4 Signs Your Almond Milk Has Definitely Gone Bad
Whether you’re making a smoothie, adding a splash of creaminess to your morning coffee, or baking a vegan-friendly treat, there’s a good chance you’re reaching for almond milk. The non-dairy milk industry may be oversaturated, but almond milk has consistently remained one of the most popular plant-based options on the market.
There are a lot of perks to drinking almond milk—including its longer shelf life compared to dairy milk. But if you’ve ever forgotten a carton in the fridge, then you know that almond milk can still go bad. But, without the same indicators that you’d expect from cow’s milk, how are you supposed to know when it’s time to toss your almond milk?
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about almond milk’s shelf life so you know exactly how long you can keep that opened carton in your fridge.
How Long Is Almond Milk’s Shelf Life?
Almond milk can come in many different forms that can affect the taste, consistency, and shelf life. Homemade almond milk expires the fastest, thanks to the lack of additives, pasteurization, and industrial sanitation methods. Fresh almond milk lasts roughly four to five days before it's time to toss it.
If you're buying almond milk from the supermarket, you'll likely encounter it in two forms: in the refrigerator aisle or on a shelf at room temperature. Both are pasteurized before they reach the grocery store, but to different degree of sterilization. When it comes to refrigerated almond milk, you can abide by the sell-by date on the packaging (or even a few days past it). And once you've opened the carton, you can expect it to spoil after about two weeks.
Shelf-stable almond milk is even more sterile when it comes to pasteurization and packaging. When stored properly, you can expect a box of almond milk to last up to a year. And once you have opened it, it'll keep in the fridge for around two weeks.
How Can You Tell When Almond Milk Has Gone Bad?
There are different factors that can contribute to almond milk spoilage. The best way to determine whether or not you should drink it is relying on your senses.
First, you should rely on visual indicators. Start by examining the packaging to check for a bloated carton. If it’s puffed and swollen, there’s a chance that your almond milk has degraded and released gas that stays trapped in the carton.
If the carton looks fine, shake it and pour some of the milk into a glass. Spoiled almond milk will likely change in consistency—either by getting thicker or clumping beyond typical separation. You may even encounter flecks of black mold in especially old cartons. If your almond milk looks off, throw it away.
Let’s assume your milk has survived the visual inspection. From there, you can use your sense of smell and taste to determine if it’s still good to drink. Each brand has their own unique recipe; but, generally speaking, your almond milk should smell mild, nutty, and slightly sweet. Any off odors (like sour, funky, or sharp) mean that your almond milk is spoiled and should go straight to the trash.
If you’re still not sure and you’re feeling particularly brave, take a small sip. Any sour or unsavory flavors? It’s time to buy a new carton.
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