Have you ever wondered “does protein powder expire?” while reaching for a tub that has been on the shelf for a few months?
Disclaimer: Yes, protein powder can go bad.
It might seem harmless to take a few scoops from the dusty tub at the back of your pantry. It’s only a dry powder, after all.
However, what if I told you that the seemingly harmless, somewhat stale protein powder might include more than simply amino acids that help develop muscle (and not in a good way)?
We’re going to delve deep into the typical protein powder’s life cycle, covering everything from spoiling indicators to possible health hazards.
Therefore, Does Protein Powder Expire?
There is a shelf life to protein powders, much like many food goods. Their longevity can be influenced by how they are manufactured, kept, and utilized over time.
Lifespan of Protein Powder
Does protein powder expire then?
Bottom line: If stored properly, unopened protein powder canisters can often be kept fresh for up to two years after the date of manufacture.
The protein powder should ideally be used within six months of opening for maximum freshness. If stored properly and in a cold, dry place, it may last up to a year.
Remember that these are only recommendations and that the actual lifespan will depend on a number of factors, including storage conditions and quality. It’s best to proceed cautiously whenever you’re thinking about potentially outdated goods.
Every kind of protein powder, including plant-based and whey varieties, has an expiration date printed on the container. Although expiration dates are often a useful guide, protein powder that has recently expired doesn’t always have to be thrown out right away.
Protein Powder Changes in Quality Throughout Time
Don’t freak out if your tub’s “best by” date has passed. This isn’t always a harsh stop with a sharp decline in quality right after.
Although the proteins themselves won’t degrade or vanish, over time there may be a slight reduction in flavor and mixability that impacts overall enjoyment rather than nutritional value.
According to a study, there may be slight alterations in flavor and aroma even after a year has passed after manufacturing. This is based on the assumption that protein powder is stored at ideal temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and 35 percent humidity. Its unattractive look and caking when blended were the only minor modifications noticed.[1]
Does plant-based protein decay more quickly than whey protein powder?
When stored properly, whey protein powder can last anywhere from nine to nineteen months on average. The majority of whey protein contains additives that can prolong its shelf life for up to two years because it is derived from dairy.
Plant proteins, with an average shelf life of two years, store better than whey protein. Examples of these include brown rice, pea, hemp, and soy. Plant protein expires more slowly than whey protein, assuming identical storage conditions.
Why It Matters How the Protein Powder Is Made?
Protein powder has a fascinating manufacturing process and is a well-liked supplement for both health-conscious people and fitness aficionados. However, how precisely is this protein-rich product made? Let’s investigate further.
Essentially, healthy meals high in protein are the source of protein powders. These can come from plant-based sources like peas, quinoa, or brown rice, or they can come from animal-based sources like whey or casein from milk. To obtain the purest form of their intrinsic proteins, these components are processed.
It takes a few steps to acquire that powdered goodness, and the first step is to totally dry off the raw material. The next step after drying is milling, which involves pulverizing the dehydrated materials into tiny particles to give them the necessary powdery texture.
Manufacturers frequently add extra nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to these products in addition to the base protein to increase their nutritional value. Digestive enzymes may even be included in some to aid in your body’s improved absorption of all that wonderful stuff. Preservatives are also present in practically all of them to maintain freshness and shelf life.
I know you’re asking now, but how long does protein powder stay fresh? While it’s difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer due to factors such as storage conditions and brand specifics; on average most sealed containers of protein powder have a shelf life ranging between 1 and 2 years.
Watch this space for further information on how to tell if your favorite scoop is getting too old.
How to Store Protein Powder
It’s important to store protein powder correctly. You can help your protein supplement last longer on the shelf by following a few easy best practices.
You might assume that storing your tub of protein powder in your cupboard is a good idea, but you should reconsider.
Here, heat and humidity are detrimental. Bacterial development is encouraged by these conditions, which could cause the goods to spoil before its expiration date indicates. Thus, where ought we to store our priceless powders?
- Keep in a cool, dry place: The best locations for storage are those that are free of direct sunlight. You could want to store your protein powder in a bedroom drawer or even kitchen cabinets. The best defense against spoiling is to stay away from warm, muggy weather.
- Tightly seal it: Any food item, especially one as delicate as protein powder, is doomed to failure when a container’s lid is just partially closed. After each usage, make sure the lid is securely closed to prevent air from leaking in, which can lead to moisture and eventually mold.
- Refrain from using damp cutlery: Peanut butter lovers unite—we’ve all admitted to dipping damp spoons into our jars at some point. This seemingly innocuous action may add extra moisture to your supplement, causing it to eventually clump together or, worse yet, grow dangerous bacteria.
- Retain the product in its original packaging: Manufacturer-designed containers are ideal for storing supplements since they are made with features that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the products. The powder may degrade more quickly if it is moved to a different container and exposed to additional light and air.[2]
Follow these easy tips and best practices to maintain the freshest flavor and freshness of your protein powders so they stay in top shape.
What Indices That a Protein Powder Is Expired?
Thankfully, it’s simple to determine whether your protein supplement’s expiration date has gone. These indications may indicate that it’s time to replace that bathtub.
Bad Smell
First and foremost, spoiling may be indicated if you open your protein powder bottle and smell something off. Good protein powders shouldn’t smell bad, regardless of whether they are whey-based or vegan substitutes like hemp or pea protein powder.
An odd flavor
Another clue may be taste. There’s a probability the product has gone bad if your protein powder tastes different than usual and not in a pleasant way. But keep in mind that storage conditions or even the amount of time the product stays after being mixed with liquid can also affect how it tastes.
Changes in texture
Supplements that have expired frequently also alter in texture, clumping together rather than remaining fine and powdery like new goods do. There’s a good probability these lumps will expire if churning doesn’t dissolve them.
Color Change
Certain varieties of protein powder may experience color changes over time. Whey protein is the most popular example, and it’s often white in color. Research tracking whey protein shelf-life tests reveals that the powder eventually browns, a sign of degradation.[3]
Mold
Finally, but most definitely not least, there is apparent mold development. Although rare because most dry items, including protein powders, have a low moisture content, molds grow in environments with humidity levels above 60%. For this reason, seal containers tightly to keep out moisture and avoid any health risks.
Risks of Consuming Protein Powder That’s Gone Bad
Our nutrition and general health are directly impacted by the freshness of the food we eat. The same holds true for protein supplements.
Potential risks of old protein powders
Is it possible to become ill from expired protein powder? is the key question here. Although it’s generally not advisable to consume expired food goods, aged protein powder usually doesn’t present a significant or deadly health danger. That is not, however, a call to begin excavating old tubs. Allow me to clarify.
Loss of nutritional value
While the proteins don’t necessarily go bad, they do eventually lose some of their nutritional worth. This suggests that because your body is no longer able to properly absorb those denatured proteins, you may be consuming your post-workout smoothie without getting the full advantages. In the unlikely event that the protein turns moldy or rancid, it will probably start to smell.
Rancidity and bacterial growth
The actual worries are rancidity and bacterial growth in the event that moisture seeps into the container, rather than potency loss. Certain bacteria can cause food poisoning symptoms like nausea or diarrhea because they flourish in high-protein dietary settings. A strong odor and an off-putting flavor are reliable signs that protein powder has gone bad.
Allergenic reactions and digestive discomfort
Furthermore, due to alterations in chemical composition over time, some individuals may develop allergic responses or pain in their digestive system after using outdated supplements. You should pay significantly more attention to these consequences if you have known allergies or sensitive digestion.
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
Finally, taste and smell can be affected. If your protein powder tastes odd or smells bad, it’s best to toss it away.
Scientific Reference
- Tunick MH, Thomas-Gahring A, Van Hekken DL, Iandola SK, Singh M, Qi PX, Ukuku DO, Mukhopadhyay S, Onwulata CI, Tomasula PM. Physical and chemical changes in whey protein concentrate stored at elevated temperature and humidity. J Dairy Sci. 2016 Mar;99(3):2372-2383. doi: 10.3168/jds.2015-10256. Epub 2016 Jan 6. PMID: 26778305.
- Schoenfeld, B.J., Aragon, A.A. How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 15, 10 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1
- Sithole R, McDaniel MR, Goddik LM. Rate of maillard browning in sweet whey powder. J Dairy Sci. 2005 May;88(5):1636-45. doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(05)72835-6. PMID: 15829654.
- Hoffman JR, Falvo MJ. Protein – Which is Best? J Sports Sci Med. 2004 Sep 1;3(3):118-30. PMID: 24482589; PMCID: PMC3905294.
About Me
