Key Highlights:

• Almond milk has a limited shelf life and can go bad
• Factors affecting almond milk shelf life include homemade vs. store-bought, temperature, and storage methods
• Keep unopened almond milk in a cool, dark place and opened almond milk in the fridge
• Shelf life varies depending on the type of almond milk: unopened shelf-stable, unopened refrigerated, opened almond milk, or homemade almond milk
• Signs of spoiled almond milk include a change in color, texture, smell, or taste
• There are numerous alternatives to almond milk, such as soy milk, oat milk, and lactose-free dairy milk
• Proper storage and handling can prevent almond milk from going bad and keep it safe for consumption

Introduction

Do you enjoy almond milk? It’s a common choice for vegans and those allergic to cow’s milk. But do we know when it spoils? Let’s delve into how long almond milk lasts. We’ll also talk about how to keep it fresh and other milk options you can explore.

Does Almond Milk Go Bad?

Almond milk, alas, doesn’t last forever. It has a shelf life. What decides it? The milk’s source (homemade or store-bought), storage setups, and the environment it’s kept in can affect this.

Homemade vs. store-bought almond milk

Store-bought almond milk has preservatives. These make it last longer. In contrast, homemade almond milk lacks these added preservatives. Hence, it goes bad quickly, often within a week. Let’s look at the difference in the table below.

According to the studies I came across, it was observed that the stability of almond milk might decrease as the temperature rises. At approximately 55°C, protein denaturation may take place, which might affect the overall quality of the almond milk.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Temperature and exposure to light

Want to keep your almond milk fresh? Keep it cool and dark! Shelf-stable milk can be stored at room temp. But once opened, or if refrigerated, put it in the fridge.

Packaging and storage methods

How you store almond milk also matters. Put it in a sealed container to keep bacteria out. For opened milk, store at the back of the fridge. It’s cooler and more consistent there.

Making sense of these factors:

1. Source – homemade or bought from the store
2. Surroundings, such as temperature and light
3. How it’s packed and stored

How to Store Almond Milk

1. Unopened almond milk storage

• Room temperature storage

Room temp is fine for unopened, shelf-safe milk. Keep it away from heat and sun. Look for a cool, dry space.

• Refrigerator storage

Got milk with a “keep refrigerated” tag, or made some at home? Pop it in the fridge! For better cooling, store it away from the door.

2. Opened almond milk storage

• Refrigerator storage

Once you open almond milk, keep it cool in the fridge. The back of the fridge is best.

3. Can almond milk be frozen?

• Pros and cons of freezing

You can freeze almond milk. But there’s a catch. It might change its texture. Freezing can cause it to split. Blend it into smoothies or cooking where texture isn’t vital.

• Thawing and reusing frozen almond milk

To thaw milk, move it from the freezer to the fridge. Give it a shake before using. But remember, freezing might affect its quality.

4. Remember these storage tips:

Unopened milk:

• Room temperature for shelf-safe types
• In the fridge for cooled and homemade types

Once opened:

• Store inside the fridge
• You can freeze it, but it may affect the quality

Due to the absence of added preservatives, homemade almond milk may have a shorter shelf life compared to commercially produced milk. Therefore, I might suggest you consume homemade almond milk within 3-5 days to ensure its freshness and quality.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How Long Does Almond Milk Last?

Sell-by or expiration date explanation

How expiration dates are determined

The date on the carton isn’t about spoilage. It’s the manufacturer’s way to ensure quality.

What’s the difference between sell-by and use-by dates

“Sell-by” means the last day to sell the product. However, “use-by” is the last day when it’s at its best quality. Both dates are just a guide.

Shelf life of various types of almond milk

Unopened shelf-stable almond milk

Unopened milk can last 1-2 months if stored right. Check the date and watch for signs of spoilage.

Unopened refrigerated almond milk

Refrigerated almond milk can last till its expiry date. As always, check for any spoilage.

Opened almond milk

Once opened, drink almond milk within a week, maybe ten days at most. Check its color, smell, or taste before you use it.

Homemade almond milk

Homemade milk needs to be drunk quickly. It may stay good for about a week when stored properly. Check it for rot before using.

Here’s a summary:

1. Unopened and shelf-safe: 1-2 months
2. Unopened and refrigerated: Til the printed expiry date
3. Opened: 7-10 days in fridge 
4. Made at home: 3-7 days in fridge

Identifying Bad Almond Milk

Visual inspection

1. Color

If there’s a shift in color, it’s not fit to drink.

2. Texture and consistency

Gone thick and clumpy? Dispose of it.

3. Smell

Bad almond milk smells sour. If it doesn’t smell right, get rid of it.

4. Taste

Sour or odd-tasting milk is bad. Don’t drink it.

Potential health risks of consuming spoiled almond milk

1. Foodborne illness

Spoiled milk can make you sick. Watch for nausea or stomach issues.

Preventative measures

Proper storage helps in avoiding sickness. Always check almond milk before you drink it.

How to tell when it’s off:

By looking: Changes in color, Issues with texture or thickness

By smelling: Sour, off-putting odor

By tasting: Sour or odd flavor

Possible side effects:

• Foodborne illness
• Also, keep it well-stored

Alternatives to Almond Milk

Other plant-based milk options

1. Soy milk

Soy milk is protein-rich. It’s creamy just like almond milk and has a slightly fuller taste.

2. Oat milk

Love coffee? Oat milk is thicker, sweeter, and froths well.

3. Cashew milk

Cashew milk tastes light and a bit sweet.

Dairy milk alternatives

1. Lactose-free milk

But what if you’re lactose intolerant? Go for lactose-free milk. Enjoy dairy milk without feeling ill!

2. Goat milk

Goat’s milk is another option. It’s rich in nutrients and creamy.

3. Sheep milk

Fancy something unique? Sheep milk is high in fat, creamy, and has a rich, sweetish flavor.

Different milk types you can try:

1. Plant-based

• Soy milk
• Oat milk
• Cashew milk

2. Other dairy types

• Lactose-free milk
• Goat milk
• Sheep milk

Conclusion

In short, almond milk can and does spoil. To keep it fresh, store opened bottles in the fridge and unopened ones at room temperature. Do a spot-check for rot before using it. Remember, there are many other types of milk you can switch to.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). How well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cow’s milk? [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 23]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5756203

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