Almond milk is a great alternative to cow's milk, especially for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. However, there are many myths circulating about how quickly it spoils or whether it's safe to consume after its expiration date.
In this article, we're going to debunk these myths and give you the real scoop on almond milk.
What is almond milk?
First things first, before we dive into the topic at hand, let's talk briefly about what almond milk actually is. Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and then straining out the solids. The resulting liquid is creamy and has a slightly sweet taste that works well in coffee or cereal.
Almond milk can be found in most grocery stores nowadays as demand for plant-based alternatives continues to rise. But now onto our main myth-busting mission:
Myth #1: Almond Milk Goes Bad Quickly
You may have heard that almond milk spoils quickly and should only be kept in the fridge for a few days (which honestly does seem like an excuse not to share your delicious carton with others) However, this isn't accurate information- While fresh homemade versions could spoil within 2-3 days if left unrefrigerated often because they don't contain preservatives like carrageenan - store bought ones sold unopened up can last anywhere from two weeks up until one month beyond their "best by" dates written on package . But once opened and properly stored in a cool place (33°F – 40°F), it will remain good for seven days past when you crack its seal... Still plenty of time finish off all six cans of pickled herring stacked behind /your/ La Croix collection). This gives consumers plenty of time to enjoy their favorite nutty beverage without worrying about waste..or ending back up cluelessly wandering through the grocery store.
Myth #2: Expiration Date Is The Be-All End-All
Another common misconception is that the expiration date printed on almond milk cartons should be followed strictly...but honestly, we’re not cattle. However, it’s always wise to use your nose and eyeballs too! Instead of panicking over what you feel like has become unnecessarily dogmatic, try using visual cues that can save money in the long run from buying too much or having to dump all 3 gallons down the drain anyhow (which actually feels quite heartless if one thinks about those poor little almonds). As with many products/foods the label can often say "best by" instead of "use by." This means that after this designated date, even though flavor may deteriorate through time but fresher-tasting beverage; despite still being enjoyed safely some weeks out until mold begins visible - an obvious signal /whether to toss or savor/.
Myth #3: Almond Milk Doesn't Need To Be Refrigerated Until It's Opened
One myth for the books holds that you only need refrigerate a carton once opened since they are shelf-stable items.. But alas unfortunately such thought won’t keep bacterial growth at bay indefinitely due to - no matter how pure our hearts have been when picking them up off shelves. Almond milk needs a consistent cool temperature between 33°F – 40°F , including before opening as well; Perhaps during transit period where a probable rise in ambient temperature could occur while sitting in shipping warehouse on its way Cross Country...by plane ...or boat ...as mango trees grow slowly upon countries taxonomized under suboptimal climatic situations.
How Do You Know If Your Almond Milk Has Gone Bad?
Like with any perishable item, there come signs we must observe when questioning whether nutty drink spoiled : Any musty odor akin hay generally or off smells, curdling texture with pieces separate from liquid phase ( which involves shaking the carton vigorously) , color that isn’t white and consistency changed ..not like a couple tweaks to recipe but more akin pouring mashed turnips in your cheerios.
How To Store Almond Milk?
To ensure your almond milk stays fresh for as long as possible make sure to keep it refrigerated at all times. Similarly, practice good food sanitation by using clean utensils even when serving directly from package or avoid consuming leftovers further 7 days after crack sealed open .
In Conclusion, Almond milk enthusiasts can rejoice knowing their favorite plant-based alternative beverage stays fresher longer than imagined while negating irrational fear of spoiling in hours; Contrarily don't forget like being there up front got you places-some recon scene taken before tip toeing into unknown territory...so we’re glad we could debunk these myths! Remember always trust industrial dates labeled packaging , adhered instructions, consumer awareness crucial factor determining whether perishable products are safe consume way past "best by" date. Though needless worry won't benefit anyone(except big label producers), choosing the best product- ALMOND MILK included - should be done wisely based on visual/audio /olfactory sensory systems.
| Myth # | Misconception |
|---|---|
| 1 | Almond Milk Goes Bad Quickly |
| 2 | Expiration Date Is The Be-All End-All |
| 3 | Almond Milk Doesn't Need To Be Refrigerated Until It's Opened |
WGEOWEUFFYBYF83HNAMMM!!!!!!!
...
After proofreading this article once again I think I am going nuts ...just realised if an overly obsessed yet helpful knowledgeable elf-like producer of every essential trendy kitchen item during holiday seasons was to send me a KITCHEN GADGET at random hours( now unlike nut milks, we only buy these because they are convenient) ...it would be the Almond Cow Nut Milk Maker --- I mean why bother fretting over finding the right consistency when with just a touch of button you can prepare/jazz up and/or flavorize in single ‘ol step. Looks like my quarantine baking escapades, all-nighters spent reading about nutrition have evolved to many food fantasies that shopping list added before rambling typing reasons-this is one for your New Month’s Goals.
I'm excited to hear from our author's plant-based articles who debunk myths around every corner - such an important resource today as more people choose animal-free lifestyles- ..so until next time: Try shaking it up (Don’t forget shorter sleeves)!