"From a fresh product, it's very clear to tell when it's not good anymore. It definitely has a different smell and really starts to clump up," Carolyn says. This can be anywhere between five to seven days after it's been made.
Almond milk is naturally dairy-free, meaning it's suitable for vegans, as well as people with a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance ( 4 ). Still, you should avoid it if you're allergic to tree nuts.
Homemade almond milk stored in the refrigerator will last about five days. Almond milk bought from the refrigerated section of your market will last in your fridge for about seven to 10 days. Shelf-stable almond milk will last one to two months in your pantry and up to 10 days in the fridge after opening.
Almond milk is healthy and does not have any negative side effects except in people who may have allergies. However, almond milk has some drawbacks that include: Low in calcium: Milk is a fantastic source of calcium for people of all ages because of its high calcium content.
They're considered a healthier alternative, but some people may be surprised to find the beverages can upset their stomachs as much as dairy, doctors say.
Many almond milk brands these days use carrageenan, a thickening agent that has been found to cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues (as serious as stomach ulcers) and can cause bloating for many people.
It Doesn't Cause Inflammation
Assuming you don't have an issue with nuts, almond milk does not cause this same inflammation. It is fairly soothing to the intestines, and in most cases, does not cause the consumer any negative digestive side effects.
It is low in calories
This means that you can drink a lot of it without it causing weight gain. It is also rich in some nutrients relative to its calorie content. Producers of almond milk dilute it with water to make its fat content similar to that of low fat milk, which is around 1% fat.
The tryptophan in warm milk can help you fall asleep at night. Similarly, almond milk has the same effect. The National Sleep Foundation noted that almonds also contain tryptophan, so the increased intake of this nutrient can have a significant impact on your sleepiness level.
Almond milk is an excellent source of vitamin E, naturally containing 22% of the recommended daily vitamin E requirement in a 3.5-ounce (100-gram) portion ( 2 ). Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that may combat inflammation and stress in your body ( 10 ).
Just like with traditional spoiled milk, bacteria are responsible for making almond milk go bad. If you drink expired almond milk, you'll be consuming a large number of bad bacteria. This can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Very rancid almond milk can cause more severe food poisoning.
"Many commercial almond milks contain additives such as sugar, salt, gum, lecithin, and flavors," says Gina Keatley, CDN, a certified dietitian nutritionist at Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy in New York City. "And carrageenan as an additive can cause GI distress," she adds.
Once you open the carton, you generally have about 7 days to drink up before the milk goes bad. This is because opening the container allows oxygen to get in, which then lets bacteria breed.
“If you tend to have reflux, almond milk is a great balancer,” Chutkan says. “It's alkaline so it helps neutralize acidic foods.
Almond "milk" is not actually a dairy product, so it has no effect on the absorption of medications.
Oat, macadamia, rice, and soy milk compare favorably in terms of kidney stone risk factors with dairy milk, whereas almond and cashew milk have more potential stone risk factors. Coconut milk may be a favorable dairy substitute for patients with chronic kidney disease based on low potassium, sodium, and oxalate.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Almond Milk and Kidney Health
For those who suffer from kidney conditions, it may be necessary to limit calcium and potassium. Consuming almond milk can provide the ” milk-like” quality, but prevent excess calcium and potassium intake.
The fat and salt content are virtually identical, and while cow's milk has more protein, it's still too little to make much difference to your diet. As well as being suitable for lactose-intolerant people, almond milk is slightly healthier though because it contains vitamin D, which cow's milk does not.
Almond Milk: No Cholesterol, but Low in Protein
Day, who recommends almond milk to his heart patients. Unsweetened almond milk contains between 30 and 40 calories per 1-cup serving and has no saturated fat. And because it's a plant-based milk, it also contains no cholesterol.
Move over almond milk. Flax milk is a great nondairy option if you're looking for an anti-inflammatory boost, says Staci Small, a registered dietitian based in Indiana. The milk is made with flax oil, which is rich in an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
According to this guide, almond, hemp, and coconut milks may work for people with IBS. Just pay attention to your serving size. You may also want to try kefir. The fermentation process lowers lactose to a better level for those with IBS and lactose intolerance.
Stomach troubles
Excessive almonds can cause digestive issues such as nausea, stomach discomfort, dysentery, and bowel problems if you consume an excessive amount of essential nutrients and minerals. In fact, it can interfere with your medications and can result in severe gastrointestinal reactions in some people.
Commercially available almond milk might contain additives like soy lecithin, guar gum, and carrageenan which could cause gastrointestinal distress. People with irritable bowel syndrome should, therefore, strictly avoid almond milk.
It it's shelf-stable almond milk, which can be stored at room temperature until it's open, you have about seven to 10 days to drink it once open (as long as the open container is kept in the fridge). This timeframe is a guideline, however — the milk could still be totally fine to drink after those days have passed.