Are you a fan of almond milk yogurt?
It’s a popular alternative to regular yogurt that’s made with almond milk. But how long can it sit out before it goes bad?
The answer is two hours at room temperature, and only one hour if it’s over 90°F.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why almond milk yogurt needs to be refrigerated, how long it can sit out, and what happens if you leave it out for too long.
Plus, we’ll cover some tips on how to properly store your almond milk yogurt to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
So, let’s dive in and learn more about this delicious dairy-free yogurt alternative!
How Long Can Almond Milk Yogurt Sit Out?
As mentioned earlier, almond milk yogurt can sit out for up to two hours at room temperature before it needs to be refrigerated. This is because bacteria can start to grow if left out for too long, which can lead to spoilage and potential foodborne illness.
If the temperature is over 90°F, the time frame is cut in half to only one hour. This is because higher temperatures create a more hospitable environment for bacteria to thrive in.
It’s important to note that all almond milk yogurt needs to be refrigerated once it’s opened, even if certain types of almond milk don’t need to be refrigerated before they’re opened.
If you accidentally leave your almond milk yogurt out overnight or for longer than two hours, it’s best to discard it. Even if it doesn’t have any noticeable signs of spoilage, it could have unsafe levels of bacteria and toxins produced by those bacteria.
Why Almond Milk Yogurt Needs To Be Refrigerated
Almond milk yogurt needs to be refrigerated because it is a perishable food item. Like any other yogurt, it contains live cultures that can spoil if left out at room temperature for too long. These live cultures are what give yogurt its health benefits, but they can also cause the yogurt to spoil and potentially make you sick if they are allowed to grow unchecked.
Additionally, almond milk yogurt may contain added sugar and fruit, which can increase the risk of bacterial growth and spoilage. Therefore, it’s important to refrigerate almond milk yogurt as soon as possible after purchasing or opening it to ensure that it stays fresh and safe to eat.
It’s worth noting that not all types of almond milk are shelf-stable. Some almond milk products need to be refrigerated before they are opened, while others can be stored at room temperature until they are opened. However, once almond milk yogurt is opened, it should always be stored in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth.
What Happens If You Leave Almond Milk Yogurt Out For Too Long?
Leaving almond milk yogurt out for too long can lead to spoilage and bacterial growth, which can cause foodborne illness. The longer it sits out, the higher the risk of contamination becomes. Even if the almond milk yogurt doesn’t have any visible signs of spoilage, it could still contain harmful bacteria that can cause sickness.
Symptoms of food poisoning from contaminated almond milk yogurt may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting. These symptoms may start to manifest a few hours after consumption and may include difficulty breathing and abdominal discomfort. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming almond milk yogurt that has been left out for too long, it’s important to cleanse your stomach by drinking plenty of water.
To avoid the risk of contamination and foodborne illness, it’s best to refrigerate almond milk yogurt as soon as possible after purchasing or opening it. And if you accidentally leave it out for too long, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it rather than risking getting sick.
Tips For Properly Storing Almond Milk Yogurt
Properly storing your almond milk yogurt can help ensure its freshness and safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Refrigerate immediately: As soon as you bring your almond milk yogurt home from the store, make sure to refrigerate it right away. This will help slow down the growth of bacteria and extend its shelf life.
2. Keep it sealed: Once you open your almond milk yogurt, make sure to keep it tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in. This will help prevent the yogurt from drying out and developing an off taste.
3. Store in the back of the fridge: The back of the fridge is typically the coldest part, so store your almond milk yogurt there to help keep it at a consistent temperature.
4. Check expiration dates: Make sure to check the expiration date on your almond milk yogurt before consuming it. Eating expired yogurt can lead to foodborne illness.
5. Don’t mix old and new: When adding new almond milk yogurt to your fridge, make sure to use up the older containers first. This will help prevent any spoilage or contamination from older yogurt.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your almond milk yogurt stays fresh and safe to eat for as long as possible.
Conclusion: Enjoy Almond Milk Yogurt Safely And Deliciously
Almond milk yogurt is a delicious and nutritious dairy-free alternative to regular yogurt. However, it’s important to handle and store it properly to avoid spoilage and potential foodborne illness.
To enjoy almond milk yogurt safely, make sure to refrigerate it as soon as you bring it home from the store or after opening it. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour if the temperature is over 90°F.
When making your own almond milk yogurt at home, use a candy thermometer to ensure that the temperature is correct during the incubation period. Use only live, active cultures as a starter and follow the recipe carefully to avoid any mishaps.
If you accidentally leave your almond milk yogurt out for too long or notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or taste, discard it immediately. Don’t take any chances with your health.
With proper handling and storage, you can enjoy delicious and creamy almond milk yogurt safely and without any worries. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique and healthy snack or breakfast option.
