Almond milk is among the most popular plant-based milk at the moment, and many vegans have switched to this nutty, delicious drink. However, almond milk doesn’t last forever, and you might be wondering how you can tell when almond milk has gone past its prime. Let’s find out!
If your almond milk has simply separated and you can see white flecks suspended in the liquid, it should be fine to drink. However, if your almond milk has formed chunks, it is probably no longer safe to drink. Like cow’s milk, when almond milk goes off, it turns lumpy and thick.
We’re going to use this article to figure out how to tell when almond milk is okay to drink and what the key signs of moldy almond milk are. This will reduce the risk of you accidentally consuming something that contains bacteria and could make you sick.
Is Chunky Almond Milk Safe To Drink?
If you’ve opened a carton of almond milk and poured some into a glass, finding chunks in it can be pretty alarming, and you might be wondering whether it’s still safe for you to drink. Is almond milk supposed to be slightly lumpy?
There are situations in which small flecks of the almond milk may separate from the liquid, creating a slightly chunky consistency without being unsafe. These flecks will be very small, and should disappear if you give the almond milk a very thorough shake, as they will simply re-mix with the liquid.
If the flecks are larger, however, there is a chance that your almond milk has gone off. You should not use it if this is the case. You should also look for the following signs:
- Large chunks or pieces in the almond milk
- Mold around the top of the carton
- Lots of the milk having separated
- A bitter or rancid taste if you sip a tiny bit
- An unpleasant or musty aroma
- Flecks of mold appearing on the surface
Most almond milk should last for around 7 to 10 days after being opened, but if you see any of these signs, you should not be drinking the almond milk. There’s a high chance that it contains dangerous bacteria that could make you very sick if you consume them. Always smell and taste a small amount of almond milk that is old before using it.
Does Almond Milk Curdle In Coffee?
It is important to be aware that a lot of plant-based milks curdle if you add them to coffee. This is because coffee is an acidic substance, and it’s often hot – and both acidity and fast temperature increases can cause almond milk to curdle.
This will give the almond milk a sourer taste, but it doesn’t make it unsafe to consume. You might find that it isn’t particularly appetizing, as it will make your coffee slightly lumpy, as well as slightly sour, but it is not harmful, and the rest of the carton will be fine.
To minimize the chances of your almond milk curdling in your coffee, dilute your coffee first to reduce its acidity, and allow it to cool a bit before you pour the almond milk in. This should help the almond milk to keep its smooth form and prevent it from separating and curdling. Some people warm the almond milk up slowly and then add it to the coffee.
It is also possible to buy almond milk with lower acidity levels, and this should make it better able to cope with coffee. This makes it easier to add almond milk to your coffee without ruining your drink.
How Long Does Almond Milk Last?
Because commercial almond milk has been pasteurized, it should last well, and some almond milk can keep for as long as 10 days after being opened, provided that it is kept in the fridge. You should always check it carefully before using it if it’s been in there for more than a week, however, as it may not last this well.
Homemade almond milk will contain fewer preservatives and will not have been pasteurized, so it has a shorter shelf-life. However, it should still be okay for about 5 days in the fridge. It’s still wise to smell it and taste a little bit before you use it, as homemade milks can vary a lot more in their shelf-life.
Never drink almond milk that has got large chunks in it, or pieces that won’t mix back in if you shake it.
Conclusion
Almond milk does sometimes naturally separate, and this is not something that you need to be particularly concerned about. It will also curdle if added to coffee. However, if your almond milk smells rancid, has a bitter taste, or has large chunks in it, it needs to be thrown away.
