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).

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Packaging is an important factor.

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


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

FAQs

Shelf Life of Almonds | Food Safety & Quality? ›

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.

What is the shelf life of almonds? ›

If the almond's moisture content stays below 6 percent—ideally between 3.5 and 5.5 percent—almonds can remain stable and have a long shelf life of up to two years. But for that to happen, it's important to maintain a storage environment that's between 50 and 60 percent relative humidity.

How long are almonds safe to eat? ›

What increases almond shelf life?
Raw NaturalPackaging AtmosphereShelf Life Guidelines
InshellAmbient/Bag36 months
WholeAmbient/Carton24 months
SlicedAmbient/Poly Carton18 months
DicedAmbient/Poly Carton18 months
1 more row

What are the storage conditions for almonds? ›

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).

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.

What is the shelf life of nuts? ›

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.

How to know when almonds are 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.

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.

What is the best storage for almonds? ›

Store sealed nuts in the freezer.

Overbay estimates that most nuts will stay fresh for at least a year if properly stored in the freezer. Opt for freezer-safe glass if possible; Schaich avoids using more porous plastic containers because nuts can pick up smells from other foods.

What happens if you don't refrigerate almonds? ›

It's really important to store nuts correctly to ensure maximum freshness and taste. A heart-healthy snack, bulk nuts can become rancid quickly if not stored correctly. Especially when exposed to heat because of their high fat content. Once the oils in nuts go bad and they become rancid, there's no fixing them.

Can you eat stale almonds? ›

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 shelf life of unopened almonds? ›

Shelf-Life of Almonds

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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!

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