Yes, like any other flour, almond flour also expires and goes bad. It comes with a shelf life of less than one year and should be consumed within that period.
If you have a surplus of almond flour and are now thinking about almond flour shelf life. Or, have several questions like, does almond flour expire? And even if it does then how long is almond flour good for? Then stop worrying, in this article, I am sharing all the authentic information about the expiration of almond flour, warning signs, storage tips, and other associated facts.
5 Warning Signs That Your almond flour go bad
If you are confused if your almond flour has gone bad or not and you want to get assured about it then you should look for these common 5 warning signs that can indicate if your almond flour has gone bad or not:-
1. Change in smell
If you are using opened almond flour after a long time then it is better to put out a small amount and then sniff it. If it smells rancid then you should not use it. Originally, almond flour has a nutty aroma and once it goes bad it has a rancid smell. It is the most common warning sign that you can observe.
2. Change in color
If you observe any sort of changes in the color of your almond flour then you should not use it as it indicates that now it has become rancid.
3. Presence of pantry bugs
If you find any pantry bugs or their products like eggs or larvae in your almond flour then it is time to get done with it as consuming insects and their products isn’t something that we should do.
4. Presence of lumps
If you notice small lumps then it happens due to water drops coming in contact with the almond flour, it means your flour has absorbed the moisture and now it is not safe to use.
5. Appearance of molds
If you observe the presence of even the slightest mold then you should immediately discard your almond flour as molds should not be present in edibles.
Tips To Store almond flour
Spoiled food items often lead to frustration. And this frustration can be prevented if you store your almond flour properly. Proper storage prolongs its shelf life and now I am sharing some tips to store almond flour:-
1. Refrigerate
If you have a large stock of almond flour then you should keep it in your fridge. It will prevent it from spoilage because the fridge provides a low temperature that is not suitable for the growth of mold and fungi.
2. Cool place in the pantry
If you don’t have a fridge or have limited stock then you can also store it in a cool place in your pantry or even in your kitchen cabinet. If you are storing your almond flour outside the fridge then make sure that it is not near any heat source like a gas stove or dishwasher.
3. Seal it tightly after use
Once you open the almond flour bag then after using it you should seal it tightly for the next use. This will prevent the almond flour from being in contact with air and moisture as we know that air and moisture promote oxidation and it also increases the chances of molds, so it is better to avoid that.
4. Away from heat sources
Heat sources favor the growth of molds or fungi that can further spoil your almond flour, reducing its shelf life. So try to store it away from heat sources.
5. Freeze it
If you have bought so many almond flour bags then freezing them is the best option. It will increase their shelf life and they won’t get spoiled soon.
What happens if you use Expired almond flour?
If an opened bag is stored in a pantry, it is good to use it before its best-by date and if it is unopened then you can use it for 2-4 months. If you are using almond flour that has gone out of the best-by date and was stored properly then it will not cause any damage and it won’t make you sick. But, if your almond flour was attacked by molds or fungi then it will make you sick.
Molds release enzymes known as mycotoxins. These enzymes can make you sick by irritating your digestive tract and food poisoning. If you suffer from any of these then you should go to hospital as soon as possible. ( Reference 1)
Some Interesting Facts About The almond flour
- Many people have doubts, does almond flour have gluten, or is it gluten-free? Then you should know that it is naturally gluten-free and you can include it in your gluten-free diet.
- Almond flour has a high plant-based fat content and that’s why it goes bad quicker than other starch-based flours.
- Almond flour has several health benefits as it is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fats. Almond flour is also a good protein source.
- Almond flour is rich in monounsaturated fats that help keep control of cholesterol that lowers the risk of heart disease. (Reference 2)
FAQs
Q1. Can you use Almond flour 2 years out of date?
Ans. No, you should not use almond flour that has gone 2 years out of date. It has gone bad for sure and if it has mold then it can even make you sick.
Q2. How long does almond flour last?
Ans. Unopened almond flour, kept in the pantry, lasts for 6 months to one year and if it is opened then use it before it’s best by date.
Reference:-
We provide accurate and authentic information based on researchers to our readers. For detail information, you may refer:
- Research Gate: Effect of Almond Flour on Nutritional, Sensory and Bakery
- Science Partner: Effects Of Almond Flour, Soy Flour And Whey Protein Fortification On Muffin Characteristics
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