Almond milk has become one of the most popular dairy milk substitutes. Vegans, lactose-intolerant people, and people on a weight-loss program are the most likely to consume it. As a result of the increased usage, questions about almond milk consumption have arisen. One of such questions is if almond milk needs to be refrigerated.
In short, Yes, almond milk needs to be refrigerated. Both homemade and packaged almond milk that has been opened need to be refrigerated.
People sometimes wonder if the storing procedures are the same for both types of almond milk and if one type lasts longer than the other.
We’ve included all you need to know about preserving your almond milk, its nutritional information, and recommendations for using almond milk before, during, and after it has been consumed.
Almond Milk Nutrition
These are the nutritional elements per 100m of Almond milk you drink. Every 100m of Almond milk contains 17 calories.
| Nutritional element | Amount/unit |
| Total fat | 0.3 g |
| Saturated fat | 0 g |
| Monounsaturated fat | 0.83 g |
| Polyunsaturated fat | 0.21 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 75 mg |
| Potassium | 79 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 0.83 g |
| Dietary fiber | 0.4 g |
| Sugar | 0.42 g |
| Protein | 0.42 g |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg |
| Vitamin A | 208 IU |
| Vitamin D | 42 IU |
| Iron | 0.15 mg |
| Magnesium | – |
| Calcium | 42 mg |
| Cobalamin | – |
Does Almond Milk Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, almond milk needs to be refrigerated. Almond milk needs to be refrigerated when it is homemade and when its package has been opened.
For clarity, almond milk can be homemade and purchased from stores. Packaged almond milk has preservatives giving it a longer shelf life than homemade almond milk. The package, however, must be kept refrigerated once it has been opened.
How Long Does Almond Milk Last?
Almond milk can be made at home or purchased in a store. Homemade almond milk has a lower shelf life than store-bought almond milk.
Because homemade almond milk has no preservatives, it should be consumed within 3 to 4 days of purchase. It must be kept refrigerated during this time. Almond milk should be consumed within two hours if left unrefrigerated. Food poisoning may occur if consumed after this time.
Unopened almond milk is shelf-stable (it does not need to be kept in the refrigerator) and can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 weeks. Although freezing almond milk enhances its shelf life, you should only do it if you want to use it in culinary or baking recipes.
After opening a package of almond milk, it must be eaten within 7 to 10 days. During this time, it must be kept refrigerated. Food poisoning may occur if consumed after this time.
How Long Can Opened Almond Milk Sit Out?
Opened almond milk can sit on the counter for not longer than a day while opened almond milk can last at least a week. Unopened almond milk that has been packaged and pasteurized will be safe at room temperature for 6 to 8 weeks, but you have to ensure this is still within its best before date. Almond milk left out overnight at room temperature can have an unsafe level of bacteria.
There is shelf-stable almond milk that doesn’t need to be refrigerated until they are opened. Opened almond milk needs to be refrigerated or consumed within 2 hours or bacteria will grow on it rapidly if left at room temperature for too long.
How to Store Almond Milk The Right Way
Almond milk that is shelf-stable should be kept in light, airy cabinets or shelves.
After breaking the seal on your almond milk pack, place it in the back of the refrigerator or in the main body, where the temperature is most constant, to keep the almond milk fresh.
Almond milk produced at home should be kept refrigerated. Make sure they’re kept in airtight containers and kept in the main body where the temperature stays consistent. Keep them out of the refrigerator door. If they’re stored there, they’ll go bad quickly.
Tips for Your Almond milk
- Check the recommended consumption on your Almond milk package.
- Before purchase, check the package for signs of a broken seal.
- Check the expiration date of your almond milk to know the shelf life of your almond milk.
- Almond milk should not be kept at refrigerator doors but inside. This is because the temperature at refrigerator doors tends to fluctuate and could lower the lifespan of your almond milk.
- Use air-tight containers to store your almond milk.
- If you’re going to use your almond milk for cooking rather than drinking, don’t freeze it. Almond milk loses its nutritional value and consistency when frozen, making it unfit for consumption.
- Changes in color, an unpleasant odor, a thicker texture, and lumps in almond milk are all signs of spoilt almond milk.
- Don’t consume almond milk that has gone bad. Food poisoning can occur as a result of consumption.
- Avoid excessive intake as it could lead to gastrointestinal reactions.
- Avoid intake if you are allergic to nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is almond milk OK if not refrigerated?
Yes, almond milk is fine if it isn’t refrigerated, but it depends on whether it was just prepared or if it was unrefrigerated within two hours. Anything else renders your almond milk unsuitable for consumption.
Does silk almond milk need to be refrigerated?
Yes, silk almond milk needs to be refrigerated if the seal has been broken. This helps maintain the freshness of the almond milk. Silk almond milk should be consumed within 7 days.
How long can almond milk sit out unrefrigerated?
Almond milk can sit unrefrigerated for about 2 hours and should be consumed within this period.
How do I tell if almond milk is bad?
You can tell almond is bad from the color (almond milk may appear yellow), an awful smell, and the thickness of the mixture. Look out for lumps in the milk.
Final Note
To preserve the freshness of your almond milk, it is best to keep it refrigerated regardless of whether it is homemade or packaged.
Consider the tips we have recommended for you as they would guide you before, during, and after using your almond milk. Enjoy your almond milk with a nice snack!
