When it comes to alternative milks, despite the rise of newcomers (banana milk, anyone?), almond milk continues to be among the most popular. And with good reason: It offers several nutritional benefits, including being high in protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats that support brain health.
Not to mention, the household staple goes goes great with so many things—overnight oats, cereal, and pumpkin spice lattes, to name a few—making it a must-have that’s great to always have on hand. But if you, like us, have ever wondered: Does almond milk go bad? And how quickly compared to, say, dairy milk? Good news: We speed-dialed Trevor Craig, a food safety expert and corporate director of technical training and consulting at Microbac Laboratories, and registered dietitian Brittany Modell, RD, for some answers. Ahead, we're sharing tips on how to check whether your almond milk (and other dairy-free milk) has gone bad if you’re a little iffy.
- Brittany Modell, MS, RD, CDN, New York City-based registered dietitian
- Trevor Craig, a food safety expert and corporate director of technical training and consulting at Microbac Laboratories
So really, does almond milk go bad?
The short answer is yes. Almond milk does go bad, and that goes for all types: shelf-stable, refrigerated, and homemade. The two contributing factors to keep in mind are expiration date and proper storage, according to Modell. For instance, she says, even if you opt for shelf-stable almond milk, it must be refrigerated after opening it, or else it will spoil. But more details on that ahead.
How can you tell if almond milk has gone bad?
According to Craig, the best way to tell if your almond milk has gone bad is to use your senses. (And this applies to any other type of dairy-free milk as well, he adds.) So, before you splash a generous amount of almond milk in your cereal bowl, Craig advises you give it a good inspection. "It would be the same way you would do with regular milk: Use your senses. If it smells off or sour, it’s most likely time to toss the product. You might also see some visual changes like separation or texture changes, but it will most likely smell off first before you’re likely to see this," Craig says.
3 telltale signs your almond milk has gone bad
1. It smells sour
According to Modell, almond milk should smell slightly nutty and sweet. So, if you give it a good sniff and it smells more like sweaty workout clothes you left in a bag for too long, it’s time to toss it. A rancid smell is also a sign you shouldn't drink the milk anymore.
2. Packaging starts to swell
Once it spoils, the packaging may expand or puff up, Modell says. Swollen packaging can be indicative of microbial growth due to carbon dioxide gas release from microorganisms inside the product. As such, if you notice this occurring with the bottle of almond milk sitting in your fridge, it may be time to part ways.
3. The consistency changes
Almond milk that has gone bad can also become thick and clumpy. Modell notes that sometimes it does separate, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s spoiled milk. Give it a good shake. If it’s still chunky after shaking, she recommends throwing it out.
How long almond milk lasts, by type
Homemade
Modell says that homemade almond milk or a fresh bottle from a local purveyor will typically go bad sooner than its store-bought counterparts since it doesn’t contain any additives to help preserve it. Expect a lifespan of five to seven days.
Store-bought, refrigerated
“Commercially made almond milk is usually ultra-pasteurized,” Modell says, which means it undergoes a heating process that kills bacteria and extends the product’s shelf life. For this type of milk, Modell recommends consuming it within seven days of opening the bottle. Her pro tip: “When possible, store it in the back of your fridge, where the temperature tends to be the coldest,” she says. This can help prolong its lifespan a few days. Keep in mind, Craig says ultrahigh temperature (UHT) pasteurized dairy-free milk can last for a few months unopened. The key is that it's unopened, though. So, no peeking!
Shelf-stable, unrefrigerated
So, what kind of milk lasts the longest? Shelf-stable, unrefrigerated almond milk is your gal (that takes the longest to expire). Modell says it can typically last one to two months unopened, but it will vary by brand, so just be sure to check the expiration date. “Be sure to store in cool, dry, and dark areas away from sunlight and heat,” she adds. Once you open the bottle, it’s best to consume it within seven to 10 days. And once it’s open, pop it in the refrigerator, ASAP.
Is it okay to drink expired almond milk?
According to Craig, it's important to distinguish the difference between an expired and spoiled product. "Shelf life is not a measurement of food safety, but [rather] of food quality," he says. In other words, Craig explains that the "expiration date is a measurement of when the food is of the highest quality in taste, texture, smell, and so on, when stored properly." But it's a fine line to toe. "That isn’t to say milk past its expiration date might not make you feel great if the bacteria count inside is very high, but that’s different than food-borne illnesses like salmonella, listeria, E.coli, etc.," Craig says.
There are other factors that can also impact the freshness of a product. "It’s also important to note that a product not stored correctly will change that shelf life anyway. Even unopened dairy milk left at a warm temperature won’t make it to its expiration date," Craig explains.
Your best bet? Checking for signs of spoilage and consuming almond milk by its use-by date to err on the side of caution. However, if you're within a few days out from what's on the expiration label, chances are it'll still be safe to consume. As a rule of thumb, Craig says unopened non-dairy milk can last one to two months when it's UHT pasteurized. However, once opened, it’s probably good for about a week.
Tips for buying almond milk
What type of almond milk you purchase comes down to personal preference—for instance, sweetened vs. unsweetened. The same goes for ingredients. Modell says some people enjoy almond milk with a creamy texture, which may contain more additives, while others may prefer theirs with minimal ingredients. There’s no right or wrong choice here, folks.
However, Modell notes that most almond milk products tend to be low-calorie, low-protein. So, if you’re looking for a substitute that’s more nutritionally similar to cow’s milk, she says protein-rich soy milk may be a better option. Lastly, cost, access, and convenience are important factors to consider when shopping for almond milk. “It may make more sense for someone to purchase a shelf-stable option if they don’t go to the store often or if the price tag is more budget-friendly,” Modell says.
Still not sure what type of almond milk to buy? Modell says Califia Farms, Malk, and Elmhurst are all great options.
What's the best way to store almond milk
According to Craig, the colder you can keep an almond milk carton, the better. "It’s best to keep it cold. That means only taking it out for use and making sure to keep the door of your refrigerator closed so it maintains that steady temperature," he says. He also recommends not leaving the lid off for long, to help reduce the "exposure to the environment and potential bacteria around it."
An RD walks us through the benefits of the many delicious alt-milk options on the market:
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