How Long Does Almond Flour Keep

Almond flour keeps for about 6 months in the pantry and up to 12 months in the freezer when stored properly.

But how long almond flour keeps depends heavily on how you store it and whether it’s opened or sealed.

If you’ve been wondering how long does almond flour last before it goes bad, you’re in the right place.

In this post, we’ll cover exactly how long almond flour keeps, the best ways to store it so it lasts longer, and how to tell when it’s time to toss it.

Let’s get into it.

How Long Does Almond Flour Keep?

How long almond flour keeps depends on a few key factors, but here’s the general breakdown:

1. Unopened Almond Flour Lasts 6 to 9 Months

An unopened bag of almond flour keeps for about 6 to 9 months in the pantry.
 
That’s because it hasn’t been exposed to air or moisture yet.
 
Check the best-by date on the package, and as long as it’s stored in a cool, dry spot, your almond flour will keep just fine until then.
 

2. Opened Almond Flour Lasts 3 to 6 Months

Once you open that bag, the clock starts ticking faster.
 
Opened almond flour keeps for about 3 to 6 months in the pantry, depending on humidity and heat.
 
The oils in almond flour start reacting with oxygen once exposed, which is why opened almond flour doesn’t keep as long.
 

3. Frozen Almond Flour Lasts Up to 12 Months

Here’s the good news: almond flour keeps beautifully in the freezer.
 
Stored in an airtight container or freezer bag, almond flour keeps for up to 12 months in the freezer.
 
That’s the best way to extend how long almond flour lasts if you bought a big bag and don’t bake often.
 

How to Store Almond Flour So It Keeps Longer

Now that you know how long almond flour keeps, here’s how to make sure it actually lasts that long:

1. Keep It in an Airtight Container

Air is the enemy of almond flour.
 
Transfer your almond flour to an airtight container or a sealed glass jar as soon as you open the bag.
 
This keeps moisture and oxygen out, which is exactly what helps almond flour keep longer.
 

2. Store It in a Cool, Dark Place

Heat and light speed up the breakdown of the oils in almond flour.
 
Keep your almond flour in a cool, dark pantry away from the stove or oven.
 
If your kitchen runs warm and humid, the fridge or freezer is a safer home for almond flour.
 

3. Freeze It for Long-Term Storage

If you want almond flour to keep for up to a year, freeze it.
 
Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers so you’re not thawing the whole batch every time you bake.
 
Before using frozen almond flour, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to break up any clumps.
 

How to Tell If Almond Flour Has Gone Bad

Even with perfect storage, almond flour can go bad, so here’s what to look for:

1. A Rancid or Bitter Smell

The biggest giveaway that almond flour has gone bad is a rancid smell.
 
Fresh almond flour smells mildly nutty and sweet.
 
If your almond flour smells bitter, sharp, or like old paint, it’s past its prime and should be tossed.
 

2. Clumping and Moisture

Almond flour should be light and powdery.
 
If your almond flour is clumping together or feels damp, moisture has gotten in, and that’s a sign it’s time to let it go.
 

3. A Change in Color

Fresh almond flour is pale cream in color.
 
If your almond flour has darkened noticeably or developed dull spots, it’s a sign the oils have oxidized and the almond flour is no longer good to use.
 

So, How Long Does Almond Flour Keep?

Almond flour keeps for about 6 months in the pantry when unopened, 3 to 6 months once opened, and up to 12 months in the freezer.
 
So the answer to how long does almond flour keep really comes down to storage.
 
Keep your almond flour in an airtight container, stash it somewhere cool and dark, and freeze it if you want it to last even longer.
 
And always give your almond flour a quick sniff and check before baking with it, because fresh almond flour makes all the difference in your recipes.