Besides iron, protein is the most valuable substance for men who are focused on body building. Protein powder is a commodity that rivals any metal, coin, or stock when it comes to creating body image that is photo-worthy, yet has a degree of inspiring aesthetic. Seasoned lifters and athletes understand the importance of having a steady supply of protein. But one element is often overlooked – does protein powder expire?
The answer is a resounding YES, and NO!
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While there are market indicators for the lifespan of athletic protein products; they do not always indicate the integrity of a product.
Therefore, if you want to incorporate protein meal replacements into your diets, you should be aware of the nature of certain products.
In addition, knowing the answer to the question does protein powder go bad is equally important. We’ll delve into this and much more in this post to clarify some common misunderstanding.
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How Long Can You Keep Protein Powder?
Most protein powder containers are sold in small quantities that coincide with daily serving regimens. A three-pound container equates to about two weeks of meal replacements. Likewise, a ten-pound container is closer to a month.
Protein powder begins to interact with air once its container’s seal is broken and it’s exposed to the elements.
When this occurs, the derivatives in high-quality protein powder retain original qualities. However, the exposure to the environment creates chemical reactions in protein molecules that change the nature of the powder.
Although the protein content of a protein powder exposed to environmental conditions does not change, its nature can. Therefore, does protein powder expire?
Does Protein Powder Expire
Whereas aged protein powders may still contain their nutrients, they might not reflect the manufacturer’s intent for quality.
By law, producers of meal replacement protein powder are required to delineate stock with readable expiration dates.
These dates are usually placed on the rims of containers, the seals found on containers, or on the bottom of the containers.
Also, expiration dates are normally geared toward marketers who regularly change stock within stores; and not for answering the question – does protein powder expire.
The expiration date found on a container of protein powder is not necessarily determined by the ingredients, but by the production facility’s rate of stock rotation.
As a matter of fact, protein powder remains fresh and effective long after the expiration date has been passed.
This is why it is always a good idea to take advantage of protein powder sales promo at gyms which are created to liquidate stock.
Can Protein Powder Be Used After Its Expiration Date
Absolutely! Depending on the company, expiration dates on protein powder are set using market guidelines.
Once protein is reduced to a powdered form, it is free of most of the things that are associated with similar food products.
Although whey protein is derived from milk, and milk has a two-week shelf life; but it doesn’t mean that the derived protein has the same two-week shelf life.
Also, if a protein powder sits in a person’s storage beyond its expiration date, the amount of nutrients available will not change. Although it is ideal to use protein powder on a regular basis; nothing is lost by using powder that has been stored beyond its expiration date.
Does Protein Powder Go Bad
There are many types of protein powders available to athletes. Some powders are derived from milk sources. And these are the most common types, and contain exceptional amounts of nutrients.
However, other specialized protein powders are derived from things like plasma, vegetables, and other organic sources. This sometimes makes it difficult to address questions like does protein powder go bad.
When it comes to answering the question does protein powder go bad, the answer is not a straightforward YES or NO.
Most men want to ingest protein in its best state. And this requires using a powdered product within its expiration window.
However, protein powders do not lose their content over time. The difference, is ingesting a powder that retains taste and the ability to be mixed with liquids; over ingesting powder that has become less palatable.
How Do You Know If Your Protein Powder Has Gone Bad
The first way to tell if protein powder has “gone bad,” is by smell. Proteins react strongly with environmental factors like oxygen and air moisture.
So an old, yet sealed container of protein is less likely to change. On the other hand, a protein powder container that has been opened, and left to sit, will likely adopt a less-than-attractive smell.
Therefore, if you open an old container of protein powder, and notice a rancid and bitter smell; this is a good indication that a protein powder has lasted beyond its life expectancy.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the powder is bad. It just means that ingesting the powder will likely be an unpleasant experience.
How Long Can You Keep Protein Powder in Water
Once a protein powder is mixed with water, or any other liquid, it begins to transform.
At the cellular level, activated proteins release bonds intended to react with a person’s digestive tract. If a protein powder is mixed with a liquid, and sits for a lengthy period of time, it will naturally transfer fewer protein molecules when ingested.
So it is never advised to mix a protein powder with water, while letting it sit for hours. Although minimal nutrients will be present, the result will be a drink that is counter to nutritional goals.
How To Store Protein Powder
Sealed protein powder containers are normally given manufacturer expiration dates between nine and twelve months.
Furthermore, beyond the expiration date, these powders retain full nutrients, but may have annoying qualities like powder clumpiness.
Once a protein powder container is opened, it begins to react with the environment. If a person is consuming the powder regularly, this should present no problem.
If a protein powder sits on a shelf for months on end, an inspection is necessary before using it again. The smell test is almost always an accurate guide.
After months, if a container of protein powder produces an overwhelming waft of rancidness, discard it. And start with a new container.
Whenever a protein powder container is opened, is should be stored in a dry, cool, and moisture-free environment.
Wrapping Up
In summary, protein powder is one of the most versatile and dependable nutritional supplement. And its long shelf life is an attribute to this.
For one thing, given that some protein powders are expensive, it is good to know that they can still be consumed after long periods of time.
And as for the question does protein powder expire; once a protein powder has reached the point where most people would consider it bad, a tough choice must be made.
The usable protein in the powder is still present, but are you likely to use it?
Because of refining processes, expired products are not likely to cause harm. It’s the change in taste that can be unbearable.
When you buy a protein supplement, use it until it is gone. You’ll have a few more great workouts and never have to worry about things like does protein powder go bad over time.