Hazelnut milk is rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially antioxidant vitamin E!), and healthy fats. You can buy it store-bought or make your own – but what’s the best way to store it?
Hazelnut milk should be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator until the best-by or use-by date. Once opened, use hazelnut milk within 7-10 days. If it’s a shelf-stable version, it doesn’t have to be refrigerated until it’s opened but should be kept at room temperature and out of extreme heat and humidity.
We’ll offer more suggestions on the best way to store hazelnut milk next!
What is hazelnut milk?
Hazelnut milk is made from soaked hazelnuts blended with water. You can make hazelnut milk at home or buy store-bought versions.
Store-bought versions of hazelnut milk don’t typically have nutrients added to them like other popular plant-based milks, so it’s not a good source of calcium or vitamin D. It is rich in vitamin E, though!
Hazelnut milk is suitable for people with a milk allergy, peanut allergy, and soy allergy, but not for people with tree nut allergies. It’s vegan, Paleo-friendly, and keto-friendly when it’s unsweetened.
What’s the best way to store hazelnut milk?
Store-bought hazelnut milk
Store-bought versions of hazelnut milk will have a best-by or use-by date printed on them, which makes it easier to ascertain how long you can keep hazelnut milk in the fridge (or room temperature for UHT milk) before it needs to be tossed.
Refrigerated
If the hazelnut milk was cold when you bought it, it needs to be kept in the fridge! Store hazelnut milk in the refrigerator unopened until its best-by or use-by date. Once opened, store hazelnut milk in the fridge and use it within 7-10 days, and make sure it’s tightly sealed!
Shelf-stable
Shelf-stable versions of hazelnut milk (ultra-high temperature milk/UHT milk) can be kept at room temperature in normal humidity for several months as long as the temperature doesn’t exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Once opened, UHT hazelnut milk should be stored in the fridge and used within 7-10 days.
Homemade hazelnut milk
You can easily make your own hazelnut milk at home if you prefer that over store-bought versions. If you make homemade hazelnut milk, be sure to store it in the fridge and use it within 3-5 days for optimal freshness. Homemade hazelnut milk might separate a bit the longer it’s stored, so be sure to give it a good shake before you use it!
Factors that influence hazelnut milk storage
Temperature
The biggest impact on hazelnut milk storage is the temperature. Unless you have UHT hazelnut milk (shelf-stable milk that can be kept at room temperature when sealed), hazelnut milk should stay in the fridge at all times to prevent spoiling.
Container
Be sure to keep hazelnut milk in a sealed container, which can help it from going bad and prolong its shelf life when stored. As soon as the container is opened, the milk should be used within 7-10 days.
Homemade vs. store-bought
Homemade nut milk like hazelnut milk might not last as long as the store-bought kind, but only by a little. Most homemade recipes for nut milk encourage using the nut milk within 4-5 days, and store-bought kinds suggest using it 7-10 days after opening.
Signs that hazelnut milk has spoiled
Watch out for some signs that hazelnut milk has spoiled, such as:
Taste: Hazelnut milk should have a pleasant nutty flavor. If it tastes bad – sour, bitter, or any other off-putting flavor – then it can be a sign that it’s going bad.
Appearance: Hazelnut milk has a light brown color from the skins of the hazelnuts. If it changes color, develops large clumps, or drastically changes over time, it can be a sign that it’s been sitting too long and needs to be tossed.
It’s normal for hazelnut milk to separate a bit after it’s been sitting – especially for homemade versions. Separation isn’t necessarily a sign that it’s going bad – just give it a good shake to remix it into a smooth consistency.
Smell: Hazelnut milk should have a neutral, slightly nutty aroma when you give it a sniff. If the scent is off-putting, then err on the safe side and discard the rest.
FAQs:
Hazelnut milk should last 7-10 days after opening, if not longer. If the container is sealed, refer to the printed use-by or best-by date on the carton, which will vary depending on the type (refrigerated vs. shelf stable).
Hazelnut milk has a pale brown color, similar to chocolate milk. That’s completely normal and not cause for concern!
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