In the freezer
20 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 20 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: almonds in the shell keep 20 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 16 months in the fridge.
How to freeze almonds in the shell
- Freeze in an airtight container or the original sealed pack.
- Portion first (cubes or small jars) so you thaw only what you need.
- Thaw in the fridge; fats and nuts can be used straight from frozen.
How to thaw almonds in the shell
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Only for shelf-stable items; perishable food should not thaw on the counter.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 20 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Almonds in the shell Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
6 months
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
16 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
20 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about almonds in the shell
FAQ
How long can you freeze almonds in the shell?
About 20 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen almonds in the shell?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze almonds in the shell?
Only if they were thawed in the fridge and have not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in almonds in the shell?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number