Can almonds be frozen?

If you’re one of those who believes that a few almonds a day will keep the doctor away, chances are you’ll buy almonds in bulk. But you risk spoiling all those nutritious nuts if you don’t know how to store them correctly.

Can almonds be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the almonds. Because almonds contain oil, they go rancid in warm temperatures and don’t keep well at room temperature, so freezing is the best storage method. Almonds can last up to 24 months in the freezer, but should be stored in an airtight container to protect from moisture or air.

This article is the ultimate guide to freezing almonds. Read on for step-by-step instructions for freezing almonds, as well as how to use frozen almonds and how to spot spoilage.

What is the best way to preserve almonds?

Almonds are a great snack and a healthy addition to your diet. So having a bag of shelled almonds on hand is always a good idea.

But the thing is, sometimes you take out a handful of almonds to munch on and only discover that they’ve gone rancid. Or even worse, you may find your almonds stale and moldy.

If you don’t store almonds correctly, they will soon dry out, darken their color, and lose the crunchiness you love. In the worst case, there may also be insects in your almonds.

So how should you preserve almonds to extend their shelf life and avoid unpleasant surprises?

Since almonds are rich in oils, they go bad quite easily. To prevent almonds from spoiling more quickly, you must provide the following conditions when storing them:

• cold temperatures
• dry environment
• No drastic temperature changes

If you store almonds at warm temperatures, you risk rancidity. If you keep them in a humid place, they will most likely get moldy.

It is also important to store almonds in a tightly closed container or bag, as almonds, like other nuts, tend to absorb odors.

Storing Raw Almonds

It’s best to store raw almonds at cooler temperatures , especially if you want to extend their shelf life as long as possible. You just have to put the almonds in an airtight bag or container and store it in the fridge.

Preservation of toasted almonds

If your almonds are toasted or seasoned, it is good that you check the conservation recommendations that appear on the packaging.

In most cases, you can keep almond snacks at room temperature. The only thing you have to take care of is that the container or bag is well closed.

If the almonds come in a resealable bag, leave them there. But if the container isn’t airtight enough, transfer the almonds to a container with a tight-fitting lid or a Ziploc bag.

In any case, if you can’t find storage instructions, the fridge is always an optimal option.

Can almonds be frozen?

As we have already mentioned, the best way to preserve almonds, both raw and roasted, is in the coldest temperatures.

Although storing almonds is a great way to keep them fresh and prolong their shelf life, you can also freeze them to make them last much longer and keep better. 

If you’re someone who doesn’t eat almonds that often or you just have too many, go ahead and freeze them. You won’t have to worry too much about storage conditions. You will only have to pack the almonds well at the beginning and that’s it.

Plus, you’ll considerably extend the shelf life of these nutrient-dense, protein-rich nuts.

You can also freeze shelled almonds. But if you’re not sure you have the time and desire to shell the almonds when you need them, it’s better to opt for raw shelled almonds.

Does freezing almonds destroy nutrients?

Freezing is the second best method (if not the best) for preserving almonds. Not only does it prolong the shelf life of these nuts, it also keeps them fresh.

Freezing does not affect the nutrient content of the almonds. Almonds are rich in omega-3 and monounsaturated fats , and it would be a shame to diminish their nutritional value by storing them incorrectly.

What makes almonds, and nuts in general, good for freezing is that they have very little water content. The latter is the reason why frozen foods change their texture and lose nutrients.

Since the water content of almonds is too low to cause texture and nutritional changes, freezing them is a safe and reliable method of storing them.

If you pack and store nuts correctly, they will maintain their flavor, crunchiness, freshness, and nutritional value even after thawing.

How to freeze almonds - Step by step

Freezing almonds is quite easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Put the shelled almonds in an airtight container or bag.
2. Expel excess air from the bag.
3. Close the bag or container tightly. This will ensure that the nuts do not absorb any odor.
4. For added protection, place the container or bag with the almonds in another bag or secure the lid or the closing part of the bag with plastic wrap.

If the almonds are in an unopened, tightly closed package, store them in the original container.

How to use frozen almonds?

Defrosting almonds is easy and won’t take long. All you have to do is take the required amount of almonds out of the freezer and leave it at room temperature.

Can soaked almonds be frozen?

Some people prefer to soak almonds to make them softer. Soaked almonds are also easier to digest and are especially good for those who want to get all the nutrients from these nuts.

But can soaked almonds be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze soaked almonds. But if you want to save soaked nuts for later use , the key rule is to let them dry before popping them in the freezer.

Having frozen soaked almonds in the fridge is helpful and saves you time. If a recipe calls for soaked almonds, instead of swapping it out or waiting 8-12 hours to soak the nuts, simply pull some out of the freezer.

How long do almonds last in the freezer?

Shelled almonds will last a year in the fridge and 18-24 months in the freezer. Shelled almonds will also retain their best qualities for about 2 years in the cold.

That being said, it all depends on the quality of the nuts before freezing, as well as your freezing technique.

Do frozen almonds go bad?

If the temperature of your walk-in fridge is constantly at 0°F, there are chances of keeping almonds forever. However, the quality of frozen food deteriorates over time. Also, why keep this superfood in your freezer and do nothing with it?

The almonds end up spoiling. Regardless of where you have stored your almonds, and even if you have done so correctly, we recommend that you inspect the nuts closely before eating them.

Especially if you’re making something with large amounts of almond, don’t risk letting all your time, effort, and other produce go to waste.

These are the signs that almonds have gone bad

• Rancid smell.  Take the almond smell test. If they smell like oil that has gone bad, your almonds are not good to eat.
• bitterness _ Smelling the almonds is not enough to know if they are good or not. What matters is the taste. If the almonds taste bitter or rancid, they have gone bad.
• Mold and dark spots.  If there is mold on the almonds, they must be discarded immediately.

Related questions

We hope this guide on freezing almonds has been useful to you. We also invite you to consult these related questions, in case you have even more doubts about almonds.

Can chocolate covered almonds be frozen?

You can freeze chocolate covered almonds. Both chocolate and almonds freeze well. Therefore, storing chocolate covered almonds in the freezer is a great way to extend the life of your sweet and crunchy treats.

Chocolate covered almonds keep for a few months in the freezer. But it is recommended to eat them before to get the best quality and flavor.

The only thing you will have to compromise on is the appearance of your almonds. They may stick together when frozen.

We recommend freezing the chocolate covered almonds in freezer bags. Place the bag filled with almonds flat in the freezer. If the almonds are frozen and stick to each other, you’ll be able to easily break off a piece of your chocolate-nutty goodness.

You can also store the caramel covered almonds in the freezer.

Can almonds be refrozen?

It is recommended to defrost and use as many nuts as needed. Especially with products like almonds, from which you can easily scoop out the necessary amount, it’s best not to thaw the entire bag.

Although nuts are among the foods that can be refrozen, subjecting them to drastic changes in temperature too often is not a good idea.

In any case, if you end up refreezing the almonds, check to see if they are still good or not by smelling them and doing a little taste test.