How Do You Store Almond Milk for a Long Time?
To maximize the shelf life of your almond milk, proper storage is key. Both store-bought and homemade almond milk require different approaches.
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Unopened: Shelf-stable almond milk, unopened, can last for one to two months. Check the "best by" date on the packaging.
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Opened: Once opened, refrigerate your almond milk immediately. It will typically last for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. To further extend its life, place it at the back of the refrigerator, where temperatures are more consistent. A sealed container helps keep bacteria out. [Source: Food Network, EatingWell, Reddit]
Homemade Almond Milk
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Refrigeration: Homemade almond milk is significantly more perishable than store-bought varieties. It generally lasts for about a week in the refrigerator. The shelf life may vary depending on how it was made, particularly cleanliness, and the use of preservatives, if any. [Source: Love is in My Tummy, The First Mess, The Kitchn]
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Freezing: Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of homemade almond milk. It freezes well without noticeable negative effects. [Source: Chic Eats]
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Best Practices for Longer Shelf Life: Regardless of whether your almond milk is store-bought or homemade, ensuring cleanliness during preparation and handling, and storing it properly (sealed and refrigerated), significantly improves its shelf life.
Tips for Storing Almond Milk
- Refrigerate promptly: Always refrigerate opened almond milk immediately.
- Store in the back of the fridge: This area maintains a more consistent temperature.
- Use a sealed container: This will help to prevent bacterial contamination.
- Check for spoilage: Look for signs of spoilage such as sour smell or curdling before consumption.