Almond milk is a great, dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk that is often used in coffee, cereal, and smoothies. However, does almond milk need to be refrigerated? We’ll answer that question today along with many other questions you may have. By the end, you’ll know everything you need to know about almond milk. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Almond Milk?
The result of grinding natural almonds with water is what is known as almond milk. Although its name alludes to a dairy product, it is derived from a seed. It’s of vegetable origin and is recognized for its unique flavor.
Although it is not of animal origin, it provides proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, but to a lesser extent than the milk of animal origin. The use of almond milk in diet regimens is currently widespread because its fat content is lower.
What Does Almond Milk Taste Like?
First of all, it does not taste like almonds. Almond seed in its pure state has a pervasive taste and leaves a slightly greasy texture in the mouth. When ground, this effect disappears. And the flavor is diluted in the purified water. Natural almond milk has a neutral, fresh taste similar to the mouthfeel of eating nuts.
Most almond milk presentations on the market have vanilla incorporated. You can choose from an almost infinite variety of brands. The quantity and quality of vanilla are used to distinguish one brand from another. Poor quality packaged almond milk has an unpleasant taste of wet cardboard.
How Long Does Almond Milk Last?
Like other plant-based products, almond milk is easily damaged. Most brands use amounts modest preservatives because consumers tend to have high-quality standards. The fewer preservatives a brand has, the more acceptance it has in the plant-based milk market.
So in its commercial version, almond milk usually lasts 7 days refrigerated. Out of the refrigerator, do not expect it to last more than one night with its original flavor and benefits.
Does Almond Milk Go Bad If Left Out?
Another question might be in your mind does Almond Milk go bad? and the answer is, Yes. Almond milk is a popular type of milk that is made from almonds. Though it has around 10 months shelf life and it goes bad for a long period of time. However, almond milk can be pasteurized, which kills some of the bacteria that can cause food to spoil.
It is not advisable to leave almond milk overnight out of the refrigerator. You can make almond milk preparations that include other foods with preservatives. But milk alone is best stored in the fridge. Mixed with fruit or pure cereals, it can spoil overnight. The taste of your milk will become bitter and unpalatable.
Shelf-Stable vs Refrigerated Almond Milk
A packaged vegetable milk traveled in a truck at 30°C to sit on a shelf for up to 2 years with no impact on shelf life. It was subjected to an invasive pasteurization process that altered its chemical composition.
Although, it does not reduce its nutritional value. It only has more preservatives. The almond milk in the refrigerators is usually from brands with expiration dates closer to purchase. It tastes fresher, not to say better. But if you prefer fewer preservatives in your breakfast, opt for a brand in the refrigerator.
Does Almond Milk Need to Be Refrigerated?
If you have opened the package, you should refrigerate the almond milk. If the container is unopened, there are two options:
1. For long-life almond milk, look for a dry place in the kitchen. It can be kept at room temperature until its expiration date, as it remains on the supermarket shelves where you buy it.
2. For fresh almond milk, which you find refrigerated in the supermarket, the refrigerator is the right place. Even if you have not opened the package, fresh almond milk needs a temperature close to 5ºC.
Does Silk Almond Milk Need to Be Refrigerated
Yes, Silk almond milk, like other dairy products, needs to be stored in the fridge in order to retain its nutty flavor. The unopened silk almond milk has a shelf life of almost 10 months. Once it’s opened, silk almond milk should be consumed within 8-10 days.
Why Is Some Almond Milk Not Refrigerated?
The almond milk on the shelf is sterilized, pasteurized, and homogenized. In addition, manufacturers package them in special containers. The carton is different from the cartons used for fresh almond milk.
The aseptic packaging of long-life almond milk extends its shelf life at room temperature. It is achievable by vacuum packing the almond milk. The plastic-coated aluminum keeps the almond away from oxygen and pathogens.
How to Tell if Almond Milk Is Bad?
If your almond milk has spoiled, the container is the first sign. A swollen package has spoiled almond milk inside. The second sign is the smell. Does the almond milk taste sour? If the answer is yes, it is spoiled.
Without even tasting it, you can tell if your almond milk is spoiled if you notice lumps floating in the liquid. Do not consume it if it appears coagulated.
Does Almond Milk Curdle?
Yes, if you subject your almond milk to sudden temperature changes, it can curdle fairly easily. It will also do so when in contact with acidic elements. You can even make cheese by cutting fresh almond milk with vinegar, lemon, or rennet.
Whenever you heat almond milk or non-dairy milk, you should do so over low heat. Stir with a spoon to prevent the bottom of the pot from sticking. Non-dairy milk can create sediment when standing. If you expose your almond milk to heat for a long time, lumps appear, and it becomes homogenized.
What Happens if You Drink Spoiled Almond Milk?
Damaged almond milk cannot kill you or make you seriously ill but it can cause stomach upset if you consume a considerable amount of spoiled almond milk. It may cause vomiting and, with any luck, a fever.
Can You Get Food Poisoning From Almond Milk?
Any spoiled food can cause food poisoning. People with allergies or compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to food poisoning from damaged almond milk. However, it is difficult to get food poisoning with so many signs of spoiled almond milk. Check your almond milk before consuming it, and you will keep food poisoning away.
How Should You Store Your Almond Milk?
Once you open your almond milk, store it in the refrigerator. Avoid using the refrigerator door to keep your almond milk packaging because the food is subject to temperature changes in the fridge. Almond milk is vulnerable to spoilage in an open refrigerator many times a day.
It is best to keep almond milk in its original packaging until it runs out. For long-life almond milk, a dry place works well until the expiration date.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
Yes, only there will be slight changes in the almond milk. Although it will not be damaged, it will not have the same fluid appearance when thawed.
Your almond milk will still be suitable for smoothies or cooked preparations. But if you use it raw in cereals, it will have a lumpier and less homogeneous appearance.
Leave some space in the container; fill up to 3/4 of the contents of the container. Your almond milk will expand during the freezing.
It is convenient to add a date label to the container to help you track the freeze start date of your almond milk. This way, you can know how long it has been since the expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can Almond Milk Sit Out Unrefrigerated?
A few hours if the package is already opened. It is not advisable to leave almond milk unrefrigerated. Take out of the refrigerator just before almond milk consumption.
Does Almond Milk Really Go Bad 7 Days After Opening?
It can last about three more days. Its maximum vulnerability to damage is ten days. After that period, it not only has a less pleasant appearance and flavor but is also prone to producing stomach upset. Almond milk is a vegetable product that is more prone to spoilage than animal milk.
What Does It Mean If There Are Black Specks In Almond Milk?
It means that you cannot use almond milk. The presence of blackheads is characteristic of almond milk infected by a fungus. Humidity in the environment or temperature changes can cause blackheads in your milk. In addition to being unhygienic, consuming milk with fungus is unsightly.
It is possible that instead of mold-like spots, you may see small dark debris in your almond milk. These could be remnants of the almond shells. Shell residues in almond milk are harmless to your health.
Is It Safe To Drink Unopened Almond Milk Past Its Expiration Date?
No. Some foods can be consumed a few days after their expiration date. But this is not the case for foods of plant origin. Almond milk has a maximum expiration date that you must respect. Expired almond milk can cause severe stomach damage and allergic reactions.
Although almonds in their pure state do not go bad in years when they are turned into milk, they lose this longevity. The contact with water turns them into a fresh consumption product.
Is Almond Milk Okay If Left out Overnight?
No. Overnight outside the refrigerator, the almond milk ferments. The ambient temperature changes the composition of your almond milk. An open package outside the fridge is also exposed to oxygen and microorganisms that can cause bacteria to appear in your milk. Milk of vegetable origin is a favorite home for bacteria.
Overnight, your milk can break down, curdle, or ferment due to the action of bacteria. But even the presence of bacteria in your almond milk may not be noticeable. They may still cause unnecessary stomach upset.