You can tell almond milk has gone bad by using your senses and observing these key signs:
- Smell: Fresh almond milk has a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet aroma. If it smells sour, rancid, or has an off-putting odor like wet cardboard or paint thinner, it has likely spoiled and should be discarded
- Texture: Spoiled almond milk often becomes thicker, clumpy, or curdled. Sometimes separation occurs, but if shaking the container does not restore a smooth consistency and chunks remain, it is bad
- Appearance: Look for swelling or puffing of the packaging, which can indicate microbial growth producing gas inside. Also, visible mold or black spots are a sure sign of spoilage
- Taste: If the almond milk tastes sour or unpleasant, it is spoiled and should be thrown out
- Expiration Date: While best-by dates are useful guidelines, almond milk can spoil before or after these dates depending on storage. Always rely on smell, texture, and appearance to confirm freshness
To summarize, if your almond milk smells sour or rancid, has a thick or chunky texture that doesn’t smooth out when shaken, shows swollen packaging or mold, or tastes off, it is bad and should be discarded. Proper refrigeration after opening and consuming within 7 to 10 days helps keep it fresh
