Does almond flour go bad? Learn more about storing almond flour and how long nut flour will last when stored properly.
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Does Almond Flour Go Bad?
So, how long does nut flour stay good? Much like whole wheat flour, there is a best by date on your flour for a reason.
There are so many different ways that you can use almond flour. It is one of my favorite types of gluten-free flour for this reason. It has almost no carbs and is safe for anyone with gluten intolerance.
Because it is low carb, it has a low glycemic index so it’s a good choice for diabetics. My husband enjoys almond flour baked goods for this reason.
What is almond flour?
Almond flour is a powder form. The almond is blanched first to allow skin removal. Once dried, the grains become fine powder that looks almost identical to wheat flour.
You can also find almond meal that is different though similar to flour. Almond meal is prepared by grinding almond skin into a powder. It is coarser in texture compared to flour. A favorite almond flour recipe is almond flour chocolate chip cake.
How to store almond flour
Properly storing nut flour is essential to maintaining its freshness. You should store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place such as the pantry. The fridge or freezer are also great options.
This is my favorite airtight container. I use it to store many of my pantry goods.
When it comes to freezing almond flour, make sure to do so in a freezer-friendly, airtight bag. A freezer bag is also a great way to store flour.
How to store unopened flour
If you have an unopened package of flour, you can store it in the pantry or another dark place for up to two years.
Keep it in a plastic storage container to keep out pantry pests. An air-tight container will help it remain fresh longer.
Always check the best buy date on the package. You should never use expired flour.
How long does homemade almond flour last?
When stored in a cool, dry place, homemade flour should last up to 3 months. If you put it in the fridge, it will last up to 6 months.
Those are just guidelines though. If your flour starts to smell funny or taste off, then it has gone bad and you should toss it.
How to freeze flour?
Yes! Nut flour can be frozen for up to 6 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t absorb any weird freezer smells.
If you have an unopened bag of almond flour, you should be able to just put it straight in the freezer in an airtight bag or plastic container.
If the bag is open, be sure to remove any air from it before placing it in the refrigerator.
Frozen flour will last much longer than flour stored in the pantry.
How long does frozen flour last?
Frozen flour can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Again, be sure to store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t absorb any weird freezer smells.
How to tell if almond flour is bad?
There are a few ways to tell if nut flour has gone bad.
The first way is to smell it. If it smells off, then it has probably gone bad and you should toss it.
Another way to tell if the flour has gone bad is to look for mold. If you see any mold, throw the flour away immediately. Mold growth will look like small dark specks.
You may also notice flour worms in some types of regular flour although this is rare in almond flour. It may happen if you have a flour blend.
If you see sticky clumps rather than finely ground powder, your flour may be past the expiration date. Never use rancid flour or any rancid food. It can lead to food poisoning.
Fresh nut flour will have a pleasant nutty aroma. If you don’t notice a nutty smell, you may have spoiled flour.
Can you use expired flour?
No, always refer to the best by date to see what the expiration date is. That is the best way to check your almond flour shelf life.
Keeping almond flour fresh
Now that you know how to store your flour, let’s talk about how to keep flour fresh.
The best way to keep nut flour fresh is in an airtight container in the pantry. If you’re not going to use it right away, the best way to keep it fresh is to freeze it.
So, does almond flour go bad? Yes, it does.
Your nut flour doesn’t last forever. Even when stored properly, your flour will only last for a few months at room temperature. After that, it will start to go bad.
Never use rancid nut flours. Always check the expiration date before you buy it. Stores don’t always remove expired products as quickly as they need to.
Storage tips
Here are some tips for keeping your store-bought or homemade almond flour good:
-Use a tightly sealed airtight container: This will keep out moisture and pests. You can use either a plastic container or a Ziploc storage bag.
-Check the best buy date: This is the date that you should use the flour. When you buy it, give yourself enough time to use the entire package.
-Store in a cool, dry place: The pantry is ideal for short-term storage. But, it won’t let you keep it forever.
-Don’t use expired almond flour: Flour that has gone bad can make you sick. It should be thrown away to be safe.
-Make sure it has a loose consistency. If it’s clumpy, your flour is going bad and should be thrown away.
With these tips, you can be sure that your flour will stay fresh and be delicious in your baking!
Related reading
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this.
- Does almond flour need to be refrigerated?
- Is almond flour low carb?
- What is blanched almond flour?
- Can you use expired almond flour?
Ellen is a busy mom of a 25-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter and a grandma to an adorable girl. She owns 6 blogs and is addicted to social media. She shares simple tips and recipes for baking with almond flour. If you’d like to work together, email info@almondflourbaking.com to chat.