People who are concerned about their health often use protein powders as supplements. Furthermore, they have questions like does protein powder expire?
You would want to sample every flavor and variety of protein powder available to determine which is best for you.
Nevertheless, you could be concerned about its quality or safety based on how long that tub of protein powder has been in your kitchen cabinet.
This article explores whether protein powder expires and is safe after the expiration date.
What Constitutes Protein Powder?
Protein powders are a practical and reasonably priced approach to improving your protein intake.
Although protein’s positive impact on muscle growth is well discussed, research still reveals other advantages of increased protein intake, such as fat reduction, blood sugar stabilization, blood pressure control, and bone health.
Protein powder is available in numerous varieties, including vegan. There are multiple sources of protein powders, including
- Milk — in the form of whey or casein
- Egg White
- Soy
- Collagen
- Pea
- Brown Rice
- Hemp
While most products only have one source of protein, other products may have protein from several sources to cut costs or change the absorption rate.
Various additional nutrients, including lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, are also present in protein powders.
Additionally, they frequently have additives such as thickening agents to provide food with a creamier consistency and texture, natural and artificial flavors, flavor protectors, and enhancers.
There are numerous animal and plant sources for protein powders. To enhance and maintain their flavor and texture, they frequently incorporate additives.
While some companies typically only offer one source of protein, others use various sources to alter the price or the absorption rate. Others have additives, artificial flavors, or thickening agents.
How Long Does Protein Powder Last?
The term “shelf life” describes how long food keeps its best quality after manufacture. Manufacturers of dietary supplements are not required to mark their products with an expiration date.
However, most companies voluntarily mark the manufacturing date with an expiration or “best by” date. In these circumstances, it is on to the manufacturer to provide evidence to support the accuracy of the expiration date on their items.
Whey protein powder has a shelf life of more than 12 months. In one study, researchers who used an accelerated shelf-life test discovered that it could last up to 19 months under typical storage circumstances, defined as 70°F (21°C) and 35% humidity.
A product is stored under stressful conditions, such as high temperature and humidity, as part of an accelerated shelf-life test to measure and estimate its stability.
Most protein powders on the market have chemicals like salt, lecithin, and maltodextrin that extend shelf life to about 2 years.
Does Protein Powder Have an Expiry Date?
In fact, nothing endures forever, including protein powder. All protein powders made of hemp, whey, collagen, or another type, have a shelf life and may eventually expire. Typically, expiration dates are simply estimates.
The normal shelf life ranges from 9 to 19 months, depending on the humidity and temperature of the room. Some brands could contain additives to increase the shelf life beyond this.
Factors Affecting the Expiry of Protein Powder
There are numerous things to consider, including unknown factors such as:
- Moisture Content
- Methods of Processing
- Packaging Seals (Air-tight pouch, rigid tub, polyurethane-kraft bag, foil)
- Protein type (isolate, concentrate, hydrolysate, native)
- Exposure to Elements
- Purity (stability & shelf-life of additional ingredients)
- Natural or Artificial Ingredients
You can discover an expiration date or “best by” date on the protein powder packaging (dairy – casein, whey, milk powder). Of course, sticking with this date is always a good idea.
These chemicals are frequently used as preservatives in protein powders made by large manufacturers. To increase the attraction of their products to customers, they might also add additives.
For example, ready-to-drink beverages provide “convenience.” Protein powders that have been sweetened may also appeal to customers more.
Protein powders made from a single ingredient are also more consistent and have a longer shelf life.
When purchasing them, customers may be sure that they will be usable for at least the stamped expiration date and, in many cases, if maintained properly, for a considerable amount longer.
What Indicates the Expired Protein Powder?
Again, looking at the expiration date is not necessarily the best indicator. Depending on how it is stored, it may last longer or less.
To determine if your protein powder is still edible, follow these 3 steps:
Smell it:
Of course, it won’t smell as awful as milk that has gone bad, but it is guaranteed that you can find the difference. Whey protein supplements will help you get results more quickly (as whey tends to have a shorter shelf-life).
Examine it:
Dump it if you start to notice colors that weren’t there at first. Most likely, that is mold. Any gray, blue, or green components indicate that the item is now trash.
Try it (a little bit):
When in doubt, try a small taste test if you’re still uncertain after the first two steps.
No need to serve your regular serving as a whole, of course. A Small sip of water with a pinch of powder added.
It should be discarded if it tastes strange or has an unusual aftertaste. If not, feel free to continue taking pleasure in it.
Just keep in mind to keep an eye out for any variations in flavor, color, or fragrance as you proceed.
Can Expired Protein Powder Bring Sickness?
Expiration or use-by dates, except for infant formula, are not indicators of safety but of quality.
Foods like protein powders have little moisture content, making them less likely to support bacterial development.
Protein powders can lose protein content with time, but if the product has been stored properly, it is safe to consume it even after expiration.
Protein powder may spoil before the stated expiration date, particularly if not kept in a cool, dry environment. The following are indications that your protein powder may be spoiled:
- Bitter Taste
- Clumping
- Rancid Smell
- Changes in Color
Regardless of the expiration date, drinking protein powder that exhibits one or more symptoms could make you ill, just like eating bad food would. It is advised to discard your protein powder if you see any signs that it has gone bad.
Does Protein Powder Allow Bacteria to Grow?
Certain bacteria can develop within the container if protein powder is exposed to moisture or water. Therefore, another indication to dump it is if you spot clusters or odd-looking lumps inside.
Even though most containers are airtight, you should take extra precautions while using protein powder in extremely hot or humid conditions. Before scooping, make sure the scooper is thoroughly dry.
Can Protein Shakes be Frozen?
A homemade protein shake, like refrigerated foods, should be fine for short periods.
Again, keeping the solution away from the usual harmful substances is crucial.
Shakes should be frozen right away after mixing if freezing is your intention.
Again, keep the shake in a container that is tightly sealed. Additionally, before ingesting the shake, blend or stir it to evenly distribute the contents.
Conclusion
A homemade protein shake, like refrigerated foods, should be fine for short periods.
Again, keeping the solution away from the usual harmful substances is crucial.
Shakes should be frozen right away after mixing if freezing is your intention.
Again, keep the shake in a container that is tightly sealed. Additionally, before ingesting the shake, blend or stir it to evenly distribute the contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, whey protein does expire. Like all food products, whey protein has a shelf life, which is determined by its expiration date. Consuming expired whey protein can lead to digestive issues and possibly make you sick. It’s important to check the expiration date on your whey protein container and to store it properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Generally, unopened protein powder can last for 1-2 years from the date of manufacture if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, protein powder should be used within 6-12 months for optimal freshness and effectiveness.
However, it’s always a good idea to check the expiration date on the packaging and use your best judgement when deciding whether to consume protein powder that has been open for an extended period.
Yes, protein powder can go bad. Over time, protein powder can spoil and become rotten, changing taste, texture, and smell. It is important to check the expiration date and storage instructions on the packaging and to discard any protein powder that has exceeded its expiration date or shows signs of spoilage. Also, improper storage, such as moisture or heat exposure, can cause protein powder to spoil more quickly.
Expired protein powder may not be safe for consumption. Consuming expired protein powder may lead to foodborne illness, digestive problems, and other health issues.
The nutritional value of expired protein powder may also be diminished, leading to reduced effectiveness in achieving fitness goals.
It is recommended to always check the expiration date before consuming protein powder and to dump any expired products.
The expiration date on protein powder packages is usually 1-2 years from the manufacturing date if stored in a cool, dry environment. However, the shelf life may vary depending on the brand and type of protein powder.
So it’s always best to check the label for the expiration date. Once the powder has passed its expiration date, it may lose its potency and flavor, and consuming it may be unsafe. Thus it is better to avoid it.