What Happens If You Drink Expired Almond Milk

1. Understanding an Expiration Date

The expiration or “use-by” date on almond milk is typically an indicator of quality rather than safety. A product may still be safe to consume beyond this date if properly stored, especially if it shows no signs of spoilage .

2. Signs Your Almond Milk Has Spoiled

To determine if almond milk has gone bad, rely on your senses and appearance:

Smell: Should be subtly nutty and sweet. A sour or off-putting odor? Toss it.
Texture: Separation may be natural—just shake. But if it remains clumpy or chunky, it’s time to throw it out.
Container: Swollen or bloated packaging suggests gas production from bacteria—discard immediately.
Color & Mold: Dark spots or mold mean it’s definitely spoiled.

3. How Long Can Almond Milk Last?

The shelf life varies based on the type and storage:

Type	Unopened (Pantry/Room Temp)	Refrigerated (Once Opened)
Shelf-stable Almond Milk	Several months	10–14 days
Refrigerated Store-bought	5–7 days past date	10–14 days
Homemade Almond Milk	N/A	~5 days

4. Is It Safe to Drink Expired Almond Milk?

It depends—but there is risk:

Expired ≠ Spoiled: An expired date suggests diminished quality, not necessarily unsafe. But improper storage can accelerate spoilage.
Health Risks: Drinking truly spoiled almond milk may lead to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Mold and mycotoxins can be present even if you don’t detect them immediately.
Rule of Thumb: If in doubt, throw it out.

5. Best Storage Practices to Prolong Freshness

Store unopened shelf-stable cartons in a cool, dry place away from light.
Refrigerate immediately once opened, and keep the container tightly sealed.
Keep almond milk at the back of the fridge—it’s usually the coldest spot.
Shake before pouring to mix any natural separation.
Freeze leftovers in ice-cube trays for smoothies or cooking. These can last ~6 months.

6. What to Do If You Drink It Anyway

Minor symptoms like upset stomach may occur—but symptoms usually resolve within a day with rest and hydration.
If you experience severe or prolonged reactions, seek medical attention promptly.

7. Final Thoughts

Expired almond milk may still be consumable if it:

Shows no signs of spoilage,
Has been properly stored, and
Smells and tastes normal.

Still, always trust your senses and prioritize safety. When uncertain, discard it to avoid potential illness.

References & Further Reading:

Freshly Informed: general notes on expired almond milk causes digestive issues or food poisoning
EatingWell / Epicurious: shelf life and spoilage warning signs for almond milk
Verywell Health: food expiration dates reflect quality, not safety
AllRecipes: effects of spoiled milk consumption—digestive symptoms