Do Almonds Go Bad?

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Almonds, known for their sweet taste and crunchy consistency, are some of the most popular nuts globally.

Almonds can cook many delicious dishes like almond butter, almond muffins, and almond jello

But what happens when your favorite snack goes bad?

It’s not just a myth – almonds can be very perishable.

They don’t like cold temperatures, so make sure to buy them from a store or market that keeps them at room temperature.

We’ll show you how to tell if an almond has gone bad, as well as what to do if you find some that have.

Do Almonds Go Bad? 2

How can you tell if an almond has gone bad?

If you think your almonds might be damaged, you should probably throw them away.

Most almonds will last for up to six months after they are purchased, but it’s best to keep them in a cool place.

You can also check the almonds yourself by looking at their exterior.

If the skin looks dry, cracked, or yellowed, then the almonds are likely spoiled.

It doesn’t matter whether they are still soft inside; once the skin starts to look like this, the almonds are ruined.

Here are other signs that your almonds may be past their prime:

  • The almonds smell musty or moldy.
  • They have a greenish tint to them.
  • Their shells are misshapen or broken.
  • Their skins are wrinkled or split apart.
  • There are small holes on the surface.
  • Some of the kernels are missing.
  • When you pick them up, they feel hard and dense.
  • The almonds stick together like glue.

If you see any of these signs, toss those almonds and try another batch instead.

Prevention tips

Once you know that your almonds are no longer good, it’s time to dispose of them properly.

Here are some things to consider before tossing your almonds into the trash:

1. Don’t add them to your compost bin.

Composting is great for gardeners, but it’s not good for food waste.

Almonds need to stay moist to prevent mold growth, which means they shouldn’t be added to your compost pile.

2. Avoid leaving them sitting around.

Make sure that your almonds are stored in a cool place.

You can either put them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat them, or better yet, freeze them for later use.

3. Store your almonds correctly.

Don’t leave them in direct sunlight, and always keep them away from humidity.

That means storing them in a cool, dark place with little exposure to air and water.

4. Use them within six months.

Most almonds will last for about six months after purchase.

After that, they start to lose flavor and become less nutritious.

So, once you open a new batch, make sure to eat them within six months.

5. Clean up before using.

After you’ve eaten your almonds, it’s best to wash them thoroughly before storing them again.

This helps to remove any remaining bacteria or mold that may have been left behind.

almonds

What are the signs that almonds are going bad?

There are several ways to tell whether an almond is good or bad.

  • The shell is hard and dry. When it comes to almonds, the shells should have a nice shine on them. If it’s cracked or dull, then there may be something wrong with it.
  • The skin is wrinkled and the almond looks shriveled up.
  • The almond smells musty or moldy.
  • The almond doesn’t look fresh. It could be because someone else took it before you bought it. You might also notice it’s more brittle than usual.
  • When you bite into it, it feels dry and crumbly.
  • If the almond’s inside is dark brown, black, or greenish-gray, it means it’s rancid. This is usually due to poor storage conditions.

Is it okay to eat almonds that have gone bad?

Not all almonds will spoil overnight.

But there are ways to tell whether they’re still edible after being stored for several weeks.

The first step is to check the packaging. If it says “sell by date” on the front, then the almonds should be fine.

If it says “best before date” or something similar, then they’re probably past their prime.

You might also want to check the expiration date, too.

If the package doesn’t say anything specific about storage time, then you’ll need to look at the almonds themselves.

If the skin looks dry and cracked, the almonds may have been sitting around for a while.

Also, if the almonds feel soft inside, they’re likely stale.

You can test them for freshness by placing them between your fingers and squeezing gently.

If they feel firm, they’re good.

If they feel soft, they’re probably rotten.

If you’re worried about eating something that’s already spoiled, then you can always try to freeze them.

Just place them in a freezer-safe container and put them in the fridge for 24 hours.

After that, you can use them as usual.

What happens if you eat a bad almond?

When you eat a bad almond, you risk getting sick.

It’s easy to spot an under-ripe or rotten almond, but those with a greenish tint may look fine on the outside.

However, the inside of an almond is full of nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, B6, E, and K, which makes it hard for you to avoid eating them if they’re not spoiled.

If you eat a bad almond, you run the risk of developing gastrointestinal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

You may also develop skin rashes, headaches, and dizziness.

If you ingest more than 4 ounces (113 grams) of rotten almonds within 24 hours, you could experience kidney damage.

Eating more than 8 ounces (227 grams) within 48 hours could lead to liver failure.

The best way to prevent yourself from consuming any kind of nut is by keeping them stored properly.

Store your almonds in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and keep them dry to ensure that they stay fresh.

How long do almonds last?

In general, fresh-baked goods like cookies and cakes will stay good for up to three days after baking, but they won’t keep much longer than that.

If you bake something with a lot of sugar, it can last up to five days, but that doesn’t mean you should eat them all at once.

That would be a big mistake.

If you want to keep almonds for a long time, then you need to dry them.

Almonds can be dried using sun exposure or by placing them on paper towels or cloths in a warm oven.

Dried almonds can last for years, so we recommend buying them in bulk and storing them in airtight containers or jars.

What is the shelf life of almonds?

The shelf life of almonds depends on several factors.

For example, the best way to keep them fresh is by storing them in the fridge.

It’s also important to keep them away from moisture, which will allow mold to grow.

However, it’s normal for almonds to become stale after a few weeks of storage.

If you want to use them up before then, simply rinse them off with water and dry them thoroughly before using.

When choosing whether to eat an almond straightaway or wait until later, consider its age.

You should avoid eating any that look damaged or discolored.

Also, make sure that the package isn’t old, because this may indicate that the almonds inside aren’t fresh either.

If you plan to freeze a batch of almonds, keep in mind that they need to be frozen within three months of purchase.

When thawing, leave them out at room temperature for 24 hours, and then put them back into the freezer.

Do almonds need to be refrigerated?

Almonds contain a lot of healthy fats, but they also contain water and sugars.

As such, they aren’t good for long-term storage.

If you want to keep them fresh, then you should only eat them within three days after buying them.

If you can’t consume them within that time frame, then it’s best to discard them immediately.

The good news is that there are ways to extend the shelf life of these delicious snacks.

You can freeze them, which will help preserve their quality.

You can also dry them, which will reduce moisture levels and prevent mold growth.

However, this method isn’t recommended since it takes longer than storing them in the fridge.

So, here’s how to tell if an almond has gone bad:

  • Open the package, take out the nut, and smell it. If it smells rotten or rancid, discard it right away.
  • Take out the nut, crack it open with a hammer, and look inside. If it looks discolored or brown, then it’s definitely been damaged by bacteria.
  • Cut the nut into two pieces and put it under a microscope to see if there are any bugs growing on it. If yes, then discard it immediately.

How to tell if almonds have turned green

Almonds can become green during processing, and this is normal.

It doesn’t mean that the almonds are spoiled, but rather that they’re still edible.

If you see green almonds, then you can eat them, but only if they’re not too old.

If they’re older than three months, then toss them and get new ones.

How should you store almonds to keep them fresh?

Almonds are very perishable, but there are ways to keep them fresh for longer periods of time.

The first thing you need to know is that almonds aren’t actually nuts.

They belong to the fruit family, and are more closely related to peaches than to walnuts.

But they still contain protein and fat, which makes them a healthy choice.

If you want to store almonds at home, it’s best to keep them in a cool and dry place.

A fridge will work fine, but avoid storing them inside the door, as this can cause condensation on the outside of the nut, which could lead to mold growth.

You can also freeze them until you’re ready to use them.

Just put them in a resealable plastic bag, and pop them into the freezer.

You can then remove them when you’re ready to eat them.

Keep in mind that if you want to use them straight from the freezer, they may become hard and brittle.

If this happens, you can soften them by putting them back in the freezer for 15 minutes before eating them.

When it comes to storage, almonds are pretty resilient.

However, they can go off fairly quickly if kept in warm conditions.

So if you’re going to be traveling with them, it’s best to bring them in a cooler rather than leaving them in your luggage.

The average shelf life of almonds is around six months, although it varies depending on where you live.

As long as you follow these simple tips, you won’t have to worry too much about keeping your favorite snack fresh.

What is the best way to store almonds?

Almonds are a great source of healthy fats and vitamins, but they also contain lots of other nutrients such as vitamin E and fiber.

However, it’s important to remember that these nutrients degrade over time, especially when stored at room temperature.

When you purchase almonds, look for ones with the “best by date” printed on them.

This will give you an idea of how long the nut will last before it starts going bad.

If you live in a warm climate where there are no frosts, then you can keep them in the fridge.

But if you live somewhere where there is an extended period of sub-zero temperatures, then you should store them in the freezer.

You can also freeze dried almonds.

These are already roasted, and you can use them straight away without defrosting first.

Just make sure you take them out of the freezer whenever you want to eat them, because they will become stale quickly once they thaw.

The only downside to storing almonds in the fridge or freezer is that they tend to get sticky.

You may need to rub them down with a dry cloth occasionally.

So, if you don’t have access to either of those options, what’s the best way to store almonds?

How do you keep almonds fresh for the longest time?

When buying almonds, it’s important to buy them from a reputable store.

There are many different types of nuts, but almonds are the only type that go rancid quickly.

So, be careful with where you buy them from.

If you want to know more about how to tell if an almond has gone bad, we’ve got a few tips for you below.

Store your almonds in the fridge.

The best way to avoid almonds going rancid is to store them in the fridge.

Almonds will last longer in the fridge than on the countertop.

However, this isn’t always possible.

If you live in a warm climate, you might need to keep your almonds in the pantry instead.

But there are other ways to prevent almonds from going bad too.

Don’t leave your almonds in direct sunlight.

Almonds aren’t good for storing outside in direct sunlight either.

And since they’re so perishable, it’s even worse for them here.

So, don’t leave your almonds on the table while you eat lunch, and definitely don’t leave them outside in direct sunlight.

Use airtight containers.

Another great tip is to use airtight containers.

You can also try storing your almonds in a sealed plastic bag, but this isn’t the best option.

This is because air leaks into the container through the plastic, which means that the moisture inside is still able to evaporate.

Instead, opt for glass jars or airtight containers.

The problem with these is that they can break easily, and you end up with a mess everywhere.

So, be careful with these options, and choose the right ones for your storage needs.

Keep your almonds away from your pets
This is especially true for cats and dogs who love to eat everything in sight.

As you may already know, cats and dogs are notorious for eating anything that smells or looks tasty.

So, if you have a cat or dog, it’s probably best to keep your almonds out of reach.

It’s better to keep them in the refrigerator or in a closed cabinet.

Clean your almonds properly.

You should clean your almonds before storing them.

This will help reduce any bacteria that could potentially grow in the nut.

To clean your almonds, first remove the skin by rubbing them between your palms.

Then, place them in a bowl filled with water and let them soak for 15 minutes.

After soaking, drain off the water and rinse the almonds under running water several times.

After rinsing, dry your almonds using paper towels and then put them back in a jar or airtight container.

Use a spoon to press down the almonds, making sure to get all the excess liquid out.

Almond Jello

Almond Jello

This Almond Jello recipe will bring you back to your lovely childhood.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 227 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 bowl

Ingredients
  

Gelatin (powdered or fresh)

  • 1 tablespoon gelatin powdered
  • 4 ounces gelatin fresh

Cold water

  • 2 tbsp water cold for powdered gelatin
  • 1 bowl water cold for fresh gelatin

Other ingredients

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tsp pure almond extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk cold

Instructions
 

  • You can prepare Almond Jello using either powdered gelatin or fresh gelatin.

Powdered gelatine

  • When preparing with powdered gelatin, mix the powder with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
  • Let sit for five minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Fresh gelatine

  • For fresh gelatin, soak 4 ounces of gelatin in a bowl of cold water for 5 minutes.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
  • Pour into molds and refrigerate until set.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 27gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 72mgPotassium: 57mgSugar: 27gVitamin A: 49IUCalcium: 55mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword Almond Jello
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Latest posts by Grace Lambert (see all)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Previous

Does Alcohol Expire?

How Long Does Ramen Noodles Last?

Next