So, you found a carton of cashew milk in your refrigerator past a few days of its expiration date. This might make you wonder – if cashew milk can go bad.
There can be a case when you wonder, how long can cashew milk last good? Can you use the half-opened refrigerated cashew milk carton even after a few days? Well, honestly, there can be a lot of questions.
Cashew milk has become popular with its benefitting properties and delightful taste. Not just can it be used with its best quality but even expired cashew milk can be used. We are here with the answers if you are also struggling with all these thoughts.
This article covers all the possible essential information about cashew milk, its use, storage, etc. Do you care to explore? Read along to find all your answers.
What is cashew milk?
Cashew milk is creamy, mild, and nutty-flavored plant-based milk, which is made with the perfect blend of cashew nuts and water. It is a popular alternative to cow’s milk for cooking and drinking amongst vegans and lactose-intolerant people.
How long does cashew milk last?
Compared to regular dairy milk, cashew milk has an extended shelf life. In maximum cases, cashew milk can stay in the refrigerator for at least 1 week after opening. With proper storage, maintenance and handling, the cashew milk can last for about 10-days as well.
It has been observed that the presence of stabilizers or food additives helps cashew milk last long without any problems. On the other hand, the absence of these stabilizers or food additives can result in cashew milk with a limited life.
- The homemade cashew milk can be refrigerated for a maximum of 3-4 days
- The store-bought cashew milk carton can be refrigerated and stored for about 7-days after opening
Surprisingly,
- Unopened, stabilized, or pasteurized cashew milk stored at room temperature can last for 1-3 years. It would last even longer when refrigerated.
- Opened, stabilized, or pasteurized cashew milk can last for several weeks in the refrigerator if you close it tightly after every use and store it immediately back in the refrigerator.
It is best suggested to check the packaging of the available cashew milk and the best by date or expiration date or use before date. Usually, it will be for 2-3 weeks, depending upon the brand.
How to store cashew milk?
To ensure lasting use of the cashew milk, it is suggested to store it in a covered and air-tight container in the refrigerator. The fresh cashew milk can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-days; just give it a good shake before each use. It tastes the best when consumed within the first 2-3 days of making.
Besides, you can also store frozen cashew milk for up to 3-5 months without any problems. However, storing unopened cashew milk in the refrigerator can last to the best of its quality for about one week from its packaging date.
Can cashew milk go bad?
Well, first things first – can cashew milk go bad?
Yes, it can. Most possibly because it passed its expiration date, or it can be spoiled because of improper handling or storage.
Signs that your cashew milk has gone bad –
Generally, cashew milk doesn’t go bad that easily as it is meant to last longer than everyday dairy products. However, with its possibility of going bad, there are few signs to predict if it has gone bad.
1. Discoloration:
Firstly, if the milk has become old, it will turn yellow or darken. The main reasons for this are air exposure or the possible bacterial combination. It is best suggested to throw it out to avoid any risks to your health.
2. Unpleasant smell and taste:
Secondly, if there is a weird smell, it is also an indication that the milk should be thrown away. Cashew milk smells faintly of nuts and earth, but it shouldn’t be strong or sour. Also, if the milk tastes different, it is advised not to use it and throw it away to ensure your best health.
3. Container mold:
You should also discard cashew milk if the container or its inside components develop mold. It can be dangerous for your health. Also, if the cashew milk has become lumpy and thick, it is highly likely to go bad.
4. Uncertain buying date:
Last but not least, if you cannot remember when you bought the milk and how long it has been opened and refrigerated, it is best to throw it away. It is better to be safe rather than risk your life, isn’t it?
Can bad cashew milk make you sick?
Like any other bad dairy product, consumption of bad cashew milk can surely make you sick.
If you consume bad cashew milk, you may have to deal with food-borne illnesses that can be dangerous for your health. Some of the possible illnesses that you may have to struggle with are –
- Food poisoning
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain and upset stomach
- Headache
- Nausea
- Uneasiness
- Vomiting
- Weakness and dizziness
Getting immediate consultation from your health expert or doctor is best suggested if you have drunk bad cashew milk and witnessed any such health symptoms.
There may be a case in which you don’t observe any of these symptoms even after drinking expired cashew milk. Yet, getting immediate consultation from health experts is advised to avoid facing any significant health consequences. In simple words, drinking bad cashew milk is not healthy and safe even if there are no signs or you don’t feel sick. It is best to throw it away.
Is it essential to refrigerate cashew milk?
It is possible to store the homemade cashew milk without refrigeration for up to a few hours. However, later it should be refrigerated to increase its life.
The cashew milk carton should be refrigerated at all times to maximize its shelf life. Ensure to store it in the main body of the fridge to use for the maximum time. Remember not to store the milk carton on the refrigerator door as the temperature is too warm; thus, the milk can go bad early.
Place the cashew milk in the back of the refrigerator rather than on the door to keep it fresh and usable for maximum time.
Can you freeze cashew milk?
Can cashew milk be frozen? Of course, it can be frozen!
You can freeze and store the cashew milk for up to 3-5 months without affecting its nutrients, though its texture can be affected. For an easy way to use cashew milk, you can freeze it in an ice cube tray to directly pop and use them in your coffee, smoothies, etc.
Is it okay if cashew milk is thawed?
Cashew milk can be heated in a saucepan or microwave without splitting in hot sauce. Also, it won’t split if you pour the cashew milk into the hot drinks straight from the refrigerator. However, you should be careful about the considerations and techniques, or else you can ruin the taste and texture of the cashew milk.
How can you use expired cashew milk?
So, your cashew milk expired! Are you planning to throw away the expired cashew milk? STOP!
Expired cashew milk doesn’t make the best choice for consumption, but that doesn’t mean you throw it away.
Yes, you can use expired cashew milk in various ways. Care enough to know?
Use expired cashew milk to make buttermilk or sour cashew cream in baked goods. It can also be alternatively used to tenderize meats and chicken or simply be added for salad dressings, casseroles, soups, etc.
The expired cashew milk makes the best choice for the following culinary applications –
- Stews and soups
- Tenderizing meat, chicken, etc.
- Salad dressing
- Baked goods
- Cheesemaking
Can you use expired cashew milk for skincare?
You can use the expired cashew milk as a facial mask because it is good for the skin. It can also be used to remove skin tan and brighten the skin tone. Simply use some cashew milk on the face and let it sit to get smooth and firm skin.
The benefit of sour cashew milk isn’t just limited to the face; add a cup of sour cashew milk in your bath to get smooth skin all over. If you don’t like the smell, try adding some of your favorite essential oils to the bath to make it more pleasing.
Alternative for cashew milk:
Since cashew milk is expensive and may not fit in the budget for many people, you can always rely on its alternate options. If not cashew milk, oat milk, and almond milk make great substitutes with their mild and creamy texture.
Apart from the top 2 options, you can also choose an alternative to cashew milk from soy, walnut, pistachio, rice, peanut milk, etc.
FAQs:
1. Why does cashew milk taste sour?
The sour taste of the cashew milk is a sign that it has expired or is about to expire. As a result, it should be consumed without any further delay.
2. What to do if cashew milk separates?
Unfortunately, cashew milk can separate when added to hot coffee because of hot temperature or acidity. Warming the cashew milk first and then slowly adding it to the coffee might be helpful.
3. How to make cashew milk last long?
Cashew milk can be frozen for up to 3-months; just simply give it a good shake before every use. You can also make small cashew milk ice cubes to add to smoothies to make them extra cold, thick, and creamy.
Conclusion:
Cashew milk is a delight to have, thanks to its taste and nutritional value. Cashew milk is one of the best plant milk options available that is creamier than any other plant milk. Also, its long-lasting shelf life makes it even more appealing to buy and use.
Whether you have homemade cashew milk or bought it from the store, it can be stored for at least 3-4 days without any problems or risks. Knowing its shelf life, the possible reasons for the milk going bad, etc., will surely help in better use and preservation.
We hope this article gives all the necessary information that you need about cashew milk. You can contact the comment section for more details if you still have any more concerns.