What happens if you drink expired almond milk?
Can Expired Almond Milk Make You Sick?
We’ve all been there—you pour a little almond milk into your coffee, only to realize the expiration date was a few days ago. Now you’re wondering: is it still safe to drink? The short answer is it depends. While some expired almond milk may be harmless, drinking spoiled plant-based milk can lead to an upset stomach or foodborne illness. Here’s what you need to know about how almond milk expires, signs of spoilage, and what happens if you drink it past its prime.
How Does Almond Milk Expire? (Shelf-Stable vs. Refrigerated)
Almond milk comes in two main varieties: shelf-stable and refrigerated, and they expire differently.
Shelf-Stable Almond Milk:
– Found in aseptic cartons, usually stored at room temperature until opened.
– Unopened, it lasts 6-12 months past the printed date.
– Once opened, it should be refrigerated and used within 7-10 days.
Refrigerated Almond Milk:
– Found in the fridge section at the grocery store.
– Typically expires 7-10 days after opening, regardless of the printed date.
– More perishable due to fewer preservatives and pasteurization differences.
Signs That Almond Milk Has Gone Bad
Before you take a sip, check for these signs of spoilage:
Smell – Fresh almond milk has a mild, nutty aroma. If it smells sour or off, it’s no good.
Texture – If it’s thicker, curdled, or grainy, it has spoiled.
Taste – If it tastes sour, bitter, or “off,” spit it out.
Color – Normal almond milk is off-white. A yellowish tint means it’s past its prime.
Mold or Clumps – Any visible mold or floating clumps means throw it out immediately.
Even if almond milk looks fine, bacteria can still be present—so if it’s past its date, proceed with caution.
What Happens If You Drink Expired Almond Milk?
If the almond milk is only slightly past its expiration date and was stored properly, you might not notice any issues. However, if it has spoiled, you may experience:
– Mild stomach discomfort – Gas, bloating, or an unsettled stomach.
– Food poisoning symptoms – Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (especially if bacterial growth is present).
– Allergic reactions (rare) – If mold or bacteria have developed, those sensitive to contaminants may react.
If you experience symptoms after drinking expired almond milk, stay hydrated and monitor for worsening symptoms. Most mild cases pass within 24 hours, but severe reactions may require medical attention.
How to Store Almond Milk to Make It Last Longer
To avoid accidentally drinking spoiled almond milk, follow these storage best practices:
– For unopened shelf-stable almond milk: Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
– For opened almond milk: Keep it refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C) and consume within 7-10 days.
– Don’t drink straight from the carton – Pouring into a glass prevents bacteria from your mouth from contaminating the milk.
– Keep the cap sealed tightly – Exposure to air speeds up spoilage.
– Check expiration vs. “best by” dates – Some cartons indicate “best by” (which means quality may decline but not necessarily spoilage), while others have hard expiration dates.
Want to learn more: Visit our Almond Milk Storage and Expiration Guide at Freshly Informed
FAQs About Expired Almond Milk
1. Can You Drink Almond Milk After the Expiration Date?
If unopened and shelf-stable, almond milk may still be good weeks or months past its best-by date if stored properly. For refrigerated almond milk, follow the 7-10 day rule after opening—even if the expiration date hasn’t passed yet.
2. What If Expired Almond Milk Smells Fine?
While it’s a good sign if it doesn’t smell bad, bacteria can grow before noticeable changes occur. If it’s well past its expiration date, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Can You Cook With Expired Almond Milk?
If it’s only a day or two old and still smells/tastes normal, you might use it in baked goods where it will be heated. However, for direct consumption (smoothies, coffee, etc.), it’s better to use fresh almond milk.
4. Does Almond Milk Spoil Faster Than Dairy Milk?
Yes, because it lacks the natural preservatives (lactose) found in cow’s milk. This is why opened almond milk expires within a week, whereas dairy milk can sometimes last longer.
The Bottom Line: When in Doubt, Throw It Out
Drinking expired almond milk can cause stomach issues or food poisoning if it has spoiled. While unopened shelf-stable almond milk lasts longer, once opened, it should be consumed within 7-10 days. If your almond milk smells off, tastes sour, or has a weird texture, don’t risk it—just toss it.
Want to keep your almond milk fresher longer? Check out our full almond milk storage guide on Freshly Informed!