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About soy milk
How Long Does Soy Milk Last? Shelf Life, After Opening and Storage
Quick answer
Store unopened cartons as directed on the pack. Once opened, always refrigerate and finish within a few days. SOYCLUB Whole Soy Milk keeps for one year unopened; once opened, refrigerate and finish within 2–3 days. Fresh soy milk is best the same or next day.
Key points
- Once opened: refrigerate; SOYCLUB within 2–3 days
- Don't leave it out overnight; freezing works but it separates
- Sour smell, lumps or a swollen carton: throw it out
"How long will this keep?" is the most common soy milk question. The answer depends on two things: whether it's been opened, and whether it's cartoned or freshly made. Here is how long soy milk lasts, how to store it once opened, and how to tell if it has gone off.
Soy milk shelf life: opened or not?
| Type | How to store | Finish within |
|---|---|---|
| Cartoned, unopened | As on the pack | The date on the pack |
| Cartoned, opened | Always refrigerate | As on the pack, usually a few days |
| Freshly made (breakfast shop or homemade) | Cool, then refrigerate | Same day or the next |
For example, SOYCLUB Whole Soy Milk keeps for one year unopened; once opened, refrigerate it and finish within 2–3 days.
Storing soy milk after opening: 4 tips
- Pour, don't swig: pour what you need and close the cap tightly.
- Back in the fridge straight away: don't leave opened soy milk at room temperature.
- Keep it on a shelf, not the door: the door warms up every time it's opened.
- Write the opening date on it so you know how long it's been open.
Can you freeze soy milk?
Yes, but it tends to separate and turn grainy when thawed. If you can't finish it, freeze small portions and use them in soy milk pancakes, soy panna cotta or smoothies. Thaw it slowly in the fridge and don't refreeze.
How to tell if soy milk has gone off
- It smells sour or otherwise off.
- It's lumpy even after shaking, or has set like tofu pudding.
- The carton is swollen.
- It tastes sour or fizzy.
If you notice any of these, don't drink it. A little sediment at the bottom is normal, though; just shake it before pouring.
Can I put warmed soy milk back in the fridge?
Only warm what you're going to drink, and don't pour warmed soy milk back into the carton. For heating tips, see hot soy milk drinks.
How to store SOYCLUB Whole Soy Milk
SOYCLUB Whole Soy Milk comes in a 1000ml carton. Unopened, it keeps for one year; once opened, refrigerate it and finish within 2–3 days. One carton makes about 5 soy lattes, so it's easy to finish in time. More answers in our soy milk FAQ.
FAQ
How long does soy milk last after opening?
Always refrigerate it once opened. Finish SOYCLUB Whole Soy Milk within 2–3 days of opening; for other brands, follow the pack. Fresh soy milk usually keeps for less time, so drink it the same or next day.
Can I leave soy milk out overnight?
In the fridge, yes; at room temperature, no. Opened soy milk spoils easily at room temperature, so close it and put it straight back in the fridge.
Can you freeze soy milk?
Yes, but it tends to separate and turn grainy when thawed. Freeze it in small portions and use it for cooking, baking or smoothies rather than drinking it straight.
Does soy milk need to be refrigerated before opening?
Store unopened cartons as directed on the pack. Once opened, keep it in the fridge.
How long does SOYCLUB Whole Soy Milk keep?
Unopened, it keeps for one year. Once opened, refrigerate it and finish within 2–3 days.
Related reading
About soy milkWhat Is Whole Soy Milk? How It Differs from Regular Soy MilkHow is whole soy milk different from regular soy milk? Compare how they're made, how they taste and what they contain, plus what to look for on the label.- About soy milkSoy Milk vs Dairy Milk vs Oat Milk: Which Should You Choose?How do soy milk, dairy milk and oat milk compare? Ingredients, protein, lactose, taste, performance in coffee and who each suits, in one table.
Drink recipesHow to Make a Soy Latte: Ratios, Steps and 3 VariationsGet the soy latte ratio right: 1:6 for an iced soy latte, plus hot and no-machine versions. Learn why soy milk curdles in coffee and three easy variations.