How Long Will Almond Milk Keep In The Refrigerator

Almond milk will keep in the refrigerator for about 7 to 10 days after you open it, though the exact timeline depends on the type you bought and how you store it.
 
If you’ve been wondering how long will almond milk keep in the refrigerator, the short answer is that unopened almond milk lasts much longer than opened almond milk.
 
Unopened shelf-stable almond milk can last for months in your pantry, but once you open it and chill it, the clock starts ticking.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how long almond milk keeps in the refrigerator, the signs it has gone bad, and the best ways to store it so it stays fresh longer.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

How Long Will Almond Milk Keep in the Refrigerator?

Almond milk will keep in the refrigerator for around 7 to 10 days once opened, and that’s the number most people want to know.
 
But how long almond milk keeps in the refrigerator really depends on a few factors, so let’s break them down.
 

1. Opened vs. Unopened Almond Milk

An unopened carton of refrigerated almond milk typically keeps until the printed expiration date, which can be several weeks out.
 
Once you break the seal, though, how long will almond milk keep in the refrigerator changes dramatically.
 
Most manufacturers recommend drinking opened almond milk within 7 to 10 days for the best quality and safety.
 

2. Homemade vs. Store-Bought Almond Milk

Homemade almond milk doesn’t keep in the refrigerator nearly as long as the store-bought kind.
 
Because it has no preservatives, homemade almond milk will usually keep in the refrigerator for only 3 to 5 days.
 
Store-bought almond milk lasts longer thanks to stabilizers and proper pasteurization, which is why it can keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days after opening.
 

3. Shelf-Stable vs. Refrigerated Cartons

Shelf-stable almond milk lasts for months unopened, but once you open it, how long it keeps in the refrigerator is about the same as the refrigerated kind.
 
After opening, shelf-stable almond milk will keep in the refrigerator for roughly 7 to 10 days too.
 
So don’t assume the pantry version gives you extra fridge time once it’s open.
 

Signs Your Almond Milk Has Gone Bad

Even if you know how long almond milk keeps in the refrigerator, it’s smart to check for signs of spoilage before you pour.
 
Here’s what to look for:
 

1. A Sour or Off Smell

Fresh almond milk has a mild, nutty scent.
 
If your almond milk smells sour, fermented, or just plain weird, it has likely spoiled and shouldn’t be used.
 

2. Curdling or Separation

Some natural separation is normal, so give the carton a good shake.
 
But if the almond milk stays clumpy or looks curdled after shaking, that’s a clear sign it has gone bad.
 

3. A Change in Color or Texture

Fresh almond milk is creamy white and smooth.
 
If it turns yellowish, looks slimy, or feels thicker than usual, toss it out.
 

4. A Sour Taste

If the smell and look don’t convince you, take a tiny sip.
 
A sour or bitter taste means your almond milk has spoiled and should go down the drain.
 

Tips to Make Almond Milk Keep Longer in the Refrigerator

Want to stretch how long almond milk keeps in the refrigerator?
 
These simple habits help:
 

1. Keep It Cold at All Times

Store almond milk in the main body of the fridge, not in the door where temperatures fluctuate.
 
A steady temperature around 40°F (4°C) helps almond milk keep in the refrigerator for the full 7 to 10 days.
 

2. Seal It Tightly

Close the carton tightly after every pour to keep air and odors out.
 
If the original container is damaged, transfer the almond milk to a clean, airtight jar.
 

3. Don’t Leave It Out

Don’t leave almond milk sitting on the counter for long periods.
 
Return it to the refrigerator right after you use it, and never refreeze almond milk that has already been chilled.
 

So, How Long Will Almond Milk Keep in the Refrigerator?

Almond milk will keep in the refrigerator for about 7 to 10 days after opening, while homemade almond milk keeps for just 3 to 5 days.
 
How long almond milk keeps in the refrigerator depends on whether it’s store-bought or homemade and how well you store it.
 
Watch for sour smells, curdling, and changes in color or texture, and when in doubt, throw it out.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand how long almond milk keeps in the refrigerator and how to store it so it stays fresh as long as possible.