Almond milk says you have to drink it within 7 days, but do you really need it? Does Almond Milk Go Bad?
You open up the fridge and grab your carton of almond milk, ready to make a smoothie, but you don't know how long it's been open.It's probably ok to drink if you twist off the cap, give it a whiff, and it passes the sniff test.
Almond milk and other alternative milks are advised to be consumed within 7 days of opening.In many cases, the product looks, smells and tastes fine beyond that, so what's going on?
The shelf life is based on optimal conditions.Paul Neumann is the vice president of research and development for Califia Farms almond milk.The shelf life of alternative milk can be considerably longer under those optimal conditions.If stored below 40 degrees, dairy milk can last 7 days beyond its best by date.
How long does it last?It may be because it has added something.Did you check the ingredient label of your alternative milk?You might be surprised to find a lot more in there than you think.The shelf life for alternative milks made with stabilizers can be up to 10 days.If you notice certain brands of alternative milks in the non-refrigerated aisle, they have undergone a pasteurizing procedure via ultra-high temperature and have been packaged in special Tetra pak packaging to help them be shelf stable.
It is a good thing for brands and supermarkets to make products that last longer, but it is not good for your health.Even though they have been approved by the FDA for being generally recognized as safe for consumption, some ingredients may upset your stomach, causing you to feel bloated and constipated.