Does Cashew Milk Go Bad? How To Store?

Cashew milk has become incredibly popular but Does Cashew Milk Go Bad? This article will answer your questions about cashew mil, how to store it and when to know it has expired.

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Does Cashew Milk Go Bad?

Just like any other plant-based milk, cashew milk can indeed go bad. Fresh cashew milk, which is usually homemade, has a shorter shelf life while store-bought pasteurized cashew milk can last unopened for several months due to the preservatives and the pasteurization process that kills bacteria.

Interestingly, there’s also shelf-stable almond milk and cashew milk available in the market. These variants undergo a special packaging process that allows them to be safely stored at room temperature until opened. After opening, they need to be refrigerated and consumed within a week or so.

How Long Does Cashew Milk Last?

The shelf life of cashew milk depends on whether it’s homemade or store-bought, and whether it’s opened or unopened.

Store-Bought Cashew Milk: Store-bought cashew milk in a refrigerated carton, however, can last up to two weeks after opening if kept constantly chilled.Unopened, it generally has a long shelf life and can be used until the ‘use by date’ printed on the milk carton. This makes it a convenient option for those with a dairy allergy.

Homemade Cashew Milk: Homemade cashew milk, similar to homemade almond milk, usually lasts up to seven days when continuously refrigerated and properly stored. Always remember, the key to maintaining the best quality of cashew milk is proper storage – keep it refrigerated and tightly sealed when not in use.

How to Know if Cashew Milk Has Gone Bad?

Cashew milk, like other plant-based milks, can indeed go bad. There are a few signs that indicate spoiled cashew milk.

Unpleasant Smell: Fresh cashew milk has a mild, nutty aroma. If it starts to emit a sour or weird smell, it’s likely gone bad.
Sour Taste: Cashew milk should have a creamy, slightly sweet taste. If it tastes sour, it’s best to discard it.
Change in Texture: Fresh cashew milk has a smooth consistency. If it becomes chunky or develops a thick layer, it’s a sign of spoilage.
Past its ‘Best By’ Date: While an unopened carton of cashew milk can last until the ‘best before’ date, once opened, it typically lasts about one week when properly stored in the refrigerator. If it’s past this time, it’s safer to throw it out.

It’s crucial to note the storage instructions and expiration dates on plant-based milk products to ensure their freshness and safety.

Does Cashew Milk Expire?

Yes, cashew milk does expire. Just like expired almond milk, it can develop an unpleasant smell, sour taste, and change in texture.

The expiration date on carton is a good indicator of its shelf life when unopened. Once opened, it should be consumed within 7-10 days for the best quality.

What if You Drink Expired Cashew Milk?

Drinking expired cashew milk can lead to discomfort, much like if you were to drink expired almond milk or dairy milk. You may experience digestive discomfort, such as bloating, diarrhea, or stomach cramps. It’s always best to avoid consuming expired products.

Can You Use Cashew Milk for Cooking and Baking After the Expiration Date?

While it might be tempting to use expired cashew milk in cooking and baking, it’s not recommended. The expiration date on the package is there for a reason — it indicates the estimated time until the product may start to deteriorate in quality and safety.

If your cashew milk has passed its expiration date, it’s important to check for signs of spoilage. If any of spoilage signs are present, it’s best to discard the milk.

Even in cooking and baking, using spoiled milk can affect the taste of dishes and potentially cause foodborne illness. It is important to always prioritize safety when using food products that have expired. Don’t add expired cashew milk to your Smoothies!

How to Store Cashew Milk Correctly?

Like all perishable items, it requires proper storage to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. To store cashew milk correctly and prevent spoilage, follow these steps:

Unopened Cashew Milk: When dealing with unopened cashew milk cartons, ensure they are properly stored in a dark place, away from direct sunlight or heat.
Refrigeration for Freshness: Once opened, transfer the cashew milk to the refrigerator promptly. It may stay fresh for up to seven days when stored in the main body of the fridge, not on the fridge door.
Airtight Container: If you’re making homemade cashew milk, store it in the clean, airtight container to prevent air exposure and potential contamination.
Extended Shelf Life: For longer-term storage of homemade cashew milk, consider freezing it. Cashew milk can be stored in the freezer for up to six months.

Remember that proper storage practices are key to maintaining the quality and safety of cashew milk, ensuring it remains suitable for consumption.

Can You Freeze Cashew Milk?

Yes, you can freeze cashew milk. However, keep in mind that the texture might change upon thawing, making it potentially less suitable for drinking straight but still usable for cooking or baking purposes.

Always remember to leave some space at the top of your container when freezing, as the milk will expand.

What Is Cashew Milk?

Cashew milk is a plant-based, dairy-free milk alternative made from cashews. It is a popular option for individuals who are Vegan, Lactose Intolerant, or allergic to cow’s milk.
Cashew milk has creamy texture with a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. It can be used in a variety of ways such as in coffee and Tea, with cereal, in Smoothies, in baking, in Hot Chocolate, and in cooking.

Alternative Milks To Cashew Milk

Oat milk, rice milk, Coconut Milk, Almond Milk, and soy milk are all other alternative milks to cashew milk. These types of milk, along with other plant milk options, present a healthy alternative to cow’s milk.

Each milk offers unique nutritional profiles and flavors. Like cashew milk, each of these other alternative milks is a great choice for those seeking dairy-free options due to dietary restrictions or personal preference.

So, Does Cashew Milk Go Bad?

In conclusion, cashew milk, like all dairy alternatives, does have a shelf life and can go bad. Generally, an opened container of cashew milk will stay fresh for almost about 7-10 days in the refrigerator.