Shelf Life of Almonds | Food Safety & Quality (2024)

Storage study findings.

Maintaining almond quality during long-term storage in ambient conditions is challenging in emerging export markets, such as China, which can have widely varying temperatures and relative humidities, depending on the season and region. A long-term-storage study published in theJournal of Food Scienceevaluated the shelf-life quality of almonds—raw kernels, blanched kernels, and blanched-sliced kernels — stored for at least 18 months in ambient and controlled (including abusive) conditions.

A shelf study conducted by U.S. Army Natick researchers proved that various almond forms (raw, roasted, blanched, sliced) can have a three-year shelf life when they are packed in optimal packages (tri-laminated foil pouches under vacuum).

Additional resources:


Packaging is an important factor in almond quality and shelf life.

The package can provide physical protection and, when needed, a barrier to moisture and/or oxygen and odours. Roasted almonds have very different packaging requirements than in-shell almonds.

Almonds are delivered to the handler for sizing, sorting and grading, and then stored in bins or other bulk containers under controlled conditions before being shipped or further processed.

For container shipments to overseas markets, in-shell almonds are generally packed in sacks. Naturally shelled almonds are packaged in cartons or fibre bulk bins, depending on the product and volume. Cut almond forms and roasted almonds require more protection against moisture and oxygen.

Cut almonds are generally packaged in cartons with a plastic liner or fibre bulk bins with a plastic liner —the plastic liner provides an important moisture barrier. Roasted almonds must be protected from oxygen (i.e. with nitrogen flushing and/or vacuum packaging). Roasted almonds processed in California are typically packaged in vacuum-packed foil bags and shipped in 11.3-kg (25-pound) cartons.


Additional resources:
Shelf Life of Almonds | Food Safety & Quality (2024)

FAQs

Shelf Life of Almonds | Food Safety & Quality? ›

The Almond Board of California recommends almonds be stored under cool, dry conditions (<10 °C/50 °F and <65% relative humidity [RH]), in which case the whole natural almonds can be stored for 2 years without a significant decrease in quality (Almond Board of California, 2016; Huang, 2014).

What is the shelf life of almonds? ›

When it comes to nuts, almonds are marvels of longevity. According to Guangwei Huang, principal scientist at the Almond Board of California (ABC), raw almonds can live a palatable life of up to two years if stored at ideal conditions.

How long are almonds safe to eat? ›

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.

How to know if almonds have gone bad? ›

In 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 long do almonds last in a container? ›

Keep almonds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Unshelled almonds will keep for up to a year. For shop-bought, prepared almonds see the package for use-by dates.

How long does almond last after opening? ›

Once opened, it should last up to seven days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Shelf-stable almond milk has the longest shelf life. If properly stored, it will typically last one to two months unopened and up to 10 days once it's opened and refrigerated.

How long can you keep unopened ground almonds? ›

Stored airtight, ground almonds may last several months in the refrigerator; tightly sealed containers of the ground nuts will last for a year or slightly more in the freezer.

When should you not eat almonds? ›

You should avoid eating almonds if: You have a nut allergy. You have difficulty in swallowing. You have kidney-related issues.

How many almonds should I eat in a day? ›

When compared ounce for ounce, almonds are the tree nut highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. 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.

Can you eat too many raw almonds? ›

If you eat too many almonds, you're getting more of these oxalates. These compounds can stick together in your kidneys and form kidney stones. These can be painful and need medical attention to get rid of. So enjoy your almonds in moderation and don't go overboard to avoid problems with your kidneys.

Is it OK to eat a bad almond? ›

The study found that bitter almonds did contain cyanide in varied quantities and consuming them is indeed harmful.

How to check the quality of almonds? ›

Take a few almonds to soak them in water. Rub the almonds between your palms – if they leave stains, it's a sure sign of adulterated nuts. Also, look for the same type of colour and shape of all the almonds, if they vary with a major difference, there's a high chance that they are adulterated.

What are the best quality almonds in the world? ›

Mamra Badams are the most expensive variety of almonds. They are mainly grown in Iran, Afghanistan and the valleys of Kashmir. They are richer in good fats when compared with the regular almond varieties. Mamra Badams are considered to be the connoisseur's range of almonds.

Can we eat expired almonds? ›

Nuts contain oil which will turn rancid when stored at room temperature for an extended period of time. Eating nuts past their prime will not hurt you, but they will taste “funny”. Nuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life.

What is the lifespan of almonds? ›

Almonds are a shelf-stable nut that can have more than two years of shelf life when stored at the recommended conditions.

What can I do with stale almonds? ›

The simplest way to revive a stale nut is by dry roasting or toasting it in a pan over a medium heat.

How many almonds to eat per day? ›

23 almonds a day.

When compared ounce for ounce, almonds are the tree nut highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. 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.

What to do with a bag of almonds? ›

This super nutritious nut isn't just for topping salads. Alex and I use almonds all the time: in nut butter, homemade crackers, and quiche crusts, and then sweet treats like brownies and ice cream. Almonds are packed with plant-based protein, so they make everything a little more filling!

How long do almonds last at room temperature? ›

How long shelled almonds can last? At room temperature, the shelled almonds can last much longer than unshelled ones. You can keep them safely for up to about two years. Without the shell, they will last just a few months at room temperature.

How long can you soak almonds before they go bad? ›

Fully submerge raw almonds in water and let them soak for eight to 12 hours. Then drain the water and lay the almonds on paper towels for an additional 12 hours. Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to a week.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. Nancy Dach

Last Updated:

Views: 6171

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. Nancy Dach

Birthday: 1993-08-23

Address: 569 Waelchi Ports, South Blainebury, LA 11589

Phone: +9958996486049

Job: Sales Manager

Hobby: Web surfing, Scuba diving, Mountaineering, Writing, Sailing, Dance, Blacksmithing

Introduction: My name is Prof. Nancy Dach, I am a lively, joyous, courageous, lovely, tender, charming, open person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.