Are you confused by the different types of almond milk available at your local grocery store?
With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you.
One of the biggest differences between almond milk varieties is whether they are shelf-stable or refrigerated.
But what does that mean for the taste, quality, and shelf life of your favorite non-dairy milk?
In this article, we’ll explore the differences between shelf-stable and refrigerated almond milk, and help you make an informed decision about which one to choose.
So grab a glass of your favorite milk (almond or otherwise) and let’s dive in!
What’s The Difference Between Shelf Stable And Refrigerated Almond Milk?
Shelf-stable almond milk is a type of almond milk that does not require refrigeration until it is opened. This is because it has been pasteurized, a process that applies heat to destroy pathogens in foods. Pasteurization gives the milk a longer shelf life, making it convenient for those who want to stock up on non-perishable items.
Refrigerated almond milk, on the other hand, must be kept cold at all times. This is because it has not been pasteurized to the same extent as shelf-stable almond milk. Instead, it has undergone high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization, which involves heating every particle of milk or milk product to at least 161°F using metal plates and hot water. The milk remains at high heat for at least 15 seconds, followed by rapid cooling. This process gives the milk a shorter shelf life than its shelf-stable counterpart.
What Is Shelf-stable Almond Milk?
Shelf-stable almond milk is made by pulverizing almonds in purified water, straining out the solids, and adding a natural stabilizer. This process gives the milk a longer shelf life, making it convenient for those who want to stock up on non-perishable items. The milk is packaged in aseptic packaging and conditions that allow the product to have a longer shelf life at room temperature. Once opened, shelf-stable almond milk does need to be refrigerated and consumed within seven to ten days for optimal freshness. It is important to note that not all almond milk is shelf-stable; homemade almond milk and milk that’s chilled at the grocery store must be refrigerated from the moment you get it home until it’s all used up, whether the container has been opened or not.
How Is Shelf-stable Almond Milk Made?
Shelf-stable almond milk is made by pulverizing almonds in purified water, straining out the solids, and adding a natural stabilizer. The best almond milk is made using this method because it has the fresh, nutty sweetness of a minimally dried nut, with none of the bitterness from the skins.
The process of making shelf-stable almond milk involves pasteurization, which is necessary to extend its shelf life. The milk is heated to a high temperature to kill any harmful bacteria and pathogens that could cause spoilage. Once the milk has been pasteurized, it is packaged in aseptic packaging that prevents light, oxygen, and bacteria from contaminating the milk on the inside. This packaging allows the almond milk to be stored at room temperature for extended periods without spoiling.
Shelf-stable almond milk can last up to a year if unopened, but once opened, it should be consumed within seven to ten days and refrigerated to maintain its freshness. The process of making shelf-stable almond milk ensures that it remains safe to consume for an extended period and provides convenience for those who want to have non-perishable items on hand.
Pros And Cons Of Shelf-stable Almond Milk
Shelf-stable almond milk has its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of them:
Pros:
– Longer shelf life: As mentioned earlier, shelf-stable almond milk has a longer shelf life than refrigerated almond milk. This is because it has been pasteurized at a higher temperature, which kills more bacteria and extends its shelf life.
– Convenience: Shelf-stable almond milk can be stored in the pantry until it is opened, which makes it convenient for those who want to stock up on non-perishable items.
– Availability: Shelf-stable almond milk is widely available in grocery stores, making it easy to find and purchase.
Cons:
– Taste: Some people find that shelf-stable almond milk has a slightly different taste compared to refrigerated almond milk. This could be due to the pasteurization process or the addition of stabilizers and preservatives.
– Nutrient loss: The high-temperature pasteurization process used for shelf-stable almond milk may cause some loss of nutrients, such as vitamin C and antioxidants.
– Additives: Shelf-stable almond milk often contains additives such as stabilizers and preservatives to improve its shelf life. Some people prefer to avoid these additives in their food.
What Is Refrigerated Almond Milk?
Refrigerated almond milk is a type of almond milk that requires constant refrigeration to keep it fresh. This type of almond milk has undergone high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization, which involves heating every particle of milk or milk product to at least 161°F using metal plates and hot water. The milk remains at high heat for at least 15 seconds, followed by rapid cooling. This process kills most bacteria and extends the shelf life of the milk, but not as much as shelf-stable almond milk.
Refrigerated almond milk is usually sold in cartons or bottles that need to be refrigerated before and after opening to prevent spoilage. Once opened, it should be consumed within seven days, although some brands may have different recommendations. It’s important to note that the shelf life of refrigerated almond milk varies from brand to brand and depends on how well it’s stored.
Refrigerated almond milk has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor that makes it a popular alternative to dairy milk. It’s also a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E, making it a healthy choice for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. However, it’s important to follow the storage guidelines and discard any milk that looks or smells off, as consuming spoiled almond milk can lead to foodborne illness.
How Is Refrigerated Almond Milk Made?
Refrigerated almond milk is typically made by pulverizing almonds in purified water, straining out the solids, and adding a natural stabilizer. This process results in a fresh, nutty sweetness that is minimally dried and free of bitterness from the skins. The almonds used in making refrigerated almond milk are not roasted or toasted, which gives the milk a lighter color and flavor compared to shelf-stable almond milk.
After the almonds are pulverized and strained, the liquid is heated through the HTST pasteurization process mentioned above. This ensures that any harmful bacteria or pathogens are destroyed, making the milk safe for consumption. Once pasteurized, the milk is packaged in various types of containers such as paperboard, glass, or plastic and shipped to stores for refrigerated storage.
Refrigerated almond milk typically has a shorter shelf life than shelf-stable almond milk because it has not been pasteurized to the same extent. It is important to check the expiration date on the carton before purchasing and to consume the milk within seven days of opening for optimal freshness. When storing refrigerated almond milk at home, it should be kept in the refrigerator at all times and stored towards the back where the temperature is coldest and most stable.
Pros And Cons Of Refrigerated Almond Milk
Refrigerated almond milk has its own set of pros and cons compared to shelf-stable almond milk. One of the biggest advantages of refrigerated almond milk is its long shelf life. Unlike shelf-stable almond milk, which only stays fresh for 9 months, refrigerated almond milk can be bought year-round. However, it is important to note that refrigerated almond milk does not last quite as long as regular milk, and it should be consumed within 3-6 months depending on where it is purchased.
Refrigerated almond milk also comes in a wider variety of flavors than shelf-stable almond milk, including plain, vanilla bean, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter banana, and cinnamon roll. This makes it a great option for those who want to add some variety to their diet.
Another advantage of refrigerated almond milk is that it tends to have a creamier texture than its shelf-stable counterpart. This is because it has not been subjected to the same high-temperature pasteurization process as shelf-stable almond milk.
However, there are also some downsides to refrigerated almond milk. One of the biggest drawbacks is that it must be kept cold at all times, which can be inconvenient for those who do not have access to a refrigerator throughout the day. Additionally, refrigerated almond milk tends to be more expensive than shelf-stable almond milk when unopened.
