How Do You Know If Your Almond Milk Has Gone Bad?

Download Article

Learn what makes almond milk go bad & how to make it last

Co-authored by Chef Jeff Woodward and Raven Minyard, BA

Last Updated: June 17, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

Signs Almond Milk Is Bad

|

How Long Almond Milk Lasts

|

Storing Almond Milk

|

What if you drink bad almond milk?

|

Signs Other Milks Are Bad

|

Video

|

Tips

Almond milk is a great dairy-free milk alternative, but it can go bad just like cow’s milk. Bad almond milk will generally have a sour taste and smell, as well as a chunky texture. In this article, we’ll explain how to tell if almond milk is bad, how long it usually lasts, and how to store it so it lasts longer. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

How to Know If Almond Milk Has Gone Bad

Chef Jeff Woodward says to note the expiration date on the carton. Almond milk is good for 7-10 days after opening. Check for changes in taste, smell, and texture. Bad almond milk may smell or taste sour, have a chunky texture, or look darker. The package may be swollen or contain visible flecks of mold as well.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Tell if Almond Milk Is Bad

Download Article

Look for changes in the almond milk's taste, smell, and appearance. While it’s generally easy to tell when cow’s milk has gone bad, signs of spoilage for almond milk (and similar products, like almond milk creamers and yogurt) can be a little more subtle. Here are some common signs to look out for:^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Sour taste (good almond milk has a subtle sweet and nutty flavor)
- Funky, sour, or stale odor (like wet cardboard or paint thinner)
- Thick, chunky texture after shaking (some separation is normal for almond milk, but if it separates immediately or stays chunky after shaking, it’s likely spoiled.)
- Darker color
- Swollen packaging or visible black mold (due to microbial growth)

Section 2 of 5:

How long does almond milk last?

Download Article

Almond milk typically lasts 7-10 days after opening. Commercial almond milk is usually ultra-pasteurized, which extends its shelf life. It’s generally recommended to use refrigerated almond milk within 7 days of opening. If the milk is shelf-stable, meaning it doesn’t need to be refrigerated until you open it, it’s recommended to consume it within 7-10 days after opening. Unopened shelf-stable almond milk typically lasts 1-2 months.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Remember to store shelf-stable almond milk in the fridge after you open it.
- Commercial almond milk will also come with an expiration or sell-by date, giving you a general timeframe on when to consume it. The sell-by date explains when a store should remove the item from the shelf, while an expiration date indicates when the product is potentially unsafe to consume.
- This timeframe is just a recommendation. Almond milk can sometimes still be safe to drink after 10 days. Just look for changes in texture, taste, and smell to know when to dispose of it.^{[3]
  X
  Research source}
- Homemade almond milk typically has a shorter shelf life of 5-7 days, as it usually contains no additives or preservatives.

Section 3 of 5:

How to Store Almond Milk

Download Article

Store opened and unopened almond milk in the refrigerator. To give your almond milk the longest life possible, store it in the back of the fridge where the temperature is the coldest and steadiest. Avoid storing it at the front of the shelf or in the door, as this is where the temperature fluctuates the most.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Some almond milk is shelf-stable, meaning it doesn’t need to be refrigerated until you open it. If you bought your almond milk unrefrigerated, it’s okay to keep it in your pantry until you open it. Then, store it in the fridge.
- If you don’t think you can drink your almond milk by its expiration date, another option is to freeze it. When stored in a freezer-safe container (not its original container), frozen almond milk can last up to 6 months.
  - For example, portion your almond milk into ice cube trays, then freeze it to add to your coffee!
- After using almond milk, make sure the cap is properly sealed and return it to the fridge as soon as possible. Keep it out of the fridge no longer than two hours.
- Avoid drinking straight from the container so you don’t introduce bacteria to it.

Section 4 of 5:

What happens if you drink bad almond milk?

Download Article

Drinking bad almond milk may cause digestive issues. While it’s possible to drink expired almond milk with no symptoms, if the milk has gone bad, you may experience nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. In most cases, symptoms will resolve within 12-24 hours, but if you’re worried, call your poison center or see a doctor as soon as possible.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Section 5 of 5:

How to Tell if Other Milks Are Bad

Download Article

Look for changes in texture, smell, and taste in other milks. In general, bad milk (no matter which type) will look, smell, and taste different. When milk expires, it usually develops a chunky consistency and a sour smell and taste. For more details, check out these articles:

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

Almond milk separates naturally, so this isn’t always a sign it’s gone bad. Shake it well and see if that fixes the problem. If it’s still chunky, it’s bad.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0