as cold as possible.

– Screwing lids on tightly and cleaning rims to prevent contamination each time you open the bottle.

– Pouring out only the amount needed and limiting exposure to air.

– Keeping different plant milk varieties separate to prevent cross-contamination.

– Using clean utensils and washing hands before handling to avoid introducing bacteria.

– Finishing opened containers within 7-10 days.

With proper storage and handling, almond milk can stay fresh for use within its printed expiration timeframe. Be diligent and discard immediately if you see any signs of spoilage.

Summary

Checking expiration dates is the simplest way to gauge freshness of almond milk. But also rely on your senses – spoiled almond milk will look, smell and taste sour or rancid. Keep unopened, shelf-stable milk in a cool pantry, refrigerate all opened milks, and use within a week for best quality and safety.

While not very risky in healthy adults, contaminated almond milk can potentially cause illness. So it’s always better to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming almond milk past its prime. Follow the storage guidelines and use-by dates for optimal freshness. With proper handling, you can enjoy the great taste of almond milk while keeping it safe to drink.

Type of Almond Milk	Unopened Shelf Life	Opened Fridge Life
Refrigerated	7-10 days	7-10 days
Shelf-Stable	10-12 months	7-10 days