As a sommelier and brewer, I can provide some insight into the question of whether silk almond milk can stay out of the fridge. It is important to note that my expertise lies more in the realm of wine and beer, but I can still offer some general knowledge on the topic.
Firstly, it is important to understand that perishable food items, such as dairy and dairy alternatives, have specific guidelines for storage to ensure safety and maintain their quality. Almond milk, like other dairy alternatives, is typically considered a perishable item and should be refrigerated.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), perishable food items should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. This includes almond milk. Leaving almond milk out for an extended period of time increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to spoilage and potential foodborne illnesses.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the almond milk is in an unopened, shelf-stable package, it can be stored at room temperature until the expiration date. Shelf-stable almond milk is processed differently and can be kept at room temperature without refrigeration until opened.
It's worth noting that once a shelf-stable almond milk package is opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a certain timeframe. This timeframe is usually indicated on the packaging and can vary depending on the brand and specific product.
Personal experiences and situations can also provide some insight. I have personally encountered instances where almond milk was left out overnight and still appeared to be fine the next morning. However, it is important to remember that appearance alone is not always a reliable indicator of spoilage or bacterial growth.
Almond milk, including silk almond milk, should generally be refrigerated to maintain its quality and safety. If the almond milk is in an unopened, shelf-stable package, it can be stored at room temperature until the expiration date. However, once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within the recommended timeframe indicated on the packaging. It is always better to err on the side of caution and discard almond milk that has been left out for more than two hours to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.