When Does Almond Milk Go Bad?

Almond milk has skyrocketed in popularity over recent decades and is among the most popular types of milk. If you have a container of it at home, you should know when to expect it to go bad!

When sealed, almond milk won’t go bad for several months. Once opened, try to use almond milk within 7-10 days for optimal taste and freshness!

There are several types of almond milk, which impacts when it goes bad. We’ll explain that all next!

What is almond milk?

Almond milk is one of the most popular non-dairy plant-based milk alternatives on the market. It’s made by soaking and blending almonds with water and then straining the solids from the liquid.

You can easily make almond milk at home with a blender and a nut milk bag, or you can easily find a commercial version in grocery stores. Commercial versions of almond milk usually contain added nutrients like calcium, as well as added thickeners like guar gum or carrageenan. 

You can find almond milk in the refrigerated section, but some brands also make shelf-stable versions (ultra-high temperature milk) that are good for months at room temperature.

Almond milk is vegan, Paleo-friendly, and keto-friendly when it’s unsweetened. (Some versions are sweetened and flavored – the most common flavors are vanilla and chocolate.) 

What is the shelf life of almond milk?

Refrigerated

Refrigerated commercial almond milk should last several months when it’s sealed and stored properly (in the refrigerator below 40 degrees Fahrenheit). Once opened, though, it’s generally recommended to use the almond milk within 7-10 days – but check the label for specific recommendations.

Shelf-stable

If almond milk is stored in aseptic packaging at room temperature, it’s shelf-stable/UHT milk! This type of milk stores for months at room temperature and doesn’t need to be refrigerated until it’s opened, which is one of its major perks.

Once opening shelf-stable almond milk, treat it like regular refrigerated almond milk: keep it in the fridge and use it within 7-10 days.

Homemade

Many people choose to make their own almond milk at home because of how easy it is! If you make homemade almond milk, store it in a sealed container and use it within five days of making it.

How long does almond milk last after opening?

Store-bought almond milk lasts around 7-10 days after opening, while homemade almond milk lasts around five days after making it.

Can you use almond milk after its expiration date?

Almond milk typically comes with a best-by date, not an expiration date. If almond milk has been sealed, it’s likely fine to use a couple of weeks past its best-by date. If it’s shelf-stable and sealed, almond milk is likely good even 4-6 weeks past its best-by date.

The good news is that almond milk isn’t as likely to go bad as cow’s milk, so you have a bit more wiggle room.

How to tell if almond milk went bad

Almond milk can start to get funky after time, so watch out for some of the signs that it’s gone bad.

You can tell if almond milk has gone bad if:

• It has clumps or separation occurs even after you’ve given it a good shake.
• It tastes bad – almond milk should have a nutty, pleasant flavor.
• The smell is “off” – it won’t smell like old cow’s milk, but it won’t smell as good as fresh almond milk.

What’s the danger in using almond milk after it’s gone bad?

Almond milk isn’t likely to make you seriously sick after it’s gone bad, but it won’t be pleasant to drink. 

Using almond milk after it’s gone bad might give you a sour stomach at worst, but it doesn’t pose serious health risks like contaminated meat and produce can since commercial almond milk is pasteurized to kill any seriously harmful bacteria.

Best storage practices for almond milk

• Store refrigerated almond milk in the fridge in a sealed container. Shelf-stable almond milk can be kept at room temperature, but once you open it it also needs to go in the fridge.
• You can freeze almond milk, but it’s not recommended because it will separate, which makes its texture less appealing. (Commercial versions specify ‘do not freeze’ on the label.)
• Don’t store shelf-stable almond milk in excessively hot or humid temperatures, which can shorten its shelf life.

	Refrigerator – open container	Refrigerator – sealed container	Room temperature – sealed
Refrigerated commercial almond milk	7-10 days	Best-by date, or a few weeks past	N/A
Shelf-stable commercial almond milk	7-10 days	4-6 weeks past best-by date	4-6 weeks past best-by date
Homemade almond milk	~5 days after making	N/A	N/A

FAQs:

Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same