Are you a fan of almond milk?
Do you have a carton of Califia Farms almond milk in your fridge right now?
If so, you may be wondering how long it will last before going bad.
While almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk, it does have a limited shelf-life.
In this article, we’ll explore the shelf-life of Califia Farms almond milk and provide tips on how to properly store and consume it.
So, grab a glass of almond milk and let’s dive in!
How Long Does Califia Farms Almond Milk Last?
Califia Farms is a popular brand of almond milk that can be found in many supermarkets and health food stores. The shelf-life of Califia Farms almond milk varies depending on whether it is unopened or opened, and how it is stored.
If you have an unopened carton of Califia Farms almond milk, it can last up to 90 days in the fridge. The best-by date will be listed on the side of the carton, so be sure to check it before consuming. However, once you open the carton, the shelf-life decreases significantly.
According to Califia Farms, their almond milk should be consumed within 7-10 days of opening. This timeframe is a guideline, but it’s important to note that the milk could still be fine to drink after those days have passed. The true test is how the milk looks and tastes. If it starts to thicken, clump up, smell off, or taste sour, it’s time to toss it.
Understanding The Shelf-Life Of Almond Milk
Almond milk is a popular dairy-free alternative that has gained popularity in recent years. However, like all perishable products, it has a limited shelf-life. The shelf-life of almond milk depends on various factors, including the type of almond milk, how it’s packaged, and how it’s stored.
If you’re buying refrigerated almond milk from your local supermarket, it’s important to store it in your refrigerator at home. The shelf-life of unopened almond milk varies from brand to brand, but for Califia Farms, it’s 90 days in the fridge. Once opened, however, the shelf-life decreases significantly. Califia Farms recommends consuming their almond milk within 7-10 days of opening.
Shelf-stable almond milk has the longest shelf-life. It’s pasteurized at ultra-high heat and packaged in sealed, sterile Tetra Paks that allow it to be stored at room temperature when unopened. The shelf-life of unopened shelf-stable almond milk can last up to one to two months, depending on the brand. Once opened, however, the carton should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 7-10 days.
Homemade almond milk or almond milk from a fresh local source doesn’t contain any additives to preserve it, so it will only last about five days even if properly stored in the refrigerator.
It’s important to note that these are only guidelines, and the shelf-life of almond milk can vary from brand to brand and how well it’s stored. The best way to determine if your almond milk is still good to drink is to check its appearance, smell, and taste. If it starts to thicken, clump up, smell off or taste sour, it’s time to toss it.
How To Check If Your Califia Farms Almond Milk Has Gone Bad
If you’re unsure whether your Califia Farms almond milk has gone bad, there are a few things you can do to check. The first thing to do is to give it a good sniff. If the milk has a sour or off smell, it’s likely gone bad. The next step is to give it a taste. If the milk tastes sour, has a thick texture, or any other unpleasant flavor, it’s time to discard it.
Another thing to look out for is clumps or separation in the milk. Separation is a natural occurrence in almond milk and doesn’t mean that the milk has gone bad. However, if you see clumps or lumps in the milk, it’s best to throw it out.
It’s important to note that these are just general guidelines and that the shelf-life of almond milk can vary depending on various factors such as temperature, storage conditions, and even the type of almond milk. When in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and discard any milk that you suspect may have gone bad.
Proper Storage Techniques To Extend The Shelf-Life Of Almond Milk
To extend the shelf-life of Califia Farms almond milk, it’s important to store it properly. Here are some tips:
1. Store it in the coldest part of your fridge: The temperature of your fridge can affect the shelf-life of almond milk. Make sure to store it in the coldest part of your fridge, which is usually at the back.
2. Keep it tightly sealed: Once you open the carton, make sure to keep it tightly sealed. This will help prevent bacteria from getting in and spoiling the milk.
3. Use a clean container: If you transfer the almond milk to a different container, make sure it’s clean and sanitized. This will help prevent bacteria from contaminating the milk.
4. Don’t leave it out for too long: If you take the almond milk out of the fridge, make sure to put it back as soon as possible. Leaving it out for too long can cause bacteria to grow and spoil the milk.
By following these proper storage techniques, you can extend the shelf-life of Califia Farms almond milk and ensure that it stays fresh and safe to drink for as long as possible.
Tips For Consuming Almond Milk Safely
To ensure that you consume almond milk safely, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Check the expiration date: Always check the expiration date on the carton before consuming almond milk. If the expiration date has passed, it’s best to discard the milk.
2. Store properly: Almond milk should be stored properly to keep it fresh for longer. Once opened, refrigerate the almond milk immediately and keep it in the back of the fridge where it’s coldest. Make sure to tightly close the cap to prevent air from entering.
3. Use within 7-10 days: Once opened, it’s recommended to consume Califia Farms almond milk within 7-10 days. However, this is just a guideline, and the milk may still be safe to drink after this period. Use your senses to determine if the milk is still good to consume.
4. Avoid contamination: To avoid contamination, always use a clean glass or cup when pouring almond milk. Don’t drink directly from the carton.
By following these tips, you can enjoy Califia Farms almond milk safely and ensure that you’re consuming fresh and healthy milk.
Frequently Asked Questions About Califia Farms Almond Milk Shelf-Life
Here are some frequently asked questions about the shelf-life of Califia Farms almond milk:
1. How long can I keep an unopened carton of Califia Farms almond milk in the fridge?
A: An unopened carton of Califia Farms almond milk can last up to 90 days in the fridge.
2. What is the shelf-life of opened Califia Farms almond milk?
A: Once opened, Califia Farms almond milk should be consumed within 7-10 days. However, this is just a guideline and the true test is how the milk looks and tastes.
3. Can I still drink Califia Farms almond milk after the 7-10 day guideline?
A: Yes, you can still drink the almond milk after the 7-10 day guideline, as long as it looks and tastes fine. If it starts to thicken, clump up, smell off, or taste sour, it’s time to toss it.
4. How should I store my opened carton of Califia Farms almond milk?
A: Once opened, the carton should be stored in the fridge to prolong its shelf-life.
5. Can I freeze Califia Farms almond milk to extend its shelf-life?
A: Yes, you can freeze Califia Farms almond milk to extend its shelf-life. However, freezing may change the texture and consistency of the milk. It’s best to thaw it in the fridge before consuming.
