Are you a fan of almond milk? Do you have a carton of Alpro Almond Milk in your fridge right now?
If so, you may be wondering whether or not it needs to be refrigerated. After all, there are plenty of non-refrigerated milk alternatives on the market, so why can’t almond milk be one of them?
In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question and provide you with some helpful tips for storing your almond milk properly.
So, let’s dive in and find out if Alpro Almond Milk needs to be refrigerated!
Does Alpro Almond Milk Need To Be Refrigerated?
The short answer is yes, Alpro Almond Milk needs to be refrigerated. This is because almond milk is a perishable product that can spoil if not stored properly. Refrigeration helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage.
According to Alpro’s website, their almond milk should be stored in the fridge before and after opening. Before opening, their long-lasting (UHT) products can be kept outside the fridge, but in a cool, dry, and dark place. However, once opened, all Alpro products should be stored in the fridge at a maximum temperature of 7°C and consumed within 5 days.
It’s important to note that leaving almond milk out of the fridge for an extended period of time can lead to spoilage and potentially harmful bacteria growth. Even if the almond milk doesn’t show any visible signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard it if it has been left out for more than two hours.
Why Refrigeration Is Important For Milk
Refrigeration is crucial for maintaining the freshness and quality of almond milk. When almond milk is not refrigerated, bacteria and mold can quickly grow, causing the milk to spoil and potentially become harmful to consume. Refrigeration helps to slow down the growth of these microorganisms, keeping the milk fresh for a longer period of time.
It’s important to note that not all almond milk products are created equal. Shelf-stable, unopened almond milk can be stored at room temperature until the use-by date printed on the package. However, once opened, all almond milk products must be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Almond milk found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores has been ultra-pasteurized, which gives it a longer shelf life. However, once opened, it should still be refrigerated and consumed within 7 days to ensure optimal freshness.
How To Store Alpro Almond Milk Properly
Storing Alpro Almond Milk properly is crucial to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Here are some tips on how to store Alpro Almond Milk properly:
1. Refrigerate Alpro Almond Milk immediately after opening: Once you have opened the Alpro Almond Milk, it is important to store it in the fridge at a maximum temperature of 7°C. This helps to slow down the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause spoilage.
2. Keep the container tightly sealed: After opening the container, make sure to tightly seal it to prevent air from getting inside. Oxygen can cause bacteria to breed, which can lead to spoilage.
3. Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date on the container before purchasing and consuming Alpro Almond Milk. Make sure to consume it before the expiration date to ensure its quality.
4. Store in a cool and dry place: Before opening, Alpro’s long-lasting (UHT) products can be kept outside the fridge, but in a cool, dry, and dark place. This helps to maintain its quality until it’s ready to be consumed.
5. Do not leave almond milk out of the fridge for too long: Leaving almond milk out of the fridge for an extended period of time can lead to spoilage and potentially harmful bacteria growth. It’s best to discard it if it has been left out for more than two hours.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Alpro Almond Milk maintains its freshness and quality for as long as possible.
Signs That Your Alpro Almond Milk Has Gone Bad
While it’s important to refrigerate your Alpro Almond Milk to ensure its freshness and quality, it’s also crucial to know the signs of spoilage. Here are some indicators that your almond milk has gone bad:
1. Bloating or Leaky Packaging: If the carton of your almond milk appears bloated, puffed-up, or is leaking, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. It’s best to discard the milk in these cases.
2. Unusual Texture or Appearance: Check for any black spots, discolorations, or anything else that looks suspicious, as these could be signs of mold. Also, pay attention to the drink’s texture. Almond milk should not be thick unless you make it at home and leave the pulp in. If it’s lumpy or has an unusual texture, it’s best to discard it.
3. Off Smells or Tastes: Almond milk should have a nutty and fresh aroma, with a hint of sweetness if it’s sweetened. If it smells sour, old, or “funny,” it’s time to throw it out. Similarly, if your almond milk tastes sour or off in any way, it’s best to discard it.
4. Expiration Date: Pay attention to the expiration date of your Alpro Almond Milk. Once opened, the product should be consumed within 5 days, as per Alpro’s guidelines. If it’s already opened for longer than that or if it’s past its expiration date by more than a week (for refrigerated varieties), it’s best to discard the milk.
Other Milk Alternatives That Don’t Require Refrigeration
While most plant-based milks, including Alpro Almond Milk, require refrigeration, there are some milk alternatives that can be stored at room temperature. These products are typically sold in aseptic packaging, which allows them to have a longer shelf life without the need for refrigeration.
One example of a milk alternative that doesn’t require refrigeration is shelf-stable soy milk. Similar to Alpro’s UHT treated products, soy milk is treated with high heat to eliminate bacteria and increase its shelf life. Once opened, it should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 5-7 days.
Another alternative is powdered milk. Powdered milk is made by removing the water from regular milk, leaving behind a dry powder that can be stored at room temperature for an extended period of time. To use powdered milk, simply mix it with water according to the package instructions.
Coconut milk is another option that can be stored at room temperature before opening. However, once opened it should be stored in the fridge and consumed within 5-7 days.
It’s important to note that while these milk alternatives don’t require refrigeration before opening, they should still be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Additionally, once opened they should be stored in the fridge and consumed within the recommended timeframe to ensure optimal freshness and safety.
