Nutpods creamer is a popular dairy-free creamer made from a blend of coconut milk and almonds. It comes in a variety of flavors like original, French vanilla, hazelnut, and seasonal options like peppermint mocha. Nutpods touts itself as a healthier alternative to traditional creamers that contain dairy and unnecessary additives.
But when it comes to storage, many people wonder – does nutpods creamer have to be refrigerated after opening? Or can you store it at room temperature like you would traditional shelf-stable creamers?
The Short Answer
Yes, nutpods creamer does need to be refrigerated after opening. Nutpods creamers are perishable and contain no preservatives, so refrigeration is required to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage once opened.
Looking at the Ingredients
To understand why nutpods requires refrigeration, it helps to look at the ingredients:
- Filtered water
- Coconut cream
- Almonds
- Sea salt
- Natural flavors
- Sunflower lecithin
- Gellan gum
- Monk fruit extract
The main ingredients in nutpods are coconut cream and almond milk, which are perishable on their own. Unlike traditional creamers that contain preservatives and stabilizers, nutpods does not contain anything to extend shelf-life at room temperature.
Coconut cream and almond milk both need refrigeration after opening to prevent bacterial growth. So nutpods, being made from these ingredients, also requires refrigeration.
Why Refrigeration is Necessary
There are a few main reasons why nutpods creamer requires refrigeration:
1. Prevent bacterial growth
Bacteria grows rapidly at room temperature in dairy-free milks and creams. Refrigeration is needed to slow bacterial growth and keep nutpods safe to consume.
2. Extend shelf life
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of opened nutpods. Kept refrigerated and unopened, nutpods last about 3 months from the manufacture date. Once opened, refrigeration extends the shelf life to 21 days.
3. Maintain flavor and texture
Cool temperatures help maintain the creamy, smooth texture and original flavor of nutpods. Storing at room temperature can cause nutpods to curdle, separate, and develop off-flavors.
Room Temperature Storage
Since nutpods does not contain preservatives or stabilizers, it should never be left unrefrigerated after opening. Storing nutpods creamer at room temperature can:
- Allow rapid bacterial growth leading to food spoilage
- Cause curdling, separation, and off-flavors to develop
- Shorten the shelf life from 21 days refrigerated to just a few days
Some key signs nutpods has been left unrefrigerated too long and may be unsafe to consume include:
- Curdled texture
- Sour, spoiled, or moldy smells
- Gas buildup inside container
- Change in color
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to discard the nutpods rather than risk consuming spoiled creamer.
Proper Refrigerated Storage
To get the most shelf life out of your nutpods once opened, proper refrigerated storage is important:
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below – This inhibits bacterial growth
- Store in the door – The most constant cold temperatures are deep inside the fridge rather than in the door
- Screw lid on tightly – Minimizes air exposure to prevent spoilage
- Use within 21 days – For best quality and food safety
- Do not freeze – Can cause separation and texture changes
Signs Your Refrigerated Nutpods Has Spoiled
Even when stored in the fridge, opened nutpods has a limited shelf life. Make sure to watch for these signs of spoilage:
- Sour or off smell
- Change in consistency – becomes thicker or curdled
- Mold visible on surface
- Fizzing or bubbling when shaken
- Change in color
If your refrigerated nutpods displays any of these characteristics, play it safe and throw it out. Don’t take chances consuming spoiled creamer.
Does Nutpods Have to be Refrigerated Before Opening?
Before opening, nutpods can be safely stored at room temperature like shelf-stable creamers. Unopened, nutpods has an expiration date about 3 months from the manufacturing date.
Storing unopened nutpods in the pantry is fine. But for maximum freshness, you may want to refrigerate unopened containers and use within a few weeks of purchasing.
Once a nutpods container is opened, it must be refrigerated and used within 21 days.
Special Case – Pump Bottles
Nutpods makes a special variety that comes in a pump bottle, like traditional liquid creamers. Since these are designed for individual table use, they can be kept unrefrigerated until first use.
However, best practice is to refrigerate nutpods pump bottles after the first use. Though the pump mechanism provides some protection, refrigeration is still needed after opening to maintain quality and prevent bacterial growth long term.
Can You Freeze Nutpods Creamer?
Nutpods does not recommend freezing their creamers. The blend of coconut milk and almond milk can separate and become watery when thawed.
If you do freeze nutpods, shake very well after thawing to reincorporate. The texture may be compromised, but it is still safe to consume.
For best quality, store nutpods refrigerated and use within 21 days of opening.
Traveling With Nutpods
When traveling or commuting with nutpods, it’s best to use a small cooler bag and ice packs to keep it chilled. This prevents spoilage or food safety issues if you won’t be able to refrigerate shortly after use.
If you don’t have access to ice packs or a cooler, aim to finish the container within 4 hours of opening. Don’t store back in your bag and consume over several days without refrigeration.
Other FAQs
Can you microwave nutpods?
Yes, nutpods can be gently heated in the microwave. Use low power and heat just until warm. High heat or boiling can cause separation.
Is nutpods gluten free?
Yes, all varieties of nutpods are certified gluten free.
Is nutpods keto friendly?
With just 3g net carbs per serving, nutpods fits into a keto diet when consumed in moderation.
Is nutpods organic?
No, nutpods uses non-GMO ingredients but is not certified organic.
Can you use nutpods for baking/cooking?
Yes, nutpods can be used as a dairy-free milk substitute in recipes. It may slightly impact the texture versus cow’s milk.
Does nutpods curdle in hot coffee?
Nutpods is formulated to remain stable in hot coffee. Stir well after adding to prevent any minimal curdling.
The Bottom Line
Nutpods is a refrigerated product. Both opened and unopened nutpods should be stored in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and shelf life. Once opened, consume refrigerated nutpods creamer within 21 days and do not store at room temperature to prevent rapid spoilage.
