Can you drink almond milk after 7 days?

In this brief guide, we will answer the question “can you drink almond milk after 7 days?”. With an in-depth analysis of almond milk be drunk after 7 days?. Moreover, we will also discuss what happens when you drink almond milk after 7 days.

Can you drink almond milk after 7 days?

It depends.The shelf life of almond milk varies depending on the conditions it is stored in. Whether it is fresh or pasteurized, packaged or homemade without aseptic conditions, almond milk has a relatively short shelf life. 

At room temperature, it typically lasts only a few hours. However, when refrigerated between 4°C and 5°C, it can stay fresh for approximately 2 to 3 days.(1)

Is it possible to increase almond milk shelf life?

Yes, the use of emerging process technologies on almond milk has contributed to improving emulsion stability, reducing particle size, inactivating enzymes that cause off-flavors, and lowering the microbial load.

These technologies, combined with adequate packaging, play a vital role in prolonging the shelf life of almond milk.

Pasteurized almond milk that is aseptically packaged and stored under refrigerated conditions has a significantly longer shelf life, ranging from 12 to 30 days.

For ultra-pasteurized almond milk that is aseptically packaged, its shelf life is substantially extended. At room temperature, this type of almond milk can stay fresh for an impressive duration of 90 to 170 days before opening. (1)

What factors influence almond milk shelf life?

The shelf life of almond milk is influenced by several factors, including the quality of the raw materials used, the specific manufacturing process employed, and the stability of the emulsion. 

The application of thermal or nonthermal treatments, the type of packaging used, and the chosen storage temperature also greatly affect the shelf life.

Almond milk is a milky white liquid obtained by mixing water with powdered or pasted almonds. The general method of preparation involves soaking and grinding the almonds with excess water. 

The milky liquid is obtained after filtering out the solids, and in commercial processing, it is often homogenized using high pressure and pasteurized to increase stability and shelf life. (1, 2)

Can almond milk go bad and make you sick?

Yes, as with anything that has gone bad, drinking expired almond milk can make you quite sick. 

Almond milk, being a nutrient-rich liquid, can create a conducive environment for the growth of both spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. 

Ingesting contaminated almond milk may lead to various digestive symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a combination of these issues. 

These gastrointestinal problems are often associated with the presence of mycotoxins, which are harmful substances produced by molds. (1, 3)

How do you know if almond milk has gone bad?

There are several signs that almond milk may be spoiled. If you detect a sour or rancid odor, lumpy texture, mold growth or discolorations, or if the carton appears bloated, these are evident indications that the almond milk has spoiled and should not be consumed.

It’s important to understand that almond milk provides an ideal breeding ground for spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Moreover, its high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids make it susceptible to oxidative and hydrolytic rancidity. 

As a result, undesirable volatile compounds and off-flavors may be produced. This highlights the importance of being cautious when consuming almond milk that has exceeded its shelf life or exhibits signs of spoilage. (3)

How to store almond milk?

Almond milk can be stored in a similar manner to oat and soy milk. It is available in both refrigerated and unrefrigerated forms, depending on personal preference and storage requirements.

Following processing, almond milk is packaged according to distribution and storage needs. Common packaging options include carton systems like Tetra Pak® multilayer boxes or plastic bottles.

For unrefrigerated almond milk, it should be handled similarly to unrefrigerated coconut milk and dairy milk. An unopened carton of unrefrigerated almond milk should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from heat sources such as direct sunlight or stovetops. 

Suitable storage locations include pantry or kitchen cabinets. Once opened, the carton should be tightly sealed and refrigerated at all times.

Refrigerated almond milk should always be stored in the refrigerator. It is advisable to avoid placing the almond milk carton in the refrigerator door as this area tends to experience more temperature fluctuations.

It’s important to note that homemade almond milk lacks preservatives, so it must be refrigerated at all times. (1)

Other FAQs about Almond Milk that you may be interested in.

Can lactose intolerant drink almond milk?

Can cats drink almond milk?

Do you have to use almond milk within 7 days of opening?

Conclusion:

In this brief guide, we have answered the question “can you drink almond milk after 7 days?”. With an in-depth analysis of almond milk be drunk after 7 days?. Moreover, we have also discussed what happens when you drink almond milk after 7 days.

Citations:

  1. Reyes-Jurado, F., et. al. Plant-Based Milk Alternatives: Types, Processes, Benefits, and Characteristics. Food Reviews International, 1–32, 2021
  2. Vanga SK, Raghavan V. How well do plant based alternatives fare nutritionally compared to cow’s milk? J Food Sci Technol.;55(1):10-20.2018
  3. Nor Aishah Hassan. Almond milk production and study of quality characteristics  Journal of Academia 2, 1-8, 2012
  4. Kehinde, B. A., Panghal, A., Garg, M. K., Sharma, P., & Chhikara, N.  Vegetable milk as probiotic and prebiotic foods. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research. 2020.

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