How long does almond milk last in the fridge?
Quick answer
- In the fridge
- Opened: 7–10 days
Sources: USDA FoodKeeper · Last reviewed October 1, 2026
Almond milk lasts 7–10 days in the fridge once opened, when kept below 4°C. Sealed shelf-stable cartons hold a year or more in the pantry; refrigerated fresh almond milk has a much shorter window (use-by date on the carton). Once opened, the lack of natural preservatives means it spoils similarly to dairy milk — sour smell, off taste, or curdling are the giveaways. Shake before use; natural separation is normal, not spoilage.
How to store almond milk
Refrigerate opened almond milk on a middle shelf, tightly sealed in the original carton. Unopened shelf-stable cartons can sit in the pantry at room temperature until the printed date — refrigerate only after opening. Avoid the fridge door; temperature swings shorten its life. Plant milk separates naturally; shake well before pouring. Freeze for cooking only — the texture suffers and ruins it for drinking.
- Middle shelf, not the door
- Sealed in original carton
- Pantry until opened (shelf-stable variety)
- Shake before pouring
- Freeze only for cooking, not drinking
Signs it has gone bad
- Sour or off smell
- Thickened or curdled texture
- Bitter taste
- Visible mold or color change
Frequently asked questions
How long does almond milk last after opening?
Opened almond milk lasts 7–10 days in the fridge below 4°C. Unopened shelf-stable cartons keep a year or more.
Does almond milk go bad?
Yes — once opened, it spoils like dairy milk. Sour smell, curdling, or bitter taste means throw it out.
Can you freeze almond milk?
Yes for cooking — but the texture separates after thawing, so it's no good for drinking plain.