Almond milk has become a popular plant-based milk alternative for many people. However, like other dairy-free milks, almond milk has a shorter shelf life than regular cow’s milk. Knowing the signs of spoiled almond milk can help you avoid consuming bad almond milk that could make you sick.
What is the shelf life of almond milk?
The shelf life of almond milk depends on a few factors:
- Type of almond milk – Shelf-stable or refrigerated. Shelf-stable almond milk in aseptic cartons can last 10-12 months unopened. Once opened, it lasts 4-7 days in the fridge. Refrigerated almond milk in the dairy case lasts 5-7 days past the printed “sell by” or “use by” date if unopened. Once opened, it lasts 4-7 days in the fridge.
- Ingredients – Almond milks with more preservatives tend to last longer. Homemade almond milk has the shortest shelf life of just 2-3 days.
- Storage method – Heat and light degrade almond milk faster. Storing almond milk in the back of the fridge, away from the door, helps it stay fresher longer.
So generally, store-bought almond milk should be consumed within 5-10 days of opening. Homemade almond milk should be consumed within 2-3 days. If you notice any changes in smell, taste, or consistency after these time frames, the almond milk has likely gone bad.
How to tell if opened almond milk is bad
Here are the main signs that opened almond milk has spoiled and should be thrown out:
- Change in color – Fresh almond milk is creamy white. If it starts turning yellow or brown, toss it.
- Clumpy texture – Spoiled almond milk will form clumps or curdles rather than being smooth.
- Sour smell – Rancid almond milk gives off a sour, unpleasant odor.
- Mold – Check almond milk bottles and cartons for fuzzy mold spots, especially around the rim. Moldy almond milk should be discarded.
- Expired date – If your opened almond milk is past the expiration or “use by” date printed on the package, it’s safest to throw it away.
If you notice changes in the taste of almond milk, such as increased bitterness or sourness, that’s also a sign it has likely gone off.
How to tell if unopened almond milk is bad
It’s a bit trickier to identify spoiled almond milk that is still sealed and unopened. Here are a few telltale signs:
- Bulging container – If the carton or bottle looks puffed up or swollen, it could be a sign of gas production by spoilage bacteria inside.
- Leaking package – Leaks or holes in the container indicate the seal has been broken and the milk exposed to contamination.
- Mold spots – Check aseptic cartons carefully for any fuzzy mold spots starting to form.
- Very expired date – An unopened almond milk that is several months past its printed expiration date should be discarded.
If the almond milk smells sour or rancid when you open it for the first time, that’s also a clear giveaway it has spoiled.
How long is almond milk safe to drink after expiration date?
The expiration date on almond milk is an estimate of when it is no longer at peak freshness and flavor. However, almond milk may still be safe to consume for a short period after its expiration date, as long as it was stored properly.
Here are some general guidelines for how long almond milk is likely still good past its printed date:
- Unopened shelf-stable almond milk – 1 week past expiration
- Unopened refrigerated almond milk – 3-5 days past expiration
- Opened almond milk – 1-2 days past expiration
Keep in mind these are just estimates. If you see any signs of spoilage like changes in appearance, texture, or smell, the almond milk should be discarded regardless of the date.
How to store almond milk properly
To maximize the shelf life of almond milk once opened, be sure to store it properly:
- Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below
- Store in the back of the fridge away from the door
- Screw cap on tightly or replace spout cover securely after each use
- Keep carton or bottle clean and free of milky residue around the opening
- Wipe away any almond milk drips or spills in the fridge
- Don’t return unused almond milk to the fridge if left sitting out more than 2 hours
Avoid storing almond milk on the refrigerator door where the temperature fluctuates. Also keep almond milk away from any raw meats that could cross-contaminate it.
Can you freeze almond milk to extend its shelf life?
Freezing is an option for extending the shelf life of almond milk. To freeze:
- Make sure almond milk carton or bottle is tightly sealed
- Leave space at the top for expansion as the milk freezes
- Flat packages like milk cartons freeze better than rigid bottles or jugs
- Lay carton flat in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn
- Freeze unopened almond milk within 1 week of purchasing
- Freeze opened almond milk within 3-4 days of opening
Properly frozen almond milk can last 6-8 months in the freezer but will take on a watery consistency when thawed. It’s best used for cooking or baking rather than drinking once thawed.
Can spoiled almond milk make you sick?
Consuming bad almond milk can potentially make you sick. Here are some of the risks:
- Foodborne illness – Spoiled milk can harbor dangerous bacteria like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria that cause food poisoning symptoms.
- Mold exposure – Ingesting almond milk containing toxic mold can cause allergic reactions or respiratory distress.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms – Drinking rancid almond milk can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
In healthy adults, drinking a small amount of spoiled milk is unlikely to cause serious illness. But infants, young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to bad bacteria that can thrive in soured milk.
How can you avoid consuming spoiled almond milk?
Here are some tips to keep your almond milk fresh and avoid accidental spoilage:
- Check expiration dates at the store and choose the one with the latest date.
- Store unopened almond milk in the refrigerator if possible.
- Don’t keep almond milk in the fridge door where the temperature fluctuates.
- Screw cap on tightly and return to the fridge promptly after each use.
- Don’t rely on appearance or taste alone – if milk is past its date, toss it.
- Keep fridge clean and organized to spot old products.
- Label almond milk containers with date opened.
- Don’t freeze previously frozen milk more than once.
Being vigilant about food safety practices in your fridge can go a long way towards preventing accidental almond milk spoilage.
What to do if you drink spoiled almond milk
If you consume almond milk past its prime or notice signs it has spoiled after taking a few sips, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
- Discard the remainder of the bad almond milk so no one else drinks it.
- Wash out your glass thoroughly with hot soapy water.
- Rinse your mouth and throat with clean water to help flush out any bacteria.
- Monitor yourself closely for signs of gastrointestinal distress over the next 24 hours.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help dilute any potential contaminants.
- Call your doctor if you develop concerning symptoms like vomiting, bloody stools, or high fever.
Food poisoning usually resolves on its own within a day or two. But contact a healthcare provider right away if symptoms persist or become severe, especially in those with compromised immunity.
Conclusion
Checking for changes in appearance, texture, and smell are the best ways to determine if your opened almond milk has gone bad. Unopened cartons or bottles should be inspected carefully for any signs of swelling or leaking. While it’s ideal to toss almond milk by the printed expiration date, unopened milk may last 1 week past it while opened milk could be safe for 1-2 days past its date if refrigerated properly. Consuming spoiled almond milk can potentially lead to foodborne illness, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. Proper storage methods help prevent almond milk from going off prematurely. Overall, using your senses along with some caution and common sense is the best way to ensure you don’t end up with a spoiled batch of almond milk in your fridge.
