Soy milk is a great and healthy alternative to dairy milk which comes as a savior for vegan and lactose intolerant people. Soy milk is very healthy and rich in protein and good fats.
There are two ways of soy milk available; shelf-stable soy milk and refrigerated soy milk. The packaging is different in both cases. The classification differs extensively and is also vastly responsible for the durability of either type. So how long does soy milk last?
Shelf-stable soy milk can be retained for a few months, even past the printed date. Refrigerated soy milk can stay in the fridge for about a week past its date.
Once the bottle is opened, it cannot last longer than 5 or 10 days. This estimate is so general and is subject to change according to the brand varieties and types.
Soy milk is slightly thicker and sometimes mixed with preservatives to retain a longer shelf life. Let us quickly get deeper into the facts like the durability and storage of soy milk profoundly. Just jumping right into the analysis.
Does Soy Milk Need To Be Refrigerated?
Shelf-stable soy milk can stay on the kitchen counter until you open it up. Once opened, it must be shoved in the fridge and remain sealed longer. It requires refrigeration all the time and cannot be afforded to be taken out at any point in time.
This shows that you have to store the soy milk the same way it was stored in the shop. If it was refrigerated, it should be immediately placed in the fridge. If it is opened, the package should also be preserved in the fridge for long-term usage.
Before we zone into the durability of both types, we need to clarify the differences between the two. How one varies with the other, and what we do to make them last longer.
Difference Between Shelf-Stable Soy Milk And Refrigerated Soy Milk
The difference between shelf-stable soy milk and refrigerated soy milk depends most on the packaging and how it is processed. The processing would also differ in how a special pasteurization method is done with a constant temperature.
Shelf-Stable Soy Milk
Shelf-stable soy milk has all the ingredients of refrigerated soy milk. The mix of proportions would not change. It has more vitamin D and calcium. It also depends on the brand information, which explains the fortification or the process of preparing the shelf-stable soy milk.
Refrigerated Soy Milk
As mentioned above, the ingredients do not vary that much. However, this soy milk is filled with B12 rather than vitamin D and calcium. This is regarded as the fresher variety of soy milk.
So if you are more particular about the intake of B12, you have to lean towards refrigerated soy milk. Otherwise, the two have no major differences, and how they are stored determines what is preferable for you.
How Long Does Soy Milk Last?
Shelf-stable soy milk lasts a few months past the printed date, whereas refrigerated soy milk can last only a week past its target date.
Opening the bottle warrants finishing it within the span of 5 or 10 days and not more than that.
Shelf-Stable Soy Milk
Shelf-stable soy milk need not be stored in the fridge when unopened. It can last for about 3 to 6 months in the original package the way it was bought.
Once it is opened, it has to be immediately stationed in the fridge for 5 to 10 days when it needs to be finished by that time.
Refrigerated soy milk
Refrigerated soy milk, as mentioned above, should be refrigerated as soon as it is purchased. It has to be used up within 7 days. Opened and refrigerated soy milk can be kept in the fridge for 5 to 10 days and should be used within that time.
How Long Can Soy Milk Sit Out?
If the soy milk is left on the counter for more than 2 hours, it is time to be tossed out. If the refrigerated soy milk which has been opened is kept overnight at room temperature, then it should be discarded without any second thoughts.
Storage Protocols For Soy Milk
The storage practices that need to be followed for preserving soy milk will not vary so much from any other perishable item. You just need to be extra careful about exposing it to air or pollution and keep it away from moisture as much as possible.
- Keep the soy milk carton or bottle sealed tightly.
- If it cannot be sealed, then transfer it into another sealable container or to a jar that can be closed.
- Shake the content before using it.
- Pour it into a glass when you have to consume it. If you are going to drink from the package, you will not be aware of the condition of the soy milk.
Can You Consume Expired Soy Milk?
There are two varieties of soy milk, refrigerated and shelf-stable.
Shelf-Stable soy milk
Shelf-stable soy milk comes with a printed date 12 months after production. So it can last a couple of months longer than the printed date. This case holds good for unopened shelf-stable soy milk.
Refrigerated Soy Milk
Refrigerated soy milk is marked with the use-by date, which is 2 weeks later than when it was packaged. So it can also go on for 3 or 4 days after that date.
If you really harbor doubts about consuming expired soy milk, it is still possible, provided you have stored it properly, and the condition is still good enough.
Can You Freeze Soy Milk?
If you have a glass of soy milk sitting in the fridge for a long time and it is about to lose its freshness, freezing definitely comes as a savior.
However, freezing may not be recommended too much with soy milk when you have to consume it directly. If you are going to add it to a recipe, then it is fine.
The reason for this is that there will be a change in the texture of the soy milk when it gets thawed. There will be a chance of dilution which might also change the constituency or the appearance of the soy milk to a large extent.
If you just mix it in a recipe, it would not matter more as the flavor would not have completely deteriorated.
How To Find Out That Soy Milk Has Turned Bad?
1. Expiry Date
Whatever the type or variety it may be, if it is kept a long time past the printed date, it can be tossed out. There is no necessity to even check the condition, as the risks of consuming spoiled soy milk are worth avoiding.
2. Smell
If there is a repulsive odor with some rancid or sour smell, it must be tossed out.
3. Appearance
If there is any discoloration or lumps, or molds on the liquid’s surface, it must be tossed out. If it is slimy or heavily disintegrated, then there is a high chance that the milk is done for.
4. Taste
Finally, if everything looks ok, but a drop of milk in your mouth makes you frown, there is no way you can keep it. Depending on the brand and type, there could be diluted versions or a miss in consistency.
However, draining it down would be the right approach if the milk is sour or bitter.
Conclusion
Soy milk has been gaining much traction as a healthy substitute for milk to nourish lactose-intolerant people. It needs to be preserved right to enjoy the benefits for a long time.
The types at which they are available will determine how you preserve them, and you just have to follow the protocols. This article will highlight those factors and explain the varieties with their durability and storage procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does soy milk need to be refrigerated?
Shelf-stable soy milk can stay on the kitchen counter until you open it up. Once opened, it must be shoved in the fridge and remain sealed longer. It requires refrigeration all the time and cannot be afforded to be taken out at any point in time.
What is shelf-stable soy milk?
Shelf-stable soy milk has all the ingredients of refrigerated soy milk. The mix of proportions would not change. It has more vitamin D and calcium. It also depends on the brand information, which explains the fortification or the process of preparing the shelf-stable soy milk.
What is refrigerated soy milk?
The ingredients do not vary that much from shelf-stable soy milk. However, this soy milk is filled with B12 rather than vitamin D and calcium. This is regarded as the fresher variety of soy milk.
How long does soy milk last?
Shelf-stable soy milk need not be stored in the fridge when unopened. It can last for about 3 to 6 months in the original package the way it was bought. Refrigerated soy milk, as mentioned above, should be refrigerated as soon as it is purchased. It has to be used up within 7 days. Opened and refrigerated soy milk can be kept in the fridge for 5 to 10 days and should be used within that time.
How long can soy milk sit out?
If the soy milk is left on the counter for more than 2 hours, it is time to be tossed out. If the refrigerated soy milk which has been opened is kept overnight at room temperature, then it should be discarded without any second thoughts.
