✔ Updated · opened, unopened and homemade times, spoilage signs and storage
Yes, almond milk goes bad, and once you open it the clock is ticking: about 7 to 10 days in the fridge. Here's how long each type keeps and the easy signs it's time to pour it out.
Yes, almond milk can go bad. Once opened, store-bought almond milk lasts about 7 to 10 days in the fridge at 40°F or below, whether it was sold chilled or shelf-stable. Unopened shelf-stable cartons keep in the pantry until the best-by date; unopened chilled cartons keep in the fridge until their use-by date. Homemade almond milk lasts only 3 to 4 days. Throw it out if it smells sour, tastes off, is lumpy or the carton is bloated.
- Opened (any store-bought): 7 to 10 days in the fridge, or the label's "use within" time.
- Unopened shelf-stable: pantry until the best-by date.
- Homemade: 3 to 4 days in a sealed jar in the fridge.
- Left out: 2 hours maximum once opened, 1 hour above 90°F.
How Long Does Almond Milk Last?
Always check the carton first: some brands give a specific "use within X days of opening" time. These are typical times for a fridge at 40°F or below.
| Almond milk | Unopened | Opened, in the fridge |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated carton (sold chilled) | Fridge, until the use-by date | 7 to 10 days |
| Shelf-stable carton (aseptic) | Pantry, until the best-by date | 7 to 10 days |
| Homemade | Not applicable | 3 to 4 days |
| Frozen (any type) | Up to about 3 months for best quality | Thaw in the fridge; use within 3 to 4 days |
| Opened, at room temperature | Not applicable | 2 hours maximum (1 hour above 90°F) |
Why Almond Milk Goes Bad
Store-bought almond milk is ultra-pasteurized (heated very briefly to around 280°F) and sealed, which is why unopened cartons last so long. Shelf-stable cartons are packed in sterile, aseptic packaging, so they do not need refrigeration until opened.
Once you open the carton, air and bacteria get in and the clock starts. Almond milk has less natural sugar and protein than dairy milk, so it may spoil a little more slowly, but it is still a perishable drink once opened. Homemade almond milk is not pasteurized, so it spoils fastest.
How to Tell if Almond Milk Has Gone Bad
- Bloated or puffy carton: gas from bacteria or yeast. Throw it out without opening.
- Sour or off smell: fresh almond milk smells mild and nutty.
- Sour, bitter or fizzy taste: if a tiny sip tastes wrong, discard it.
- Thick, slimy or lumpy texture: clumps that do not shake back into the milk.
- Color change: darker, yellow or gray instead of creamy white.
- Mold: any spots around the cap or spout.
- Past the time limit: opened for more than about 10 days, even if it seems fine.
Separation and Curdling: Normal or Spoiled?
Separation in the carton is normal: almond solids settle, so shake well before pouring. Almond milk can also curdle in hot coffee because of the heat and the coffee's acidity. That is not spoilage; warm the milk first or pour the coffee into the milk to reduce it.
Thick lumps, slime or a sour smell straight from the carton are different. Those mean the almond milk has spoiled.
Can Spoiled Almond Milk Make You Sick?
Yes. Drinking spoiled almond milk can cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. The risk is higher with homemade almond milk and with cartons left out of the fridge. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to Store Almond Milk
- Refrigerate after opening, including shelf-stable cartons, and keep the cap tightly closed.
- Store it on a shelf, not the door, where temperatures change every time the fridge opens.
- Write the opening date on the carton so you know when the 7 to 10 days are up.
- Pour, do not drink from the carton: it introduces bacteria.
- Keep unopened shelf-stable cartons in a cool, dry cupboard away from the stove.
- Freeze extra in ice cube trays or an airtight container with headspace. It separates when thawed, so use it in smoothies, baking or cooking.
Keep Exploring
Curious which brand your coffee shop pours? Here's what almond milk Starbucks uses. More pantry questions: does butter go bad and does honey go bad.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does almond milk last after opening?
Most store-bought almond milk lasts about 7 to 10 days in the fridge once opened, whether it was sold chilled or shelf-stable. Follow the carton if it gives a shorter time. Homemade almond milk lasts only 3 to 4 days. Keep it cold at 40°F or below with the cap closed.
Can almond milk go bad if unopened?
Yes, but slowly. Unopened shelf-stable almond milk keeps in the pantry until its best-by date, and unopened refrigerated almond milk keeps until its use-by date. A carton that is bloated, dented and leaking, or stored somewhere hot, should be thrown out even before the date.
Why is my almond milk carton bloated?
A bloated or puffy carton usually means bacteria or yeast are growing inside and producing gas. The almond milk has spoiled, even if it is before the date. Do not open or taste it; throw the carton away.
Can you get food poisoning from almond milk?
Yes. Spoiled almond milk can cause food poisoning, with symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Avoid it by refrigerating opened almond milk, using it within 7 to 10 days, never leaving it out more than 2 hours and discarding anything that smells or tastes sour.
Can you freeze almond milk?
Yes. Freeze almond milk in an airtight container with room for expansion, or in ice cube trays, for up to about 3 months. It separates and turns grainy when thawed, so shake or blend it and use it in smoothies, baking, oatmeal or sauces rather than for drinking.
