How long does homemade nut milk last in the fridge?
Introduction
Homemade nut milk has become a popular plant-based milk alternative. It’s easy to make at home by blending nuts with water and straining out the solids. But how long does homemade nut milk actually last in the fridge before it goes bad? Here is a comprehensive guide on the shelf life of various homemade nut milks and how to tell if your nut milk has spoiled.
Factors That Affect Homemade Nut Milk Longevity
Several key factors impact how long homemade nut milk will stay fresh in the refrigerator:
Type of Nut
The lifespan of nut milk can vary depending on the type of nut used. Some nuts have higher fat content which causes the milk to spoil faster. Milks made from nuts like almonds and cashews generally last longer than those made from more delicate nuts like pistachios or macadamia nuts.
Preservatives
Unlike commercial nut milks, homemade versions do not contain preservatives to extend shelf life. The lack of preservatives means homemade milks have a shorter lifespan. However, it also makes them more natural and less processed.
Storage Container
The container used to store homemade nut milk impacts freshness. An airtight container prevents outside air from contaminating the milk and keeps it fresher for longer. Glass bottles or containers are ideal for storage.
Hygiene
Proper hygiene when preparing nut milk is essential. Thoroughly washing equipment, utensils, and hands helps minimize bacteria levels. Unsanitary conditions can introduce harmful bacteria and cause faster spoilage.
Refrigerator Temperature
Storing nut milk at the proper refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below slows down bacteria growth and keeps it fresher for the full shelf life. Check that your fridge temperature is set correctly.
Opening and Resealing
Each time the nut milk container is opened, oxygen and contaminants are introduced. Resealing quickly after use limits this exposure. The more the milk is opened, the faster it will spoil.
Shelf Life by Nut Type
The specific nut used to make the milk impacts its total shelf life. Here is a breakdown of approximate fridge life for different homemade nut milks:
Almond Milk
| Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Homemade Almond Milk | 5-7 days |
Almond milk, whether homemade or store-bought, generally lasts 5-7 days in the refrigerator. The high fat content of almonds means the milk spoils faster than other nut varieties. Shake the container before each use to evenly distribute the oils.
Cashew Milk
| Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Homemade Cashew Milk | 7-10 days |
The lower fat content of cashews allows cashew milk to stay fresh for 7-10 days. It lasts a few days longer than almond milk. As with almond milk, shake before drinking to mix any separation.
Coconut Milk
| Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Homemade Coconut Milk | 5-7 days |
Coconut milk has a similar fridge life to almond milk. Its higher fat content causes spoilage around 5-7 days. The milk solids may separate but can be reincorporated with shaking.
Hazelnut Milk
| Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Homemade Hazelnut Milk | 7 days |
Hazelnut milk stays fresh for about 7 days in the fridge. Hazelnuts have monounsaturated fats that help maintain integrity but can cause earlier spoiling.
Oat Milk
| Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Homemade Oat Milk | 4-6 days |
The lighter consistency of oat milk leads to a shorter shelf life of just 4-6 days. Make sure to stir or shake oat milk before drinking to recombine any separation.
Pistachio Milk
| Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Homemade Pistachio Milk | 3-5 days |
Pistachio milk has the shortest lifespan at just 3-5 days. Pistachios are more delicate and prone to faster spoiling. Drink pistachio milk within 3-5 days for best flavor and texture.
Walnut Milk
| Type | Refrigerator Life |
|---|---|
| Homemade Walnut Milk | 7 days |
Similar to hazelnut milk, walnut milk stays fresh for around 7 days refrigerated. The oils may separate slightly but shake before drinking.
How to Tell if Homemade Nut Milk Has Spoiled
Watch for these signs that your homemade nut milk has gone bad:
Sour Odor and Flavor
Fresh nut milk smells mildly nutty. As it spoils, the odor becomes sharper and more pungent. Rancid nut milk also has an unpleasant sour taste.
Change in Color or Consistency
Separation is normal, but excessive wateriness, clumping, or whey indicate spoilage. The milk may also darken or develop an abnormal greyish or yellowish tinge.
Mold Growth
Check homemade nut milk closely for signs of fuzzy mold starting to grow. This is a clear sign it has spoiled and should be discarded.
Gas Bubbles
Small bubbles or foaming inside the milk signals fermentation and bacterial growth. Toss nut milk immediately if you see this.
Past Use-By Date
Homemade nut milk that is past the use-by timeframe, based on the type of nut, has likely gone bad. Even if it looks and smells okay, err on the side of caution and toss milk past its prime.
Does Refrigeration Extend Shelf Life?
Proper refrigeration is essential for maximizing the shelf life of homemade nut milks. Milk left out at room temperature will spoil much faster. Here is how fridge storage extends the use-by date:
| Nut Milk Type | Room Temp Shelf Life | Refrigerated Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Almond | 2-3 days | 5-7 days |
| Cashew | 2-3 days | 7-10 days |
| Coconut | 2-3 days | 5-7 days |
| Hazelnut | 2-3 days | 7 days |
| Oat | 1-2 days | 4-6 days |
| Pistachio | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
| Walnut | 2-3 days | 7 days |
As shown, refrigeration can extend the shelf life of homemade nut milk by several days. Always store nut milks in the fridge and avoid leaving them out on the counter.
Does Freezing Prolong Shelf Life?
Freezing is an excellent way to get extra shelf life out of homemade nut milk if it won’t all get used in time. Here is how long frozen nut milks last:
| Nut Milk Type | Frozen Life |
|---|---|
| Almond | 4-6 months |
| Cashew | 4-6 months |
| Coconut | 4-6 months |
| Hazelnut | 4-6 months |
| Oat | 2-3 months |
| Pistachio | 2-3 months |
| Walnut | 4-6 months |
Frozen storage stops bacteria growth in its tracks, allowing the milk to keep for several months. Thaw frozen milk overnight in the fridge before using. The consistency may be slightly thinner after thawing. Shake vigorously to recombine.
Tips for Extending Homemade Nut Milk Shelf Life
Follow these simple tips for keeping your homemade nut milks as fresh as possible:
- Use very clean equipment to make the milk
- Store in airtight glass jars or bottles, not plastic
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
- Minimize temperature fluctuations – don’t leave nut milk on the counter
- Check milk for spoilage signs each time before use
- Keep track of date milk was made and use-by dates
- Shake or stir milk before drinking to distribute oils
- Freeze extras if you won’t use within shelf life
FAQs
Can you reboil spoiled nut milk to make it safe?
No, reboiling or reheating will not make spoiled nut milk safe to drink. Any bacteria and toxins cannot be reversed. You must discard the milk.
Can nut milk be frozen after being refrigerated?
It’s best to freeze nut milk immediately after making it. However, you can carefully freeze milk that has been refrigerated for a day or two. Freeze in smaller portions to avoid having to re-freeze after thawing.
Do nuts go bad if not refrigerated?
Yes, nuts can spoil if left unrefrigerated. Nuts last about 3 months if kept in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration extends their shelf life to 6 months or longer before going rancid.
Can you freeze nut milk in glass jars?
Freezing nut milk in glass jars is not recommended since the liquid expansion can cause the glass to break. Use plastic containers or freezer bags for freezing nut milk safely.
Conclusion
From almond to coconut to walnut, homemade nut milks can keep for 5-10 days refrigerated. Proper storage conditions like temperature control and air-tight containers help extend their shelf life. Freezing can add months of freshness if nut milk won’t all get used in time. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage like an off smell or taste and discard nut milk past its prime. Follow these nut milk storage guidelines and tips to enjoy your homemade milks before they go bad.