Almonds are among the prized snacks from nature’s bounty. They are highly nutritious and quite tasty. Despite their good features, can almonds go bad? Many situations can help determine this.

Quick Answer

Almonds have a limited shelf-life due to the presence of fatty oils in their fleshy part. Fresh unshelled almonds can last four months if kept outside, eight months in a refrigerator and ten months in a freezer. Shelled almonds can last six months outside, sixteen months in a refrigerator, and twenty months in a freezer. Almonds can stay fresh longer if they are kept in a refrigerator or a freezer.

Most brand manufacturers religiously indicate expiry dates of their products such as almonds. None, whatsoever, will put up tips on detecting bad almonds. The responsibility shifts to you to read on to be one almond safer.

Do Almonds Go Bad? How long do Almonds Last?

The shelf life of almonds varies everywhere depending on how they are produced, processed, and packaged by their manufacturers.  Product characteristics and the environment may also affect its shelf life.

How Long Do Almonds Last Outside?

Raw almonds can stay fresh for at least 12 months depending on how well you store them. The assumption is backed up by the University of California which informed that it could be stored for about a year. The Almond Board of California concluded it could last for almost two years

Shelled almonds can stay fresh for six months in the pantry before going bad. Unshelled almonds are exposed to humidity, oxygen, and heat meaning they will last less under four months. Unshelled almonds are exposed to humidity, oxygen, and heat meaning they will last less under four months.

Pre-packed almonds may last depending on the label of expiry date on their packages. The date is an estimate and the almonds can last longer depending on their quality. If the label is absent, then two weeks in the pantry is a fair estimate.

How Long Do Almonds Last in the Fridge?

Raw almonds can last more than a year in a fridge. The product characteristics in this case can help determine the shelf life of almond seeds in the refrigerator.

Unpeeled or the shelled almonds can last up to 8 months in the refrigerator while peeled/ unshelled almonds can last twice of the time above.

Pre-packed almonds may be opened or unopened. Either way, check the label to confirm how long the almonds will last. If no label is provided, a month in the refrigerator will be a fair estimate.

How Long Do Almonds Last in the Freezer?

The temperature of a freezer is 0⁰ C (32⁰ F). Many foods and drinks are preserved through freezing. This will therefore increase the shelf life of almonds.

Unshelled almonds may remain fresh up to 20 months (1year 8 months). It differs from shelled almonds which may last only half which is 10 months.

Pre-packed almonds can be frozen depending on the date of expiry indicated on the package. The date is usually not accurate, hence may last longer or shorter than that.

Freezers and refrigerators increases almond’s shelf-life.

How To Tell If Almond has Gone Bad?

Almonds, just like any other nut, can go bad if they are not properly stored. Here are some of the signs to look out for when distinguishing fresh almond from stale almond;

Altered smell: The smell of good almonds is pleasant and appetizing nutty wafty. If the smell becomes bitter, sour, or paint-like, the almonds are rancid. Mild nuttiness does not signify a rancid nut. Rancidity refers to the fatty oils inside the almond being oxidized. If your almonds are rancid, get rid of them.

Altered taste: Almonds normally have a sweet and nutty taste. When they become rancid, their taste changes to a nasty sour or harsh bitter taste. If your almonds taste likewise, discard all of them to prevent digestive problems.

Insect infestation: Insects may take advantage if the almonds are not properly stored. They can destroy your whole stock if caution is not exercised. They are likely to invade in places like the pantry where all foods are stored together. Insects may not survive in a refrigerator or the freezer due to the cold temperatures.

Mold: The appearance of mold in any part of a snack or food usually signifies stale food. Similarly, if molds appear on your almonds, they have gone bad. Dark specks can also signify stale or rancid almond.

How to Store Almonds?

Almonds have a high-fat content which means they can readily absorb moisture, heat/oxygen, and bad smells. Here are some methods that will ensure proper storage of almonds;

Use an airtight container or resealable bag: Moisture and strong smells are components that can be easily absorbed by almonds. The use of an airtight container or a resealable bag prevents lipid oxidation and keeps away odor from being absorbed.

Use freezer bags or well ventilated bags: Storing almonds at room temperature is not as effective as cold storage. Freezer bags will help store the almonds in an airtight container at cold temperatures. Well-ventilated bags store almonds at room temperatures.

Can You Freeze Almonds? How?

Almonds contain fatty oils that make the former go rancid at warm temperatures. Freezing is therefore undisputedly the best storage method. Freezing almonds requires no special skill. Here are tips that may guide you on how to freeze almonds;

Put shelled almonds in an airtight container: The airtight container prevents air or moisture from reaching the almonds.

Push excess air out of the bag: Dispelling the air will help prevent the almonds from oxidizing and turning rancid.

Seal the container or bag tightly: The seal ensures that the nuts don’t absorb any odors.

Put the container or bag into another or secure the lid with plastic wrap: The bag in a bag step provides extra protection to the almonds.

If the almonds are in an unopened package that is tightly sealed, store them in the original package: It provides extra protection to the almonds from moisture and air.

How to Thaw Almonds?

There are two popular ways of thawing almonds as far as defrosting is concerned;

Counter: Simply pick several almonds from the fridge and place them in a bowl. Place the bowl at a counter-top for the almonds to thaw.

Cooking: You can also add frozen almonds to recipes being cooked or baked. They will thaw as the dish is cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Almond’s Shelf Life

Can you eat expired almonds? Expired almonds aren’t poisonous, but the rancid oil is no longer beneficial. Rancid oil makes the stale almonds taste bad. If you consume stale almonds often, chances are it could contribute to chronic health problems. Throw away any stale almond if you come across one.

Do raw almonds expire? They go rancid, change color, get moldy, or dry out. This is a clear indication that they have expired and need to be discarded.

Wrap Up

Almonds are an incredible breakfast snack that requires proper care and attention. They should be kept in a dry, dark place away from heat. Almonds should be frozen to avoid rancid outcomes.