Almond milk is a popular dairy-free milk alternative made from ground almonds and water. Shelf-stable or aseptically packaged almond milk has been processed using ultra high temperature (UHT) pasteurization and does not require refrigeration until opened. This allows it to have a longer shelf life unopened than refrigerated almond milk. However, shelf-stable almond milk does have an expiration date printed on the packaging that ranges from several months to over a year from the production date. Once opened, it typically lasts 5-7 days refrigerated before going bad.
Quick answer
Generally, unopened shelf-stable almond milk should be safe to consume for up to a week past the printed expiration date, as long as the packaging is not damaged. However, the taste and texture quality will slowly decline over time past the expiration date. Once opened, shelf-stable almond milk should be consumed within 5-7 days and not drunk past 1-2 weeks even if refrigerated.
Does unopened shelf-stable almond milk expire?
Yes, even shelf-stable UHT processed almond milk has an expiration date and does eventually expire. However, if stored properly unopened, shelf-stable almond milk can typically last 2-3 months past the printed “best by” expiration date before going bad. The expiration date is more of an indication of when the manufacturer guarantees peak flavor and texture rather than an indicator of when it becomes unsafe to drink.
The main reasons shelf-stable almond milk eventually expires are:
- Nutrient degradation – Vitamins like A, D, E, K can degrade over time.
- Fat oxidation – Fats react with oxygen over time causing rancidity.
- Flavor loss – Nutty taste declines over months of storage.
- Settling – Almond milk solids separate and settle.
However, the aseptic packaging protects the almond milk from spoilage and bacterial growth that requires refrigeration to prevent. So while not at peak quality, unopened and properly stored almond milk lasts past its expiration date.
How long past expiration is almond milk still good for?
An unopened shelf-stable almond milk is likely still safe and edible for:
- 1-2 weeks past its expiration date if stored at room temperature.
- 2-3 months past its printed expiration date if stored in cool, dry storage or the refrigerator.
The cooler the storage temperature, the longer the almond milk will retain its freshness and flavor. Over time, the almond milk may start to taste more bitter and have an odd texture or separation. But it would take over 6 months stored at room temperature for unopened almond milk to be at high risk of actual spoilage.
How to tell if expired almond milk is bad?
Signs that your expired shelf-stable almond milk has gone bad and may not be safe to drink include:
- Bulging or leaking packaging – Indicates gas production and bacterial growth.
- Curdling, lumpiness, separation – Proteins and fats degraded.
- Mold growth – Visible fuzzy mold spots or filaments indicate spoilage.
- Soured smell and taste – A very sour, curdled, and unpleasant flavor.
- Change in color – Shift from creamy white to yellow or brown.
If your almond milk displays any of those signs past 1-2 weeks after its expiration date, it is best to err on the side of caution and toss it out.
Does refrigerating unopened almond milk extend shelf life?
Yes, refrigerating unopened shelf-stable almond milk can help extend its shelf life past the expiration date, since cooler temperatures slow down the vitamin degradation and fat oxidation. Refrigeration cannot completely stop these processes that affect quality and freshness, but it can slow them down.
Properly stored in the refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or below, unopened almond milk can typically last:
- 2-3 weeks past its expiration date at peak quality.
- 2-3 months past its expiration date before a noticeable decline in flavor and texture.
The shelf life depends on the age of the almond milk when refrigerated. Fresher almond milk stored in the fridge right after purchase will last longer than almond milk refrigerated many months past its expiration date. But refrigeration can generally extend the shelf life of unopened, aseptically packaged almond milk by several weeks or more.
Does shelf-stable almond milk need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, once opened the shelf-stable almond milk must be refrigerated. The aseptic packaging and UHT pasteurization prolongs the shelf life unopened but does not completely prevent spoilage. Refrigeration is essential for preventing bacterial growth and rapid deterioration once exposed to air and contamination sources after opening.
Opened, refrigerated shelf-stable almond milk will generally last:
- 5-7 days past opening if kept refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.
- No more than 1-2 weeks past opening even if refrigerated before spoiling.
Make sure to screw the cap on tightly, pour out only what almond milk you need at a time, and return the container to the fridge right after to maximize the refrigerator shelf life once opened.
Can you freeze and thaw shelf-stable almond milk?
Yes, you can safely freeze shelf-stable almond milk to extend its shelf life even further past the expiration date. The freezing process stops or dramatically slows the vitamin degradation and fat oxidation processes so the almond milk retains quality longer frozen compared to refrigerated.
To freeze shelf-stable almond milk:
- Check for any signs of spoilage before freezing expired almond milk.
- Make sure the container is tightly sealed.
- Leave at least 1 inch headspace at the top as liquids expand when frozen.
- Freeze for up to 9 months.
To thaw and use frozen almond milk:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Give the container a good shake once thawed.
- Use within 1 week once thawed.
- Do not re-freeze thawed almond milk.
The freezing process can cause some separation, but the almond milk should regain a smooth, creamy consistency once shaken. The taste should not be noticeably altered.
Is it safe to consume almond milk past expiration date?
Generally, consuming expired but properly stored shelf-stable almond milk is safe, but it may not taste as fresh. Unopened, aseptically packaged almond milk does not suddenly become hazardous to drink right after its “best by” date as long as the packaging remains intact and sealed.
However, take note of the following risks and precautions:
- Only consume unopened almond milk up to 1-2 weeks past its printed expiration date.
- Discard if there are any signs of spoilage like mold, smell, curdling, etc.
- Do not drink from damaged or malfunctioning packaging that could allow contamination.
- Refrigerate after opening and only consume for up to 1 week after.
- Avoid giving expired almond milk to infants or people with severe food allergies.
Shelf-stable almond milk is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA because of the aseptic packaging and UHT pasteurization process. But there is always an increased risk consuming any food past its expiration date. Use your best judgment and discretion.
Will expired almond milk make you sick?
Drinking almond milk that is 1-2 weeks past its “best by” date is unlikely to make you sick if the package remains properly sealed. The ultra high temperature processing destroys pathogens and aseptic packaging prevents new bacteria from getting in.
However, if spoilage is evident like mold, foul odors, or extreme sourness, consuming the expired almond milk could potentially cause food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
Once opened, almond milk can harbor dangerous bacteria. Drink within 5-7 days and don’t exceed 1-2 weeks refrigerated even if it looks fine to be safe.
How to store unopened shelf-stable almond milk?
To maximize shelf life and the time you can safely consume it past expiration, make sure to store unopened almond milk properly:
- Pantry – Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerator – For longest shelf life, refrigerate unopened at 40°F (4°C).
- Position – Store upright and not upside down or on its side.
- Prevent damage – Avoid dropping, denting, or puncturing the package.
Where is the expiration date on almond milk?
The expiration or “best by” date for shelf-stable almond milk is usually printed along the top or on the side of the carton. Check all sides for the date stamp if not immediately visible on the front. Refrigerated almond milk often has the date on the upper right corner of one side.
How to read expiration date codes?
There are often two types of expiration date codes:
- Open dates like “BEST BY Jan 01, 2024” indicating the exact date.
- Closed coded dates requiring decoding like “01JAN24CB1” where 01JAN24 = January 1, 2024 and CB1 = production information.
Codes vary between manufacturers. Call the customer service number if you are unsure how to decode the expiration date printed on your almond milk package.
Does expiration date differ for refrigerated vs. shelf-stable?
Yes, refrigerated and shelf-stable almond milk typically have very different printed expiration dates on the packaging:
| Type | Unopened Shelf Life | After Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 2-3 weeks | 7-10 days |
| Shelf-Stable | 6-12 months | 7-10 days |
Refrigerated almond milk has a much shorter shelf life because it has not been processed using UHT pasteurization. Shelf-stable almond milk lasts months longer unopened, but both have about a week after opening.
How long does almond milk last once opened?
Once opened, both shelf-stable and refrigerated almond milk last roughly the same time in the refrigerator, for about 7-10 days before spoiling. So refrigerate after opening and consume within a week, regardless of the type of almond milk.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is generally safe to consume properly stored, unopened shelf-stable almond milk up to 1-2 weeks past its printed expiration date, although the taste quality slowly declines. Once opened, shelf-stable almond milk must be refrigerated and consumed within 1 week.
Always inspect almond milk for any signs of spoilage and never consume if the packaging has been damaged, left unrefrigerated after opening, or shows curdling, mold, or a rancid smell. Refrigerate unopened almond milk and keep away from sunlight and high temperatures to maximize the time you can safely consume it past the “best by” date printed on the package.
