Almonds Shelf Life: Can It Go Bad or Expire? (The TRUTH)

When you’re told to add nuts to your diet, almonds might be the first thing that would come to mind. But did you know that almond is not a nut?

Technically, your favorite nut is not a true nut but a seed. Particularly, it’s a seed of almond fruit

That’s not the only thing you didn’t know about almonds. You might also not know this: they don’t last forever.

So do almonds go bad?

With that said, how do you store almonds? This article will tell you how!

In this article, you’ll also discover the answers to:

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started before you go nuts!

Do Almonds Go Bad (and Why They Do)?

Yes, almonds do go bad. They are highly prone to rancidity.

Here’s why: They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats.

Did you know?

Omega 3-fatty acids are healthy fats that can reduce the risk of heart diseases, high cholesterol levels, and inflammation in the body (*)

Unfortunately, the fats that make almonds heart-healthy are the same fats that cause them to become rancid. When these fats are exposed to heat, light, and oxygen, they get oxidized and become rancid.

Now, the next big question is: how long do almonds last?

How Long Do Almonds Last?

The answer will depend on two factors: the type of almond you have and whether it’s opened or unopened.

Here’s a simple table that will help you determine when you can enjoy your almonds at their best quality:

How To Tell If Almonds Have Gone Bad?

Please note that all of the shelf life we’ve shared with you is just estimates.

To ensure that your almonds are still fresh, you must inspect them before snacking on them. Here are some of the signs that you should look out for:

1. Mold or Discoloration

Is there a fuzzy green or white growth at the surface of the almonds? Or are there dark spots?

If there are, we highly recommend that you throw them out since there’s a low risk of getting sick when you consume mold. (*)

2. Off Smell

You already know what they should smell like. However, the nuts might not be fresh anymore if they smell differently when you open the pack.

If the nuts already smell like nail polish, old plastic containers, or paint, discard them immediately.

3. Bitter Taste

You can give the nuts a taste if you’re still unsure. But please keep in mind that you should take only a small bite.

If they already taste bitter or sour, it’s already rancid. We highly recommend that you dispose of them as soon as possible if this is the case.

How to Store Almonds the Right Way

If you wish to preserve the almond’s freshness for as long as possible, the best thing that you can do is to store the almonds properly. You can do that by following these tips:

1. Store almonds in a dark, dry, and cool place.

The best way to prevent the fats in almonds from oxidizing is to protect them from heat, light, and air. Of course, you should keep them in a dark, dry, and cool place to do this.

That’s why you shouldn’t store almonds just in your kitchen pantry. Instead, the best storage for them would be inside your refrigerator.

2. To extend their shelf life, place them in the freezer.

Doing so would help prolong their freshness by a few months.

3. Place them in an airtight container.

This is highly recommended to keep air away from the almonds. If you plan on storing them in the freezer, make sure to put them in a resealable freezer-safe bag.

4. Keep them away from smelly food items.

They can easily absorb the odor of other foods, especially smelly food items like onions and spices. Because of this, make sure that you place them far away from these food items.

Two Interesting Facts About Almonds

If you’re an almond lover like us, here are two facts that will surely pique your interest:

• You can tell if the in-shell almond is good quality by shaking it.

Pro Tip: When choosing in-shell almonds, go for those with white-creamy spots all over the shell and avoid those with yellowish shells.

• Certain types of almonds are poisonous.

When you do, and you hear the nut rattling inside the shell, the nut is already old and shrunken. If not, the nut is still of its best quality.
Bitter almonds contain glycoside amygdalin which is a poisonous compound. An adult can be poisoned by ingesting 6 to 10 bitter almonds while consuming up to 50 bitter almonds can cause death.  

The Bottom Line

Almonds can go bad. That’s why you must learn how to store them to preserve their freshness for longer properly.

Lucky for you, we’ve already shared all the storage tips you need to know.

Now, all that you need to do is follow them, and you can enjoy your fresh almonds for longer!

Up Next:

• Do Nuts Go Bad or Expire? How Long Can It Last?