Are you vegan or lactose intolerant? Or want a change of taste from your regular dairy milk?
If your answer is Yes then it is time to give almond milk a try.
But, now you might be wondering: Does almond milk go bad?
Well, the answer depends on what type of almond milk you use. If you use homemade almond milk, storing it in a fridge can last up to 3-4 days. But store-bought almond milk can last up to 7 days under proper conditions.
Read further to know all there is about almond milk.
Different Types Of Almond Milk And How To Store Them?
Are you someone who drinks almond milk often? If yes, then you know about the 3 different types of almond milk available. They are:
● Homemade almond milk
● Shelf-stable almond milk
● Refrigerated almond milk
Knowing different types of milk will help you understand their characteristics. You will also know how to store them to keep them fresh and long-lasting.
1. Homemade Almond Milk
Homemade almond milk is something that each one of us can make with little effort. It is not only easy to make but is also free from preservatives. All you have to do is soak some almonds overnight. Next, skin them and blend them raw.
Once done with the procedure, you can consume the milk within 2-3 hours. If you have any leftover milk, you can store it in the refrigerator. Storing it in a cool place can guarantee its freshness for about 7 days. But here’s the deal: after 7 days, the almond milk will go bad even in a fridge. So, make sure you consume it within a week.
2. Shelf-stable almond milk
The shelf-stable almond milk is the most popular in today’s time. It comes in an aseptic container or tetra packs. The manufacturing process makes it safe from microbes. The tetra pack protects the milk from light and air. This prevents the growth of microbes, ensuring the milk retains its nutritional value. The shelf-stable almond milk, unless cut open, can last for months. But once open, you must consume it within a day or two before it goes bad.
3. Refrigerated Almond Milk
Refrigerated milk is like homemade almond milk. The only exception is the addition of extra ingredients. Some of these ingredients are vitamins, emulsifiers, and preservatives. You can buy refrigerated milk from a store. After using the milk, you need to store it at refrigeration temperatures. Leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours will spoil the milk. Thus, make sure you keep the milk at cooler temperatures.
Another plus point about refrigerated milk is that it goes through pasteurization. This process helps increase the shelf life of your milk by destroying bacteria during packing.
Also Read: Does Cake Mix Go Bad?
How Long Does Almond Milk Stay Fresh?
Most milk packs are ultra-pasteurized at a temperature of 280℉. After the heating process, the milk content goes through a quick cooling process. The pasteurization process extends the product’s shelf life by killing the bacteria.
A shelf-stable almond milk can sit at room temperature for weeks without going bad. Before buying, check the package for the “best before” date. After using the pack once, make sure you refrigerate the remaining. Several brands leave out the preservatives to keep the milk natural. Make sure to give the package a quick read before making the buy.
One thing to remember: Opening almond milk will expose it to bacteria. Make sure to refrigerate it to keep it fresh. Remember to consume the milk within an hour or two.
Quick Tip: When refrigerating almond milk, ensure the temperature is 40°F or below. This will prevent the content from turning sour. If your room temperature is above 90°F, don’t let almond milk sit out for more than 1 hour.
When storing the almond milk in the fridge, ensure the temperature is stable. Frequent temperature changes will shorten the milk’s shelf life. In this case, place your milk at the back of your fridge.
Benefits of almond milk
Apart from having high vitamin E value, it offers many benefits:
● Fewer calories
● Low sugar content
● Rich in oleic acid
● Maintains cholesterol level
● Reduces the chances of heart diseases
Also Read: How Long Do Onions Last?
What are the Side effects of consuming expired almond milk?
Did you ever drink a glass of milk that tasted funny? Maybe, maybe not. But if you ever drink a cup of rotten almond milk, you are in for many side effects. A common side effect of drinking expired almond milk is food poisoning. Food poisoning brings with it several other symptoms. Some of them are:
- Fever, fatigue, and weakness
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Nausea, chills, and muscle aches
- Loss of appetite and constant stomach pain
Apart from the above symptoms, you can also get acute gastrointestinal distress. This can further lead to serious allergic reactions, increasing your visits to the doctor.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is almond milk okay if left out overnight?
Ans. NO. If you left almond milk out overnight, it is better to throw it away. Remember, almond milk will rot after 2 hours when left at room temperature.
Q2. Can almond milk sit out for 5 hours?
Ans. If your Almond milk is sitting out for 5 hours, it is time to throw it away. Consuming almond milk sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours will make you sick.
Q3. Can I drink milk left out for 5 hours?
Ans. Any perishable foods, like almond milk, should be in a cool, dry place. If it is left out for 5 hours or more, DO NOT DRINK THE MILK. There is a strong chance of the milk getting infected with bacteria. Toss away the milk to avoid getting sick.
Q4. What happens if you drink milk that has been left out for a day?
Ans. Whether you find signs of molds in the milk or not. If it is left out for more than a day, there is a 100% chance that it is not edible. If you still drink the milk, you might end up having cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and fever.
Q5. Can you get sick from drinking milk that was left out overnight?
Ans. Yes. there is a 100% chance that you may get sick from drinking milk that was left out overnight. The symptoms can include stomach distress that may even lead to severe abdominal cramping. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
The Bottom Line
Almond milk is a nutritious and delicious alternative to dairy products. With its myriad benefits like health-friendly and low-calorie, it is gaining worldwide popularity. That being said, almond milk will be beneficial when consumed with care. Key points to remember: don’t leave the almond milk for more than 1-2 hours. If you have unopened almond milk, it can last for up to 6-8 weeks at room temperature.
Check for the “best before” or “use by” date on the package to avoid getting ill. If the milk is sitting for more than an hour, check for signs of spoilage before consuming. Lastly, make sure to store it in a container that does not let the air pass through. Store the container at the back of the refrigerator to maintain a stable temperature.
