How long can I keep homemade soy milk in fridge?
Introduction
Homemade soy milk can be a delicious and nutritious plant-based milk. However, like any homemade food product, it’s important to store it properly in the refrigerator to maximize its shelf life. So how long does homemade soy milk last in the fridge after it’s made? There are a few factors to consider when determining the refrigerator life of homemade soy milk.
How is Soy Milk Made?
First, let’s look at the basic process for making soy milk at home:
- Soak soybeans in water overnight to hydrate them
- Drain and rinse the soybeans
- Blend the soybeans with water to make a slurry
- Heat the soybean slurry and simmer for 20-30 minutes
- Strain out the soy pulp from the milk
- Flavor and sweeten the soy milk as desired
This heating step helps destroy enzymes and microorganisms that could cause spoilage. However, since homemade soy milk does not undergo commercial ultra high temperature (UHT) processing for sterilization, it is not shelf-stable and has a shorter shelf life than store-bought varieties.
Factors that Determine Soy Milk Shelf Life
There are several key factors that impact how long homemade soy milk will last refrigerated:
Ingredient Quality
The freshness and cleanliness of the soybeans and water used to make the milk makes a difference. Soybeans that are old, dirty, or contaminated could introduce bacteria and cause soy milk to spoil faster. Always start with high quality, fresh organic soybeans if possible. Rinse them thoroughly before use. And use filtered or bottled water, not tap water which could contain microorganisms.
Storage Container
Store soy milk in a very clean, tightly sealed glass or BPA-free plastic container. An airtight container will help block outside oxygen and contaminants that could degrade the quality and shorten the shelf life. Make sure to fill containers all the way to the top to limit air exposure.
Refrigerator Temperature
Store soy milk at a consistent, cold refrigerator temperature, ideally at 40°F (4°C) or below. Temperature fluctuations can shorten shelf life, so monitor your fridge to ensure proper temperatures. The colder the storage, the better.
Preservatives or Acidification
You can add preservatives like potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate when making soy milk at home. This helps inhibit mold, yeast, and bacteria growth. Acidifying soy milk to a pH of 4.6 or below using lemon juice, vinegar, or citric acid can also act as a preservative. However, not everyone may want to add these ingredients.
Cleanliness
It’s vital to sanitize all equipment, containers, and utensils properly before making soy milk to eliminate bacteria. Thoroughly wash hands as well. Any unsanitary conditions could introduce microbes that lead to faster spoilage. Keep things as clean as possible.
Refrigerator Shelf Life of Homemade Soy Milk
Taking all these factors into account, the average shelf life for homemade soy milk stored in the refrigerator is 3-5 days.
However, proper storage and conditions could allow it to last 7-10 days before spoiling. Here is a breakdown:
| Storage Time | Quality |
|---|---|
| 1-3 days | Best quality |
| 3-5 days | Good quality |
| 5-7 days | Decreasing freshness |
| 7-10 days | May be nearing spoilage |
As you can see, for peak freshness and flavor, homemade soy milk is best consumed within 3 days. After 5-7 days, it will start to degrade in quality and taste less fresh. Once you get close to 10 days, it’s very likely spoiled and should be discarded.
How to Tell if Homemade Soy Milk Has Spoiled
Here are the signs that your refrigerated soy milk has gone bad and should be thrown out:
- Sour smell
- Curdled, lump appearance
- Moldy residue around lid or bottom
- Change in color
- Off taste that is unpleasant
If you notice your soy milk exhibits any of these characteristics of spoilage, do not drink it. Erring on the side of caution is best. When homemade soy milk has truly spoiled, it can make you sick if consumed.
Extending the Shelf Life
If you want your homemade soy milk to keep longer, here are some tips:
- Freeze it – Freezing is the best way to significantly extend the shelf life. Frozen soy milk can last 2-3 months in an airtight container.
- Add preservatives – As mentioned earlier, adding potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate can help prolong refrigerated shelf life.
- Acidify it – Lowering the pH can inhibit microbial growth.
- Use ultra-clean containers – Sanitize containers and equipment well before use.
- Monitor fridge temperature – Ensure temperature remains at 40°F or below.
- Boil milk again – Heat it a second time after straining to kill any new bacteria.
Keep in mind that even with these preservation methods, homemade soy milk should not be kept for more than 10-14 days total in the fridge. After 2 weeks, it’s simply not advisable to consume it. Play it safe and stick to a 1-2 week maximum refrigerated shelf life.
The Bottom Line
So how long does homemade soy milk last in the fridge? Generally, plan on drinking soy milk within 3-5 days for the best quality, texture and taste. It may last up to 7-10 days refrigerated before excessive spoilage occurs. But remember, many factors can influence the exact shelf life. Use your judgment, and if in doubt, throw it out after 7-10 days as a precaution.
Making soy milk at home can be very rewarding, environmentally friendly and give you control over the ingredients. Just be diligent with cleanliness, storage conditions and proper refrigeration to get the most out of your homemade soy milk before it expires. With the right care, you can enjoy fresh, delicious soy milk from your own kitchen that can rival store-bought brands.
Summary of Soy Milk Refrigerator Life Expectancy
Here is a quick summary of how long homemade soy milk will last refrigerated:
- Refrigerator: 3-5 days (up to 7-10 days)
- Freezer: 2-3 months
Conclusion
Homemade soy milk does have a relatively short refrigerator shelf life compared to commercial varieties. For the best quality and food safety, plan to use it within 3-5 days. But taking proper care in preparation, storage and handling can maximize the freshness to potentially 7-10 days. Freezing also greatly extends the life. Remember to get in the habit of smelling and inspecting the soy milk before consuming to catch any spoilage. With the right strategies, you can safely enjoy nutritious homemade soy milk for up to 2 weeks from your refrigerator.
