Protein powder is a common supplement for most gym-goers, and the most popular one in the industry.

People tend to think that protein powders do not have an expiry date and can be used months after opening.

While protein powders do have long shelf lives, they’re not immune to expiration. Moisture, heat, or air can lead to degradation of the product over time, making it unsuitable for use.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about protein powder’s expiration date and how to tell if it is gone bad.

Does Protein Powder Expire

Yes, protein powders can expire. The usual shelf life of a protein powder is between 9 to 18 months. Some protein powders have a “best before” date which you can use as a guide to when your protein powder is going to expire.

While protein powders don’t go bad quickly, you still need to make sure you’re consuming a safe and effective product.

Can You Consume Expired Protein Powders?

Consuming protein powder a bit past its expiration date won’t cause you any harm. The expiration dates usually indicate when the product is at its peak freshness and potency.

However, over time, the quality, taste, and nutritional value of the protein powder can degrade, but consuming the protein powder won’t cause you any long-term health harm.

Natural protein powders are healthier than ones with artificial ingredients but also expire quicker and lose most of their flavor over time.

What Happens If You Consume Expired Protein Powder?

The primary risk associated with consuming expired protein powder is the potential growth of bacteria. When protein powder is exposed to humidity, it can grow harmful bacteria that lead to gastrointestinal issues when consumed.

This means you can experience issues such as stomach pain, nausea, and even vomiting in extreme cases.

It’s also important to mention that the quality of protein and nutrients in the powder can degrade as it reaches its expiration date. This way, you’ll be consuming protein powder that tastes sketchy and getting little to no benefits from it.

How To Tell If Your Protein Powder Has Expired?

Have you ever wondered if that tub of protein powder tucked away in your pantry is still good to use? Here’s what you should look for:

• Check the expiration date: The easiest way to determine if your protein powder has gone bad is by checking the lid or the packaging for the expiration date. If it’s past the date, the protein has expired.
• Taste changes: Protein powder, when expired, will have a blank taste, like cardboard. If you give it a try and experience this, you’re best off by throwing it away.
• Look for clumps: Visually inspect the protein powder and look for clumps or changes in color. This is the usual sign of moisture that indicates spoiling. Protein powder should have a solid texture and color.

How To Properly Store Your Protein Powder

Protein powder should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, where it can avoid moisture and oxidation from light or heat.

Always close the lid tightly after each use to prevent contamination. If your protein powder comes in a bag, it would be wise to transfer the powder to an airtight container or place it in a larger ziplock bag to keep it as fresh as possible.

It might seem like a good idea to keep your protein powder refrigerated, but it’s far from it. Protein powder should not be stored in the fridge as the moisture inside the fridge can cause the powder to clump and absorb unwanted odors.

Conclusion

If you’ve just started regularly working out again and found an old protein powder sitting around, it would be best to check it for any signs of spoilage or look at the expiration date to make sure you’re getting the right quality of protein.

If it’s a few days past the date, the protein powder should still be safe to consume.