Rice Milk Delivery or Pickup

Rice milk is plant-based, non-dairy milk that's made from milled rice and water. The commercial production of milk involves several steps. First, the rice is either fully or partially milled. When rice is fully milled, the husk, germ, and bran of the rice kernel are removed, which leaves white rice behind. During partial milling, only the husk is removed, and brown rice remains. 

The milled rice is then ground, mixed with water to create a slurry, and filtered to remove the coarse bits. Next, enzymes are added to break down starches to reach the desired texture and thickness of the milk. In addition, manufacturers add many other ingredients to rice milk, such as oil, stabilizers, salt, flavors, sweeteners, vitamins, and minerals. The milk is also homogenized, which is the process that stabilizes rice milk and makes it creamy.

Rice milk has an opaque white or beige color and a creamy texture reminiscent of cow's milk. It has a mild and sweetish taste and is allergy-friendly and easy to digest. As is the case with other plant-based milk products, rice milk provides a healthy milk alternative, especially for vegans and people who are lactose intolerant. 

The history of rice milk is unclear since there are no records that show when and where rice milk was first used. The earliest mention of the term is in Maria M. Gilberts' book, Meatless Cookery, published in 1914, in which she provides a recipe for rice milk. The Vita Rice Products Co. built the first milk factory in the U.S. in 1921.

How long your rice milk will last depends on whether you buy an ultrapasteurized shelf-stable product or a refrigerated product that has gone through the normal pasteurization process. The former is a sterile product, whereas refrigerated rice milk contains benign organisms. If you store shelf-stable rice milk unopened in a cool, dark, and dry place, it will last several months. You can use the date label as a guide and keep the unopened container for about a month past its "Best By" date.

Once opened, you should use shelf-stable milk within a week. If you've purchased refrigerated milk, you can leave it unopened in the fridge until about 10 days after its "Best By" date. As is the case with shelf-stable milk, you want to use refrigerated rice milk within a week after opening. The one-week rule also pertains to homemade rice milk. 

Although you can technically freeze rice milk, the process separates the milk and slightly changes its taste. Since you can keep shelf-stable rice milk products for extended periods in your pantry, freezing the milk may not be the best way to go.

If you're wondering whether your rice milk has expired, there are a few signs to look out for. These include a sour smell or taste, a change in color, and a lumpy texture. If your milk has gone bad and you need to replace it urgently, simply visit the Instacart website and order rice milk products online! Our grocers stock a wide variety of rice milk products, including unsweetened, organic, fat-free, and flavored options. An Instacart shopper will hand-select your order and can deliver it to your door within 2 hours!