ShelfLife
How long does almond milk last?
Chilled almond milk and soy milk keep until the use-by date on the carton, then 7 to 10 days in the fridge once opened. Shelf-stable cartons can stay in the pantry until opened; after that, follow the time on the carton.
| Food | Fridge |
|---|---|
| Almond milk, sold chilled | Until the use-by dateOpened: 7–10 days |
| Soy milk, sold chilled | Until the use-by dateOpened: 7–10 days |
Fridge at 4 °C (40 °F) or colder, freezer at −18 °C (0 °F). Freezer times are for best quality: food kept frozen stays safe, but slowly loses taste and texture. These times are USDA guidance, not a guarantee. When in doubt, throw it out.
How to tell if almond milk has gone bad
- A sour or off smell. Fresh almond milk smells lightly nutty.
- Lumps or a thick, slimy texture that doesn't shake out. Some separation is normal.
- A swollen carton or a sour, bitter taste.
How to store almond milk
- Keep chilled plant milk in the fridge at all times, at the back of a shelf.
- Shelf-stable cartons go in the pantry until opened, then in the fridge.
- Shake before each pour: separation is natural.
- Write the opening date on the carton.
Can you freeze almond milk?
You can, but it separates and turns grainy when thawed, so it's no longer good for drinking or coffee. Frozen in ice cube trays, it works well in smoothies, and thawed and blended, in baking.
Questions
How long does almond milk last once opened?
7 to 10 days in the fridge for chilled almond milk, according to the USDA, or less if the carton says so.
Does shelf-stable almond milk need to be refrigerated?
Not until it's opened. Once opened, keep it in the fridge like chilled almond milk.
Can you drink almond milk after the date?
Stay close to the date. If it smells sour, tastes off or has thickened, throw it out.
Add plant milks to ShelfLife when you open them, and get a reminder before day 7.
Related foods
Storage times: USDA FoodKeeper (Food Safety and Inspection Service), public domain. Text by ShelfLife.