Here's How To Tell If Your Almond Milk Has Gone Bad

Almond milk is one of the best milk alternatives if you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply aren't a fan of the taste of cow's milk. It's got a few things going for it — almond milk has a rich flavor unlike some watery other milk alternatives, it is high in vitamin E, and is typically low in sugar (via Healthline). But just like regular milk, almond milk has the potential to spoil.

If the almond milk in your refrigerator is homemade or if you've bought it from a small-scale producer, it will likely go bad more rapidly than the grocery store variety. You'll be able to tell when this type of almond milk goes bad because it will begin to curdle just like regular cow's milk and will start to smell strange. This type of almond milk can go bad within a week of opening (via The Kitchn).

On the other hand, the type of almond milk that you get at the grocery store has typically been pasteurized to a temperature of 280 degrees Fahrenheit so it will likely stay good for quite a while before opening. On the shelf, almond milk can stay drinkable for around a year (via My Recipes). However, it will begin to deteriorate once the bottle is opened. This type of almond milk will last for a bit longer than the aforementioned variety, typically between seven to 10 days.

This range is just an estimate though, and there's a chance it will be good to drink even after a week and a half. You simply have to play it by ear and monitor it for when it clumps or starts to smell a little different than it did when it was first opened. Of course, if you get to the point of putting it in your coffee or tea and it makes the beverage itself taste weird, then you definitely know it's time for it to go.