Last Updated on October 20, 2022

How Long Does Protein Powder Last Once Opened?

12-14 monthsHow long does protein powder last after opening? Every protein powder has a different shelf life, but most opened protein powders are good for 12-14 months, as long as they are stored properly.

How long can whey protein powder last after opening?

3 to 6 months
When it comes to open whey protein, it should last for at least 3 to 6 months after the best-by date. The reason for this is that opening the package increases the chance of the powder accumulating bacteria or moisture. As long as water doesn’t get into the powder, it should be safe to consume. What is this?

Can I use 2 year old protein powder?

Protein powder is likely safe to consume shortly after its expiration date if there are no signs that it has gone bad. However, the protein content of protein powders may decline with age.

Can I drink expired protein powder?

So, is it safe to whip up a protein shake using expired powder? In short, yes it is. But if the protein product, whether it’s whey or vegan, smells or tastes off, or it’s been a few months since its use-by date, treat yourself to a fresh pack and follow the storage instructions to the letter, to ensure its longevity.

How do you know if protein powder is expired?

How can you tell if protein powder has gone bad? If you’re planning to eat expired protein powder past the sell-by or use-by date, mix up a little in water and do a smell- and taste-test before using it. If it seems rancid or off in any way, trust your nose and ditch it.

Does protein powder really expire?

The bottom line: Though you can use protein powder beyond the date printed on its label, it can spoil. Always store protein powder properly and check for signs of spoilage, like a rancid smell or clumping.

What happens when protein powder expires?

Notably, a product’s “best by”—or even “expiration”—date speaks more to its quality than to its safety. Experts suggest that it can be safe to consume protein powder slightly beyond its expiration or “best by” date. For protein powders, this owes, in part, to the product’s low moisture content.

What happens when whey protein expires?

You can blame a chemical reaction called Maillard browning: The protein reacts with sugar left over from when the manufacturers extracted the whey from the milk, resulting in a gradual breakdown of the amino acid lysine. “If you lose lysine, then the powder will not be as complete of a protein,” says Roberts.

Can protein powder mold?

Protein powder is unlikely to grow bacteria as it’s a dry product. However, when exposed to moisture such as condensation from refrigeration, it can grow mold or turn musty. Protein powder that develops clumps may have turned musty. If it smells bad, discard it.

Why does protein powder expire?

That said, the quality of the protein powder may start to decline. The protein itself does not break down over time, so you should get the nutrition you paid for, but other macronutrients, namely fats, can spoil. If your protein powder smells or tastes rancid, it is time to throw it out.

Does whey protein go bad?

Including protein powder! All kinds of protein powder (be it hemp, whey, collagen, etc.) have a shelf life and can eventually go bad. But here’s what’s crucial: Expiration dates are usually just an estimate. They’re not always the best way to tell (I’ll be sharing more about this below.)

Does powder expire?

Do make-up expiry dates apply to powder? Definitely yes, and the recommended time to keep it is 18 months. Powder products don’t contain water, so it’s harder to make bacteria grow.

What happens if you eat expired whey protein?

Since expired protein will offer no benefits towards muscle development and maintenance, it’s natural that muscle recovery will not take place. This will cause wear and tear and lead to a decline in muscle mass concentration and overall bodily strength.

How long is protein powder good after expiration date?

Depending on if it’s a straight protein powder or if it has added ingredients, you can still use it past the expiration (but I’d say for only for a week or two – assuming there’s nothing wrong with it).

How can you tell if protein powder is moldy?

However, when exposed to moisture such as condensation from refrigeration, it can grow mold or turn musty. Protein powder that develops clumps may have turned musty. If it smells bad, discard it. If a dab of dry powder tastes of paper or cardboard, dump it.

Can protein powder cause kidney stones?

Whey protein consumption can hamper the regular functioning of your kidneys by increasing the plasma urea content, urinary calcium excretion, and urinary volume. This overburdens the kidneys and can lead to kidney stones.

Can you store protein powder long term?

Protein powder shelf life. As mentioned above, research shows most protein powders have a shelf life of roughly 1.5 years when stored under normal conditions (70°F and 35% humidity). If a protein contains additives, that can then extend the shelf life for up to two years.

What happens if you use expired powder?

Risks are associated with using expired makeup including, clogged pores and bacterial growth. It’s important to be mindful of how long your makeup has been in storage so you can avoid these potential health hazards. Your skin may react to product ingredients if they have reached their expiration date.

Does protein powder expire if unopened?

Although protein powder – if stored properly – does not expire like meat and fresh produce, it absolutely can go bad. Just like any packaged good, protein powder has an expiration date, which is printed somewhere on the container. It usually appears as one of three dates: “use by,” “best by,” or “sell by.”

Can bacteria grow in protein powder?

In addition, seed powders and protein powders are low-moisture foods and bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella and Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) can survive for extended periods of time in these low-moisture products.

Does whey protein damage liver?

Whey protein can also lead to liver damage over time if one consumes it without being in the habit of exercising. While it is known to aid muscle synthesis, it can act very differently and result into undesired outcomes if one consumes it without exercising.