How long can protein powder last? Does it have an expiration date? This is one of the most commonly asked questions by individuals in the fitness sector. Well, everything has an expiration date, including protein powder.
Normally, protein powder has a shelf life of roughly 1-2 years. However, how you store your supplement also influences its shelf life. Today, I will give you tips on how to evaluate if your protein powder has gone bad. Also, I will guide you on the best way to store your protein powder.
Quick Summary
- Protein powder has a shelf life of between 1-2 years from the manufacturing date, and the expiration date is on the container.
- How you store your protein powder container determines how long it will be fit for consumption.
- An expired protein supplement releases a strange odor immediately after you open the container.
- A mixed protein powder should be consumed within 24 hours if not stored in a refrigrator.
Does Protein Powder Go Bad?
It’s important to know that protein powders do indeed have an expiration date. You should always check the dates before you make those smoothies.
Protein powder products contain ingredients like soy, milk, or eggs that eventually expire. Whey protein is one example that is popular for a weight loss diet. (1)
It is not vegan friendly because it’s made from cow's milk and it does go bad just like any other dairy based product.
The protein powder shelf life is usually 1 or 2 years. It’s easiest and safest to check the container for the protein powder expiration date.
So before you consume your supplements, make sure to check the label and verify the expiration date. Avoid the possible side effects of drinking expired products.
Is It Okay to Use Protein Powder Past Its Expiration Date?
Expired protein powder is not as effective. The proteins eventually react with the sugar left over from the whey or other ingredients, and it causes the formula to break down and no longer be a complete protein.
Vitamins also naturally lose their potency as time goes on. People shouldn’t drink expired protein powder as it doesn’t help them with their fitness or workout goals.
You can also watch this video by Lee Hayward to learn more about his take on consuming protein powders past the expiry date.
How Long Does Protein Powder Last Once Opened?
Contrary to popular opinion, the life expectancy of protein powder doesn't change based on when the container was opened.
The only factor that could change your protein powder expiration is making sure the protein powder is stored properly.
A helpful tip for protein powder storage is to ensure that you keep the container in a cool dry place. Heat can cause moisture to build in any supplements. (2)
The best place to store protein powder includes a kitchen cupboard, food pantry, or desk drawers.
The top of your fridge at home is probably not the best place for your protein powder to be stored properly. This may help prevent your protein powders from expiring too soon.
Regardless of how you store it, protein powder should be consumed before it reaches its expiration date. Storing it in line with recommended temperature and moisture guidelines can help prolong its quality, but it doesn't mean you can use it indefinitely.
- Barbara Kovalenko, Nutritional Consultant with the Lasta App
What’s the Best Way to Store Protein Powder?
The best protein powders will normally come in an airtight container designed to keep out moisture.
It may be best to leave your protein powder in this container for maximum efficiency instead of other bottles or zipper storage bags.
Moisture is the sworn enemy of protein powder storage. Any kind of liquid will make the powder dissolve and become unusable faster.
So if you open your container of protein powder and notice any lumps, then that’s the signal that you have expired protein powder.
How Can You Tell If Protein Powder Has Gone Bad?
A strange odor is also a sign that the ingredients have gone bad and probably isn’t safe for your health. If you are still unsure if your protein powder is good, then taste a little bit.
Anything that tastes awful means that it is expired protein powder and shouldn’t be consumed.
Don't consume it just because you don't want to waste your money but hey, it will cost more if you go to the hospital because of side effects.
Protein powders worth trying:
How Long Does Protein Powder Last When Mixed?
Yes, you should be drinking it as soon as possible or storing it in your refrigerator. Otherwise, bacteria will begin to grow and make it unsafe to consume.
Try to drink it within 24 hours for best results and definitely don’t wait months to consume protein shakes. Your body will thank you.
By taking care of your protein powder, you’re also taking care of yourself. If you are needing help with your fitness goals, then reach out to us to learn how we can help you.
References:
- Joy L Frestedt, John L Zenk, Michael A Kuskowski, Loren S Ward, and Eric D Bastian, A whey-protein supplement increases fat loss and spares lean muscle in obese subjects: a randomized human clinical study, retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2289832/
- Purdue University, Vitamins stored in bathrooms, kitchens may become less effective, retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100302162257.htm
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