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Do you have almond milk that has been sitting around for days and wonder what to do with it? Almond milk is one of the most popular types of milk and this is due to its nutrient content. This milk is one of the best milk you can have at home, and it is pretty versatile too, it can go from being your regular milk to being used in soups, salad dressings, and sauces.
Almond milk is just like every regular milk but in this case, it is made with almonds and these nuts can go rancid with time. Almond milk is also plant-based which also makes it naturally dairy and lactose-free.
Yes, almond milk can go bad just like every other type of milk. It may start to clump up or the taste will go sour or generally become inconsistent after a while if it is not preserved properly. Commercially made almond milk is often ultra-pasteurized which will extend its shelf life and if your almond milk has been opened, you have to store it properly to maintain its quality for long.
There are quite a lot of questions people tend to ask when it comes to this non-dairy milk and the questions are viable since almond milk is fast replacing cow milk in the kitchen. Almond is an ideal choice for drinking, and it’s highly beneficial as well.
When it comes to storage for almond milk, most people just follow the supermarket’s lead and this is sure going to extend your almond milk life span. However, if you have come across milk that has passed its expiry date in the pantry, then stick with us to find out if your almond milk has gone bad and how to store it properly.
Almond Milk Nutrition
Almond milk is rich in vitamin E which is an essential antioxidant for the body however many are not so keen on storing up this milk.
The nutrition content of your almond milk tends to depend on the brand you are getting. If you are still not sure if you want to replace your cow milk completely with almond milk, here is a list of its nutritional content to convince you.
| Constituent | Value |
|---|---|
| Protein | 0.31g |
| Calcium, Ca | 185mg |
| Total lipid (fat) | 1.08g |
| Energy | 12kcal |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 43IU |
| Fatty acids | 0g |
| Magnesium, Mg | 7mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.33mg |
| Phosphorus, p | 12mg |
| Sodium, Na | 74mg |
| Vitamin A | 231iU |
| Fiber total dietary | 0.3g |
| Carbohydrate | 0.62g |
Can Almond Milk Go Bad?
Almond milk might be plant-based, but it is just like every other type of regular milk, and it can go bad as well.
To tell if almond milk has gone bad can be a little complex and this is because it shows little to no sign at first and although it doesn’t contain any dairy, the nuts in it can go rancid with time and this isn’t exactly hard to detect.
If you have ever experienced a bad nut then you can easily detect when almond milk goes rancid. Opened almond milk that is not refrigerated or stored in an air-tight container immediately can also go bad in no time.
Unopened almond milk is meant to last 4 to 6 weeks while opened one should be consumed in 7 to 10 days.
How to Tell if Almond Milk Has Gone Bad?
You can tell if your almond milk has gone bad if it turns clumpy or lumpy. If it does have a sour taste too then this means it should be tossed out. If your almond milk takes on a thicker consistency, then it has gone bad since almond milk is meant to be light.
It doesn’t matter if it is commercially made almond milk or fresh homemade almond milk, the tell-tale signs that it has spoiled is the same thing. Temperature fluctuation or lack of proper storage are notable reasons your almond milk can go bad before its best before.
So, you can tell it has gone bad when its flavor has gone sour, or it smells weird.
Lastly, you can tell almond milk has gone bad if it has mold on it. This might sound surprising, but mold can start to grow inside the container of your almond milk. If there is are signs of tiny black spots, don’t try to salvage it, throw the whole container out.
How do You Store Almond Milk?
Almond milk is best consumed 7 to 10 days after opening it and if you plan to store it during this period then the refrigerator is the perfect place for that.
Both homemade and commercially bought almond milk need to be stored in the fridge, it can be in your kitchen cabinet, but only if it is unopened, and if it is homemade, store it in an airtight container.
Homemade almond milk should be stored in an airtight container even before placing it in the fridge, this prevents bacteria from creeping it and spoiling the milk too soon. Homemade almond milk should last 3 days in the fridge so make only what you will be using during that time frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know when almond milk goes bad?
The smell is one of the notable signs that indicate that your almond milk has gone bad. Spoiled almond milk will taste a little sour, will become thicker, and eventually starts to clump up.
Can almond milk go bad and make you sick?
Bacteria is one of the reasons your almond milk will go bad so yes consuming that can make you sick. Drinking bad almond milk can make you sick, so you should have it tossed out instead. Also, very rancid almond milk can cause stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting.
Can I drink almond milk past the expiration date?
You can drink almond milk that has passed its expiration date if it has been stored properly, and hasn’t been opened either. You need to also make sure that it has not gone bad before you consider it safe to drink however expired almond milk might have lost its taste.
Is it bad to drink almond milk after 7 days?
Generally, it is recommended that almonds should be used within 7 days after opening, so it’s not bad to drink almond milk after 7 days provided it is stored properly and hasn’t gone bad.
Wrapping Up
Keep a close eye on your almond milk regardless of how long you plan to keep it. It is easy to notice when your almond milk has gone rancid but can also be easy to ignore the first stages.
Unopened shelf-stable almond milk stored in the refrigerator should last 4 to 6 weeks but know that once you open it, you have to consume it within 7 to 10 days.
Continue reading:
- Do Canned Biscuits Go Bad? What to Know
- Does Baking Soda Go Bad? Here’s How to Tell
- Can Canola Oil Go Bad? Here’s What to Know
- Does Canned Pineapple Go Bad? What to Know
