Vegan or lactose intolerant? I bet you’ve discovered almond milk already. Whether store-bought or homemade, this alternative to cow’s milk is a favorite among the plant-based milk crowd.
Fresh almond milk is super easy to make yourself at home, but if you don’t have the patience, then it’s available at most supermarkets. Just watch for ones with added sugars or lots of preservatives, as they can often be very high in calories.
The best storage practices will vary depending on which almond milk you have. Let’s look at what they are.
How To Store Almond Milk?
Whether store-bought or homemade, it’s essential to follow a few guidelines to ensure your almond milk, or any milk for that matter, remains in tip-top condition for the longest possible time.
When it comes to commercially bought almond milk, you should always refrigerate it right from the start. These cartons can be found in the fridge section of your local store, and maintaining their cool temperature is crucial. On the other hand, shelf-stable almond milk cartons can be stored in the pantry or cupboard until ready for use. However, once opened, they should also be refrigerated to keep them fresh.
Homemade almond milk has no preservatives so that one must be immediately refrigerated after making it. I find it works best in a glass jar so you can easily check for signs of spoilage.
Store your almond milk in the back of the fridge. It is best to avoid storing cartons in the refrigerator door, as the temperature in this area fluctuates with each opening and closing of the door. By placing it in the back where temperatures are colder and more consistent, you can extend its freshness.
For unopened shelf-stable cartons, find a space with a steady room temperature. Be cautious of areas that can become too hot, as excessive heat can spoil the milk before opening. Always refer to the carton for specific temperature recommendations.
Lastly, ensure that you tightly seal the carton after use. This not only keeps oxygen out but also prevents the growth of bacteria.
Can You Freeze Almond Milk?
Although it is safe to freeze almond milk, when thawed, almond milk tends to separate, leading to changes in its flavor and consistency. You can give it a whirl with an immersion blender to try and fix it, but it may not work well. It still should be perfectly usable, but it’s not quite as nice.
How To Defrost Almond Milk
To defrost almond milk, you have a few options depending on how quickly you need it. One approach is to place the desired amount of almond milk in the refrigerator overnight. This allows it to defrost slowly and return to its liquid form. However, bear in mind that if you’re dealing with a large container, it might take longer than overnight to defrost fully.
If you’re in a hurry, another option is to use warm water. Simply submerge the frozen carton into a larger bowl filled with warm water. Alternatively, if you’re working with almond milk cubes, place them in a baggie and submerge them into a bowl of warm water or run them under the faucet until the milk has completely defrosted.
Defrosting almond milk while cooking is not recommended. This method can result in a strange flavor or consistency in your recipe since you won’t have the chance to add the defrosted almond milk to your blender to emulsify it all back together.
How Long Does Almond Milk Last?
- Almond milk that is shelf-stable and unopened can be safely consumed for up to 6 months past its best-by date when stored in a pantry.
- Once opened, shelf-stable almond milk should be consumed within 7 to 10 days for optimal freshness.
- Almond milk that is refrigerated and unopened can typically be used for an additional 5 to 7 days past its use-by date.
- After opening, refrigerated almond milk should ideally be consumed within 7 to 10 days to ensure it’s still fresh.
- Homemade almond milk generally stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
How To Know When Almond Milk Is Rancid?
If you happen to notice any of these signs, it might be time to bid farewell to that almond milk, even if it hasn’t reached its best-by:
First off, take a look at the carton. If it appears bloated, with a plump and swollen appearance, chances are it has gone bad. Trust your senses when it comes to the smell as well. Although almond milk usually carries a subtle nutty aroma, any unpleasant odors or hints of sour milk indicate that it’s time to say goodbye.
Keep an eye out for any changes in appearance, too. While shaking homemade almond milk can often restore its normal consistency after separation, if you start noticing lumps, unusual textures, curdling, or a strange consistency that defies restoration, it’s a sure sign that your almond milk has turned bad.
The presence of mold is another telltale sign. If you spot any spots or specks of fungus growing inside the milk container, it’s time to discard the milk. Even if you come across tiny black spots, which could be specks of almond skin in homemade almond milk, it’s better not to take risks and still opt for disposal.
Lastly, pay attention to the taste. While almond milk typically carries a subtle nutty flavor, coupled with varying degrees of sweetness or flavorings depending on the brand or type, any “off” or sour taste when you take a sip is a strong indicator that it has gone bad and is no longer good for consumption.
FAQs
Almond milk may still be safe for consumption beyond its best by, so look for signs of rancidity as listed in the article. If you find any, it is best not to drink it. If you don’t, it might be okay.
Almond milk has protein but not as much as dairy milk. The amount of protein varies if it is store-bought or homemade.
In store-bought almond milk, sometimes only a tiny percentage of almonds are in it, like 2%! The rest is all water and other additives. In homemade almond milk, the percentage of almonds is much higher!
Almond milk can be used as a drink. It can also be used in cereal, muesli, oats, tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. I use it daily in smoothies for a great flavor. It can also be used in cooking and baking instead of regular milk. Just make sure you use the unsweetened kind.
While almond milk is not as nutritionally rich as cow’s milk, enriched variations often include additional vitamin D, calcium, and protein, aligning them more closely with standard dairy in terms of nutritional value. Homemade almond milk naturally boasts a wealth of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E.
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