Almonds are a fantastic snack and an ideal addition to a healthy diet. These nuts are rich in nutrients, including fiber and protein, and they're quite tasty. However, if you're a fan of almonds, you might have noticed that they can go stale and end up tasting really bad. These should not be eaten, though the solution is simple and all you need are a few tips about proper storage.
The Right Way to Store Almonds
Almonds should be stored in an airtight container and it's best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Almonds are not recommended to be stored at room temperature for periods of time, so your pantry is not a good idea. However, you can take enough for a day or two out of storage while keeping the rest safe and fresh.
Shelf-Life of Almonds
According to theAlmond Board of California, the shelf-life of almonds depends on how they're produced, processed, and packaged.
- Almond paste should be refrigerated and will stay fresh for 2 to 2 1/2 years.
- Natural almonds can be stored for two years or more when their freshness and shelf-life is maximized by placing them in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Roasted almonds can stay good for up to a year in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Why Almonds Go Rancid
Almonds are rich in omega-3 and monounsaturated fats, which is why they're good for a heart-healthy diet. But those fats start togo rancid if the almonds are exposed to the oxygen in the air, especially at room temperature.
Rancid oil makes the stalealmonds taste bad. Spoiled almonds aren't poisonous, but the fats are no longer beneficial. It ispossible that rancid fat could contribute to chronic health problems if consumed often. So when the almonds taste bad, it's time to throw them out.
Almonds last longer than other nuts because they contain some phytochemical antioxidants that protect the nuts. These antioxidants might be good for people too. In fact, almonds make it to the top of many superfood lists.
Salmonella Risk From Almonds
Generally you should be safe from salmonella when it comes to almonds. Salmonella is a bacteria that causes typical food-borne illness symptoms, including an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
We usually think of salmonella with raw eggs or raw chicken. However, raw almonds were responsible for two salmonella outbreaks in the United States and Canada from 2000–2001 (which was mostly in Canada) and 2003–2004. There have also been reported salmonella outbreaks due to raw almonds in Australia (2006) and Sweden (2012).
In response to those cases, almonds now need to be roasted, blanched, or processed in some way. They may also be steamed or treated with a gas called propylene oxide. None of these treatments destroy the nutritional goodness of almonds.
A Word From Verywell
Almonds are a great part of your diet, but to get their full benefits, they do need to be stored properly. The most important thing to remember is that if an almond tastes bad, you should not eat it.
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By Shereen Lehman, MS
Shereen Lehman, MS, is a former writer for Verywell Fit and Reuters Health. She's a healthcare journalist who writes about healthy eating and offers evidence-based advice for regular people.
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FAQs
Almonds should be stored in an airtight container and it's best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Almonds are not recommended to be stored at room temperature for periods of time, so your pantry is not a good idea.
How many days almonds can be stored? ›
What increases almond shelf life?
| Raw Natural | Packaging Atmosphere | Shelf Life Guidelines |
|---|
| Inshell | Ambient/Bag | 36 months |
| Whole | Ambient/Carton | 24 months |
| Sliced | Ambient/Poly Carton | 18 months |
| Diced | Ambient/Poly Carton | 18 months |
1 more rowIn case there is bitterness in the taste, then it is best to discard the almonds as it indicates the presence of certain chemicals like phytic acid, which is a natural toxin in the outer layer of almonds High-quality almonds have a fresh and nutty aroma. If the almonds smell musty or rancid, it could indicate spoilage.
How many almonds can you eat safely? ›
Just remember 1-2-3. 1 ounce of almonds, or about 23 almond nuts, is the ideal daily portion recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. And if you're not a big counter, think of it as a handful and snack on.
Does almond go bad if not refrigerated? ›
Does Almond Milk Go Bad If Left Out? Just like dairy milk, almond milk can go bad if left out. Again, the general rule of about two hours applies but the signs of spoilage and outcome can differ. Many times, almond milk is sold in rectangular, cardboard containers that are shelf-stable until opened.
Do almonds go bad in pantry? ›
A cool temperature of <50°F/<10°C is optimal, but a higher temperature that does not stimulate insect activity may work as well to control moisture migration (and also minimize lipid oxidation). Almonds are a shelf-stable nut that can have more than two years of shelf life when stored at the recommended conditions.
Can you freeze whole almonds? ›
Whole raw nuts can be stored in the freezer for up to one year. Chopped nuts, ground nuts, or nut flours — all of which contain more surface area for oxidation — are quicker to spoil and should only be stored for up to six months.
How long do almonds last at room temperature? ›
The general rule is that most nuts retain quality for a few months. However, this does not mean that nuts will remain in good condition for an extended period. Shelled nuts stored at room temperature are expected to last six to nine months. Non-shelled nuts will last for four to six months.
Can you eat nuts 2 years out of date? ›
While our tables list the time frame that nuts are good beyond their printed date, if you can't find any date on your package, you can expect most shelled varieties to last about 2 years. For opened packages, it's best to take a whiff before serving.
Is it OK to eat a bad almond? ›
Bitter almond (Prunus amygdalus var. amara) is a type of almond. It contains a toxic chemical called amygdalin, which is poisonous when consumed. The amygdalin in bitter almond turns into poisonous hydrocyanic acid (HCN) in the body.
Almonds have to be pasteurized before they are sold; either that, or they have to be chemically treated to ensure that they are safe to consume. Nearly all almond producers favor heat pasteurization over chemical treatment.
Are old almonds safe to eat? ›
If a nut is only slightly stale, says Kanney, it can usually still be toasted to revive some of its previous glory and (crunch). However, Kanney says, “If a nut has spoiled or gone rancid, recognizable by a sour or bitter flavor, the nut is no longer good and should be thrown away.”
What is the healthiest nut to eat? ›
Most nuts appear to be generally healthy. But some may have more heart-healthy nutrients than others. For example, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also appear to be quite heart healthy.
What if I eat 20 almonds a day? ›
Get access to the much-needed nutrition: If you eat around 20 almonds every day, you would be able to incorporate different essential nutrients in the daily diet. These little nuts contain copious amounts of calcium, vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium.
Is 50 almonds a day too much? ›
Downsides of Eating Too Many Almonds Every Day
The reason why you are only recommended to eat 1-ounce of almonds a day is that they are so high in fat and calories.
Is it better to freeze or refrigerate almonds? ›
This makes nuts prone to rancidity, which ruins their flavor and freshness. So to preserve them, it's best to store nuts in the refrigerator, says Richard LaMarita, chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education.
Why do almonds need to be refrigerated? ›
Keep Cool & Chilled In The Fridge Or Freezer: They'll last about 3-4 months in any cool, dark space like a pantry, but they'll last much longer- 6+ months in the fridge and even more in the freezer. This can slow down deterioration of the nuts so they won't spoil.
Do you soak almonds in the fridge or on the counter? ›
Here's a simple way to soak them overnight: Place almonds in a bowl, add enough warm tap water to fully cover them, and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of salt for every 1 cup (140 grams) of nuts. Cover the bowl and let it sit on your countertop overnight, or for 8–12 hours. Drain and rinse.
How long do almonds stay fresh after opening? ›
Opened and refrigerated: Once opened, almonds should be consumed within 1 year for optimal freshness. At room temperature: Almonds kept in a cool, dry place can typically last 6 to 12 months.
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