Can Protein Powder Go Bad?

Have you ever reached for a tub of protein powder that’s been sitting on the shelf for several months and wondered, can protein powder go bad?

A couple of scoops from that dusty tub in the back of your pantry may seem harmless. After all, it’s just a dry powder, right?

But what if I told you the seemingly innocent, slightly expired protein powder could be packing more than just muscle-building amino acids (and not particularly good things.)

From signs of spoilage and potential health risks, we’re diving deep into the life cycle of your average protein powder.

So, Does Protein Powder Expire?

Like many food products, protein powders do have a shelf life. How they’re made, stored and used over time can influence their longevity.

The lifespan of protein powder

So, does protein powder expire?

TL;DL/Bottom line: unopened containers of protein powder generally last up to two years from the manufacture date if stored correctly.

Once opened, it’s best to use the protein powder within 6 months for optimal freshness; however, the product could potentially be good for up to a year if well-kept and stored in a dry, cool environment.

Bear in mind these are just guidelines and actual longevity can vary based on several factors such as how well it was stored and environmental conditions. It’s always best to exercise caution when considering questionably expired products.

All types of protein powders, whether they’re whey or plant-based, come with an expiration date on their packaging. While expiration dates are typically a good point of reference, newly expired protein powder doesn’t always need to be immediately tossed out after the date passes.

Changes in quality over time

If your tub has passed its ‘best by’ date don’t panic. This isn’t necessarily a hard stop where quality dramatically drops off immediately after.

The proteins themselves won’t break down or disappear; however, there might be some decrease in flavor and mixability over time which affects overall experience rather than nutritional value.

A study published in the Journal Of Dairy Science suggests minor changes occur beyond one year post-production, especially concerning taste and smell. This assumes protein powder is kept in optimal conditions, like 70 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celcius) and 35 percent humidity. The minor changes reported were unsatisfactory appearance and caking when mixed.^[1] 

Does whey protein powder expire faster than plant-based protein?

On average, whey protein powder has a shelf life of between 9 and 19 months when stored under suitable conditions. Given that it’s dairy-based, most whey protein contains additives that can extend the shelf life for up to two years.

Plant proteins, such as brown rice, pea, hemp, and soy generally keep better than whey protein, offering a shelf life of two years on average. Assuming storage conditions are equal, plant protein expires slower than whey protein.

The Making of the Protein Powder Matters

Protein powder, a popular supplement among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike, boasts an intriguing production process. But what exactly goes into making this protein-packed product? Let’s delve deeper.

In essence, protein powders are made from whole foods rich in protein. This can be animal-based like whey or casein derived from milk, they can be derived from plant-based sources such as pea, quinoa, or brown rice. These ingredients undergo processing to extract the purest form of their inherent proteins.

To get that powdered goodness requires a multi-step process which starts with the raw material being dried out completely. After drying comes milling – turning those dehydrated substances into fine particles until they reach that desired powdery consistency.

Apart from just the base protein, manufacturers often enrich these products with additional nutrients like vitamins and minerals for added nutritional benefits  Some may even include digestive enzymes to help your body better absorb all that good stuff. And almost all of them contain preservatives to sustain freshness and shelf-life.

So now you’re probably wondering – how long does protein powder last? While it’s difficult to provide a one-size-fits-all answer due to factors such as storage conditions and brand specifics; on average most sealed containers of protein powder have a shelf life ranging between 1 and 2 years.

Stay tuned for more info on understanding if your favorite scoop has passed its prime.

How to Properly Store Protein Powder

Storing protein powder in the right manner is crucial. There are simple best practices to help extend the shelf life of your protein supplement.

Your pantry might seem like a good place to store your tub of protein powder but think again. Heat and humidity are enemies here. These conditions encourage bacterial growth that may spoil the product faster than its expiry date suggests. So where should we put our precious powders? 

• Store in a cool dry place: Cool and dry places away from direct sunlight work best. Consider storing your protein powder in kitchen cabinets or even a bedroom drawer. Avoiding warm and humid conditions is key to ward off spoilage.
• Seal it tight: A half-closed lid on a container spells disaster for any food item – more so for something as sensitive as protein powder. Ensure the lid is firmly shut after every use to keep out air, which can cause dampness and eventually mold.
• Avoid using wet utensils: We’ve all been guilty of dipping wet spoons into our jars at some point (peanut butter lovers unite). This seemingly harmless act can introduce unwanted moisture into your supplement causing it to clump together or worse still – develop harmful bacteria over time.
• Stick with the product’s original packaging: When storing supplements, the containers designed by manufacturers have properties specifically suited for their products’ storage needs. Transferring the powder to another container can expose it to more air and light, which can speed up the degradation process.^[2]

To ensure your protein powders remain in optimal condition, follow these simple guidelines and best practices to preserve freshness and best taste. 

Signs of Expired Protein Powder

You may ask, “Does protein powder expire?” The answer is yes. 

Fortunately, it’s easy to recognize when the expiration date of your protein supplement has passed. Here are some signs that might mean it’s time to toss that tub.

A funky smell

First and foremost, if you get a whiff of something funky upon opening your protein powder container, this could be a sign of spoilage. High-quality protein powders, whether they’re whey-based or vegan alternatives like pea protein or hemp protein powder, should not give off an unpleasant smell.

An off taste

Taste can also be an indicator. If your protein powder tastes different than usual and not in a good way, there’s a chance the product has gone bad. However remember: changes in taste could also result from how you store the product or even how long it sits after mixing with liquid.

Changes in texture

The texture of expired supplements often changes too; clumping together instead of staying fine and powdery as fresh products do. If stirring doesn’t fix these lumps then chances are high for expiration.

Discoloration

Over time, certain types of protein powder can change in color. The most common example is whey protein, which is generally white in color. Studies observing shelf-life testing of whey protein show browning of the powder over time, which is an indicator of deterioration.^[3]

Mold growth

Last but definitely not least: visible mold growth – while rare due to low moisture content within most dry goods such as protein powders, molds thrive where humidity levels rise above 60 percent. So keep containers sealed tight against moisture to prevent this potential health hazard.

Checking the expiry date on the packet is a must to make sure your protein powder has not gone off. Remember, using fresh products not only tastes better but is safer too.

Risks of Consuming Protein Powder That’s Gone Bad

The freshness of what we consume has a direct effect on our health and nutrition. The same rule applies to protein powders too.

Potential risks of old protein powders

The big question here is: Can you get sick from expired protein powder? While consuming expired food products generally isn’t recommended, in most cases old protein powder doesn’t pose a serious or life-threatening health risk. But that’s not an invitation to start digging into ancient tubs. Let me explain why.

Loss of nutritional value

The proteins themselves don’t go bad per se but over time they lose their nutritional value. This means you might be chugging down your post-workout shake without reaping all the benefits because your body simply can’t absorb those denatured proteins effectively anymore. There’s also the possibility of the protein becoming rancid or moldy, in which case it will likely smell.

Rancidity and bacterial growth

Beyond losing potency, the real concern is rancidity and bacterial growth if moisture gets inside the container. Certain bacteria thrive in high-protein food environments which could potentially lead to food poisoning symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. A pungent smell and sour taste are good indicators of protein powder gone bad.

Allergenic reactions and digestive discomfort

In addition, some people may experience allergic reactions or digestive discomfort after consuming outdated supplements due to changes in their composition over time. If you have sensitive digestion or known allergies then these effects become even more important for you.

• Nausea
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Finally, taste and smell can be affected. If your protein powder tastes odd or smells funky, it’s best to toss it.

Best Practices for Buying Protein Powder

Protein powders can be a great tool for upping your protein consumption in an expedient manner. But, not all of them are created equal. Ensure you are getting the maximum value for your money.

• Check the ingredient list: The first step is checking the ingredient list. Look for foods you may be sensitive to or unneeded extras like added sugars and fake flavors which can lower the product’s quality. 
• Aim for high-quality protein sources: Pick products that source their proteins from high-quality sources. Some individuals prefer whey or casein protein, as they synthesize well and are naturally “complete” proteins with all essential amino acids. Others prefer a plant-based protein powder, which requires an optimal combination of vegan sources to be complete.^[4]
• Look at the amount of protein per serving: You should look at how much protein each serving gives you. A good rule of thumb is aiming for 20-30 grams per serving; this range ensures optimal muscle recovery and growth according to research studies on protein synthesis rates.
• Sugar content matters too: Some athletes don’t mind sugar as it aids in their recovery. While others avoid sugar like the plague. Some protein powders are entirely sugar-free and keto, whereas other brands add sugar to improve taste. Beware of terms like “sucrose”, “glucose”, and “fructose”, they’re just fancy names for sugar.
• Consider the expiration date: Last but not least, always check the expiration date. Although protein powder doesn’t go bad quickly, it can lose its effectiveness over time. So if you’re buying in bulk to save money, make sure you’ll be able to use it before it expires.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols: Avoid artificial sweeteners like Sucralose and Ace-K are commonly found in protein powders but have questionable health implications. Clean protein powders will often use natural sweeteners (like monk fruit and stevia) or real sugar versus artificial sweeteners.

And of course, look for protein powder that aligns with your health and nutrition goals. If eating organic and raw is important to you, numerous plant-based options offer comparable amino acid densities as animal-based options like whey.

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About the Author

This post was written by Tyler Tafelsky, the lead editor here at VeganProteinPowder.reviews. Tyler is an experienced writer in the health, nutrition, and athletic space, and he offers over a decade of experience blogging on various reputable platforms. Having experimented with a vegan diet over the course of his life, Tyler has tried hundreds of plant-based nutritional products and writes about his favorites here on this blog. View Tyler’s full author bio or follow him on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram.

Scientific References

1. Tunick MH, Thomas-Gahring A, Van Hekken DL, Iandola SK, Singh M, Qi PX, Ukuku DO, Mukhopadhyay S, Onwulata CI, Tomasula PM. Physical and chemical changes in whey protein concentrate stored at elevated temperature and humidity. J Dairy Sci. 2016 Mar;99(3):2372-2383. doi: 10.3168/jds.2015-10256. Epub 2016 Jan 6. PMID: 26778305.
2. Schoenfeld, B.J., Aragon, A.A. How much protein can the body use in a single meal for muscle-building? Implications for daily protein distribution. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 15, 10 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1
3. Sithole R, McDaniel MR, Goddik LM. Rate of maillard browning in sweet whey powder. J Dairy Sci. 2005 May;88(5):1636-45. doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(05)72835-6. PMID: 15829654.
4. Hoffman JR, Falvo MJ. Protein – Which is Best? J Sports Sci Med. 2004 Sep 1;3(3):118-30. PMID: 24482589; PMCID: PMC3905294.