Does Protein Powder Go Bad
Protein powder can go bad if not stored properly. An unopened tub of protein, if stored properly in a cool, dry place, can last for one year after the best-by date. At the same time, an opened tub of protein powder lasts up to the best-by date printed on the tub.
You will lose some lysine and you will lose some of the protein in the mixture. If you lose the amino acid lysine, it really only means that the protein may be less complete, which is probably not as important as you think, as long as all the BCAAs are still present to aid in muscle protein synthesis. According to a study published in The Journal of Physiology. If the flavor starts to wane or you start to see browning, this could be a sign of the “Maillard reaction” in which the protein reacts with the sugar in the food, which gradually breaks down the amino acid lysine and the amino acid lysine.
Going a little deeper, an expired protein powder can actually start to cause the protein to react with the sugar in the product (even if it’s just a small part), which can destroy the lysine (amino acid) content of the product. Digestion means that expired foods may not contain the same amount of protein and amino acids as fresh foods. When there is a pause, exhaled proteins may be less effective in building muscle mass. These changes indicate that the protein in old or improperly stored powders is being degraded.
If the dry powder tastes like cardboard, the lysine in the protein has already started to break down and the dry powder won’t give you the complete protein you need. If you consume protein powders and keep them cool or at room temperature for a few years after purchase, you probably don’t need to worry about dry foods like protein powders going bad. With this in mind, protein powders may be safe to consume shortly after the expiration date if the product is stored properly; however, protein powders may lose their protein content with age. While it’s generally safer to stick to the shelf life, sometimes the shelf life of whey protein powders depends more or less on how you use and store them.
| Right Temperature | 70°F |
| Use food-safe absorbents | Aptar food or Absorbent Pads |
| Different Storage containers | Tightly sealed pub or Zip-lock bag |
While protein powders can be stored for some time – sometimes past the official expiration date – without spoiling, it’s important to keep in mind that a protein powder formula is less effective the longer it’s stored and the more elements it’s exposed to. Protein powders usually have an expiration date of about a year after the date of manufacture – be sure to check this when buying to make sure you’re not buying a can of powder that has been sitting for a while – and when stored properly, protein powder can still be potent and edible in the within a few months to a year after the expiration date. According to recent studies, protein powders such as whey protein powders have a shelf life of 9 to 19 months when stored under normal conditions. It is not known if the suggested expiration date for whey protein is applicable to other protein sources, but it is likely to be the same when stored under the same conditions.
In another study, researchers concluded that whey protein has a shelf life of 9 months when stored at 95°F (35°C), but not at room temperature or 70°F (21°C) humidity 45-65% for at least 18 months (7). One study showed that when stored at 70°F (21°C) and 45-65% humidity, the lysine content of whey protein decreased from 5.5% to 4.2% within 12 months (7). For example, one study showed that when whey protein was stored at 113°F (45°C) for 15 weeks, oxidation significantly increased, resulting in the production of various compounds that resulted in undesirable flavor changes (12). Its storage temperature and humidity levels are also thought to play a role in the early exhalation of whey protein.
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In a 2016 case study, researchers tracked the physical properties of two batches of whey protein concentrate under less than ideal storage conditions, trying to figure out how hot and humid environments affect the shelf life of protein powders. A 2016 case study concluded that protein powders can spoil before the stated expiration date if not stored in cool, dry conditions. Whey protein concentrates with a protein content of 34.9 g/100 g and 76.8 g protein/100 g were stored for up to 18 months under conditions such as high temperature and high humidity. If the protein contains additives, this can extend its shelf life up to two years.
The longer the shelf life of a protein product, the more artificial ingredients and preservatives it contains. With vegetable proteins, the absence of animal products reduces the risk of spoilage. Also, just like conventional foods, protein foods have an expiration date and an expiration date that you should take note of. If a protein product, whether whey or vegan, has an unpleasant odor or taste, or it has been several months since the protein product expired, give yourself a fresh package and strictly follow the storage instructions to ensure its longevity.
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If you’ve swallowed a protein shake only to find it’s past its expiration date, you have nothing to worry about unless it’s been stored in a warm place. If you can keep bacteria out of your protein pan by keeping it tightly sealed and stored in a cool, dry place, it can keep for several months past the date listed. Luckily for those who have had the same can of protein in their pantry for years, the date printed on the package is a quality date, not a safe date. Consumers can purchase single-ingredient protein powders with the confidence that they will last at least until the expiration date, and in many cases, if stored properly, will last well beyond the stated expiration date.
Does cooking with protein powder harm it?
Cooking with protein powder does not affect it, nor does it affect your health. It alters the powder only slightly and it remains safe to use afterward since the proteins are still intact. Making brownies, protein bars, cookies, or anything sweet you like is completely okay.
Does whey protein powder expire?
Whey, like most other food supplements, can go bad. Usually, whey protein lasts about 2 years, but the condition in which it is kept also affects its shelf life. If the product is kept in a cool, dry place, it may last longer than the “best before” date.