Short Answer: If you accidentally drink bad almond milk, you may suffer from stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, due to the presence of harmful microorganisms or carrageenan in the almond milk.
Almond milk is a plant-based beverage made from almonds and water.
It is often enriched with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
Almond milk is low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, and can be a good alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or allergic to cow’s milk.
If you accidentally drink bad almond milk, you may experience stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
This is because it may contain harmful bacteria, mold, or yeast that can cause food poisoning.
It may also contain an additive called carrageenan, which can cause intestinal inflammation and digestive issues in some people.
Carrageenan is a thickening agent extracted from red seaweed that is used in many processed foods, including some almond milks.
Carrageenan is generally recognized as safe by the FDA, but some studies have suggested that it may trigger gastrointestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerations, and poor blood sugar control.
It is quite uncommon to drink bad almond milk, as most commercially made almond milks are ultra-pasteurized, which means they are heated to a high temperature and then cooled quickly to extend their shelf life.
Ultra-pasteurized almond milks can last for several months unopened, and for about a week after opening, if stored in the refrigerator.
You can treat mild symptoms of drinking bad almond milk by drinking plenty of fluids, eating bland foods, and taking over-the-counter medications, such as antacids or anti-diarrheals.
However, if you have severe or persistent symptoms, such as fever, bloody stools, dehydration, or signs of an allergic reaction, you should seek medical attention immediately.
To avoid accidental drinking of bad almond milk, you should always check the expiration date, smell, taste, and appearance of the almond milk before consuming it.
If the almond milk is past its expiration date, has a sour or off smell, tastes bitter or rancid, or has a thick or clumpy texture, you should discard it.
You should also store almond milk in the refrigerator, away from light and heat, and shake it well before using it.
Finally, remember, almond milk is a nutritious and delicious beverage that can offer many health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol, improving bone health, and providing antioxidants.
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However, like any other food, it can go bad and cause illness if not handled properly.
Therefore, you should always be careful and cautious when drinking almond milk, and enjoy it while it is fresh and safe.
