With protein powder’s ever-present popularity in the supplement world, pretty much everyone has had a tub in their cupboard at some point. And with this, pretty much everyone has forgotten about a tub, too. But does protein powder actually expire? It can be hard to know the difference between ‘best before’ and ‘past it’s best’ – so if you’re unsure, this guide is here to clear it up. From how long it really lasts, to how to tell if it’s good to go, we’ve got all the answers about protein powder’s lasting power.
Does Protein Powder Expire?
Let’s cut to the chase: does protein powder expire? Yes, is the short answer.
However, this doesn’t always mean you can’t use it after the date specified on the box. Most protein powders have a best-before date rather than a strict expiry, and this means a few things. First, it means the quality may decline once this date has passed. That could affect the taste, texture and effectiveness of the product. Second, it means it could be unsafe to consume – but this isn’t automatically the case.
Can’t find the best-before on your packaging? Protein powder usually has a shelf life of 12-24 months unopened, and 6-12 months once opened. However, there are a few factors that could affect this timeline.
How long does protein powder last?
As we said, unopened protein powder usually lasts for 1-2 years, and opened powders 6-12 months. This comes with a caveat, though: it has to be stored properly.
A few factors affect protein powder’s shelf life:
- Exposure to air
- Moisture (the biggest risk)
- Heat and sunlight
- How often you open it
To make sure your protein powder lasts all the way up to the best-before date, you have to make sure you’re keeping it in the right conditions.
How to store protein powder properly
To help protein powder last as long as possible, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (the back of the cupboard usually works well). Seal it tightly after every single use, and use a completely dry scoop to avoid adding moisture to the tub. Keep it away from kettles and bathrooms (they’re too humid), and keep it in its original packaging for the best protection.
The conditions you store your protein powder in matter just as much as the date on the tub, so if making it last is important to you, make sure you stick to these rules.
How to tell if protein powder has gone off
Powder past its best-before date? This isn’t necessarily a no-go. However, you can run a few sensory checks to see if it’s gone off completely.
Smell: does it smell sour, rancid, or different than normal?
Texture: is it clumping more than usual, or feeling damp?
Taste: does it taste bitter or noticeably off compared to normal?
Look: is the powder discoloured, or can you see mold?
If anything seems off, don’t risk it. Accept your loss, throw it away, and get started with a fresh batch. If anything, it’s a good opportunity to try out a new brand (might we suggest our best protein powders?).
Is expired protein powder safe to use?
If none of the above indicators are present but your protein powder is still past its best-before, you might be able to use it. This is only the case if it’s just past the date on the tub, and if it’s been stored well. However, it may be less effective as the quality might have degraded.
If it’s significantly expired or has been poorly stored, we don’t recommend using it. Even if it smells and looks fine. You might suffer digestive discomfort as a result of it, and will probably receive reduced nutritional value anyway.
If you’re in doubt, just throw it out.
Does the type of protein matter?
While all types of protein will expire at some point, some may degrade faster than others. Whey protein can last up to 19 months in the right conditions, but it is prone to absorbing moisture if given the chance. This is where a cool, dark, dry cupboard is really necessary.
Plant-based protein tends to have a lower fat content than whey protein powders. The absence of dairy means they can generally stay good for a longer amount of time.
Ready-to-drink shakes have the shortest shelf life once opened, mostly due to their dairy content. The same goes for protein shakes you’ve mixed up. Once exposed to air, keep these refrigerated until use and consume them quickly – within two days (max) to keep it from going bad. We recommend just shaking up your drink as and when you need, to avoid any doubt.
Different types of protein may expire at different times, but they all have one thing in common: storage matters most.
Keep your protein powder at its peak
If your protein powder has gone past its best, don’t worry: expiry isn’t necessarily something to worry about as long as it’s been properly stored. However, for the best results, you might want to replace it – even if it won’t make you ill. The amino acids will start to lose their effectiveness once the best-before date passes, so if getting every gram of protein out of your powder is important to you, a fresh tub is always best.
At the end of the day creating a routine you can stick to is the best way to make sure you use up your powder before it gets to this point! Choose a powder you can use consistently, that is easy to use and tastes great so you look forward to it every single day. No more forgotten tubs at the back of the cupboard; no more worries about expiry date.
Not sure which shake is right for you? We’ve put together this quiz to help you find the right product for your goals!
References
Does Protein Powder Expire? | Healthline
How Long Does Protein Powder Last? | Steel Supplements
How Long Does Protein Powder Last? Everything You Need to Know | Blender Bottle
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