Protein powder is a popular supplement among gym-goers, athletes, and weightlifters. In addition, many of us use it to prepare protein shakes or add to smoothies and other drinks.
According to GlobeNewswire’s Facts & Factors, the requirement for Global Protein Supplements is to exceed USD 32.56 Billion by 2028, a truly remarkable accomplishment.
But for many individuals, using up all the protein in their container before it expires is thrilling.
So the question arises does protein powder expire? How long does protein powder last? And how can you tell when it’s time to toss it out?
Consuming expired protein powder can cause some pretty unpleasant sensations like abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In addition, it’s not advisable to ingest outdated protein powder since bacteria or other germs can contaminate it, which could lead to food poisoning.
In this article, we will uncover the shelf life of protein powder and provide you with all the information you need to ensure you’re taking your supplement safely.
Shelf Life of Protein Powder
The shelf life of protein powder depends on the type of protein powder and how it’s stored.
Whey protein powders have an impressive shelf life of up to three years if kept in the right conditions. Plant-based protein powders, however, have a slightly shorter shelf life of up to two years. Lastly, vegan protein powders have a shelf life of an even shorter duration of up to one year. Exciting!
Protein powder should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the powder to spoil more quickly. It’s also essential to ensure the lid is always securely closed and the container is airtight.
How long does protein powder last?
Protein powder can last up to two years if stored in a cool, dry place. However, it’s important to note that unopened protein powder will have a shorter shelf life than unopened powder.
It’s exciting to know that the length of time a protein powder varies depending on the type and how you keep it. However, some types of protein powder can last longer. For example, whey protein powder can last up to three years if stored properly.
Protein Powder made out of plant-based proteins like soy, hemp, and rice can last up to a year if stored properly.
Protein Powder Expires
Protein powder can expire due to the ingredients it contains. As time passes, specific proteins and other nutrients in the powder can start to break down and become less effective. Additionally, particular elements, such as probiotics, may become less effective over time.
Also, protein powder is susceptible to contamination from bacteria or other germs that can lead to food poisoning if ingested. Therefore, an unopened protein powder container within the recommended shelf life is essential.
How to Read the Expiration Date on Protein Powder
Did you fail to find the expiration date of the protein powder? Usually, a print date is available near the bottom of the packaging – so keep your eyes peeled!
The protein powder expiration date appears in month/day/year format. For example, if the expiration date is “01/01/2022”, the protein powder will expire on January 1, 2022.
If you don’t see an expiration date, check for a “best by” or “use by” date. Then, if you still need to learn the date, you can try to smell or taste the powder to see if it has gone wrong.
It’s important to note that the expiration date is only an estimate, so it’s best to use the powder before it.
Is expired protein powder safe?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) old protein powder isn’t always dangerous!
However, it may not be as effective as fresh protein powder. In addition, as protein powder ages, it can lose some potency, and the nutrients may need to be adequate. Therefore, it’s best to use the powder before the expiration date for optimal results.
Protein powder is a superb dietary supplement crafted from concentrated forms of protein – such as whey, casein, soy, or egg. Athletes and bodybuilders frequently use it to help them gain muscle and become stronger. Protein powder can even be used as a meal or snack to help increase overall protein intake!
How long is protein powder good for after the expiration date?
It’s best to use the protein powder before the expiration date for optimal results. However, some people may be able to use the powder after the expiration date without any issues if it is unopened.
If the powder looks and smells normal, it should be safe. However, it’s best to use it as soon as possible to ensure it’s effective.
Is it bad to drink an expired protein shake?
It’s best to refrain from drinking expired protein shakes as the nutrients may not be as effective.
Additionally, expired Protein shakes or protein smoothies can contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick. To experience the best possible results with the powder, experts recommend using it before the expiration date!
How long does protein powder last after opening?
Once you open the protein powder, you should use it within three months for optimal results. However, eating for up to six months is good if you store it in a cool, dry place.
It’s essential to keep in mind that you should guard the open protein powder against humidity and extreme temperatures.
Even if you have not opened it, protein powder can still go bad. Therefore, you must be extra careful when handling expired, unopened protein powder.
Can expired protein powder make you sick?
An expired protein powder can make you sick due to bacteria or other contaminants. Therefore, checking the expiration date before using the powder and discarding it if it’s expired is essential.
Even if we’ve already put money into a protein powder, we should still be mindful of its quality. Trust me; you’ll be much better off if you don’t use something that smells or tastes funny.
What are the signs of expired protein powder?
We found that expired protein powder has a stale or off smell, and the color may be off. Additionally, the powder may have a different texture and taste. Therefore, it’s best to discard the powder if it has any signs.
It is effortless to decide if the powder is good or bad.
Make sure to be mindful of any signs of alteration when you look at the protein powder. Bring the opened container to your nose and see if you can detect any noticeable odor.
How to Store Protein powder
If you want to ensure your protein powder stays good for a long time and doesn’t go to waste, I can give you some easy tricks to make it last! Protein can be pricey, so you should prioritize storing protein powder properly.
- Ensure the container is airtight: Airtight containers are essential to keep the powder from getting exposed to moisture and oxygen, which can cause it to spoil.
- Store the powder in a cool, dry place: Humidity and heat can also cause your protein powder to spoil faster, so make sure you store it in a cool, dry place away from light and heat sources.
- Check the expiration date regularly: Make sure you check the expiration date regularly, so you don’t end up using expired protein powder.
Conclusion
Athletes, gym-goers, and weightlifters invest a lot of money in protein powder as a popular supplement. But what happens if we consume it after time? Does protein powder expire? The answer is an excited YES!
However, it’s essential to be aware of the shelf life of protein powder and how to tell when it’s time to toss it out. In general, protein powder can last up to two years if it’s stored properly.
However, some types of protein powder can last up to three years. Additionally, you should use opened protein powder within three months for optimal results. Therefore, you should Check the expiration date of the powder before using it and discard it if it’s expired.
Protein powder is a great supplement to help you reach your fitness goals. However, it’s essential to be aware of the shelf life of protein powder and how to tell when it’s time to toss it out. Following the tips in this article, you can ensure you’re taking your supplement safely and getting the most out of it.
FAQs About Expired Protein Powder
Q1: How long does whey protein last after opening?
Ans: Whey protein typically lasts up to three months after opening.
Q2: What should I do if my protein powder has expired?
Ans: If your protein powder has expired, it’s best to discard it and purchase a new one.
Q3: Does Ensure go bad?
Ans: Yes, Ensure can also go bad if not stored properly. Check the expiration date before consuming it and discard it if it’s expired.
Q4: What happens if you eat expired protein powder?
Ans: Nutritionists do not recommend consuming expired protein powder as it can cause potential health risks. If you stored the powder correctly, it might still be safe to finish, but it’s best to err on caution and discard it if it has expired.
Q5: Is it bad to drink an expired liquid protein shake?
Ans: We do not recommend drinking expired liquid protein shakes as they can contain bacteria and other contaminants that can make you sick. Additionally, the nutrients and vitamins in the protein shake may have lost their potency over time.
Q6: Does whey protein expire?
Ans: Whey protein can expire because of exposure to oxygen and moisture, which can cause the protein to break down and become less effective. Additionally, the nutrients and vitamins in the whey protein may have lost their potency over time.
Q7: Can I use 2-year-old protein powder?
Ans: Health experts do not recommend using a more than two-year-old protein powder as it may have lost its potency and could contain bacteria or other contaminants. Additionally, the taste and texture of the powder may have changed over time.
Q8: What is the sell-by or use-by date of protein powders?
Ans: The sell-by or use-by date of protein powder is typically printed on the package and indicates the date you should use the powder. Using protein powder before this date is vital for optimal efficacy and safety.
Q9: How to know if protein powder is expired?
Ans: To determine if protein powder has expired, look for an expiry date on the package. Additionally, you can check for changes in the powder’s color, texture, and smell. If any of these have changed significantly, the protein powder has likely expired.
