Almond MilkShelf Life, Storage, and Spoilage Guide
Pantry
Unopened: Until 'Best by' date; Opened: Unsafe
Store unopened shelf-stable almond milk in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight. Once opened, it must be refrigerated immediately and is unsafe for pantry storage.
Refrigerator
7-10 days after opening
Keep opened almond milk tightly sealed in its original container in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Do not store in the refrigerator door, as temperatures can fluctuate.
Freezer
1-2 months (quality may be affected)
While safe to freeze, almond milk may separate or become grainy upon thawing, affecting its texture and consistency. For best quality, freeze in small, airtight containers or ice cube trays. Thaw in the refrigerator.
Signs of Spoilage
- Sour or off odor
- Thickened or lumpy texture
- Discoloration (e.g., yellowish tint)
- Mold growth
- Bloated or bulging container (for unopened shelf-stable products, indicates spoilage)
Room Temperature Safety
The danger zone for food is between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C), where bacteria can multiply rapidly.
Discard any almond milk that has been left in the danger zone for longer than the recommended time limits, as harmful bacteria can grow to unsafe levels even if spoilage signs are not visible.
Safe Handling
Always check the 'Best by' or 'Use by' date on unopened packages.
Refrigerate almond milk immediately after opening.
Do not consume if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F/32°C).
Avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils and containers when pouring or serving.