Whey protein can become bad through a process called oxidation. It is typically used in liquid, powder or capsule form and comes from milk. Oxidation can take place when whey proteins are exposed to light, heat or oxygen for an extended period of time. The longer the exposure takes place, the more likely it becomes that this product will go bad..
The “how long protein powder last after opened” is a question that has been asked many times. The answer to this question is different for every person, but the general answer is usually about 3-4 days.
If you purchase whey protein in bulk every time, one of the containers or pouches will eventually expire. Should you throw away the remainder or keep using it if this happens?
You’re probably aware that powdered foods don’t deteriorate as quickly as meat or dairy. And if the whey powder is just a week or two over the expiration date, it appears very much the same as it does every time. There are no obvious changes, and the fragrance and taste remain same.
However, as an athlete, you must also consider your dietary needs. So you’re wondering whether a protein powder that has passed its expiration date is as beneficial as one that hasn’t.
We’ll go through the most prevalent questions about long-term whey protein preservation in this post. We’ll go over when and if you should throw out expired powder, as well as how to keep it so it lasts as long as possible.
1 tbsp cocoa whey powder
1 tbsp cocoa whey powderIs It Possible for Whey Protein to Go Bad, and How Can You Tell If It Is?
I believe we can all agree that powdered food items such as whey protein (or protein powder in general) do not grow bad or moldy. At least not on their own.
Even if any bacteria made their way into the container during the packing process, there isn’t much water in it. There isn’t anything for them to eat or grow on.
Does this rule out the possibility of whey protein spoiling? Obviously not.
If water gets inside the container or pouch, it will develop lumps and mold in a matter of days. So, if your protein supplement becomes wet, resembles wet sand, or has some large wet lumps in it, throw it out. Obviously, the same goes for any evidence of mold in the packaging.
Tomos’ image was used under a Creative Commons license.
It’s worth noting that certain whey protein supplements resemble dust more than others. As a result, you should not compare the consistency of various items since they may vary somewhat. Always compare the product’s present “wetness” to how “wet” it was when you initially opened the packaging.
Another point worth mentioning is the importance of quality. Whey protein may cease taste as nice as it once did after a while. The taste of the powder tends to deteriorate with time, so throw it away when you’re no longer satisfied with it.
You now know how to identify whether whey protein is harmful. And you see that yours is good, but the date on the label has passed. So, what are your options?
Does Whey Protein Have an Expiration Date or Lose Its Potency?
Whey protein labels have a date on them for at least two reasons. Quality is one among them. Even if the product is powdered, the quality eventually deteriorates. Spices like cinnamon, for example, lose part of their flavor with time.
Protein powders, particularly those with strong tastes, are the same way. That taste diminishes with time, and at some point, it will no longer suffice. Whey protein has a shelf life of one to two years in most cases ([PN]). It all relies on the kind and quantity of preservatives and flavorings employed in the supplement’s manufacturing.
Protein powdered male body
The second reason is that whey protein begins to slowly digest itself beyond a certain threshold. The Maillard reaction ([WIKI]) is a chemical reaction that happens in aged whey powder ([NCBI]).
It sounds much more serious than it is. Simply said, the sugar in the powder begins to break down the amino acid lysine, rendering the protein “less complete.” In layman’s words, you lose part of the supplement’s nutritional worth.
If you can live with it, you can still consume technically “expired” whey powder. So, although whey protein may lose some of its “potency” over time, it’s not like baking powder, which becomes essentially worthless after a certain amount of time.
When it comes to whey protein’s shelf life, opening the pouch or container doesn’t make much of a difference. Many locations state that you should complete the supplement container within six months or a year after opening it. However, this has more to do with the product’s storage and handling than with the product itself.
It’s probably time to discuss how to keep it so that it lasts as long as possible.
Whey protein powder, three measuring metal scoops
What Is The Best Way To Store Whey Protein?
Whey protein, like other powdered goods, should be stored in a cool, dry location away from heat sources. A dark kitchen or pantry cabinet will suffice. The most essential thing to remember is to keep dampness at bay.
After you’ve opened the packaging, ensure sure it’s always well wrapped. If it’s a resealable bag or container, that was taken care of by the manufacturer. If you don’t have one, use an airtight container. You may even use one of those cereal dispensers that have been collecting dust in the closet.
Scooping protein and using gym equipment
Let’s speak about how to handle the merchandise now. Always use dry utensils and keep the milk or water you add the powder to away from your whey protein if you want it to preserve its quality for as long as possible.
The use of a little moist teaspoon on occasion is unlikely to cause the material to mold, but you never know. When making the protein shake, the same goes for those few drops of water. It’ll probably be OK if it occurs once or twice. However, if this happens on a frequent basis, the powder will most certainly expire before the expiration date on the label.
It’s recommended to consume your whey protein shake as soon as possible after mixing it with the beverage of your choice.
It’s preferable to carry the ingredients separately and prepare everything in the locker room if you need some liquid strength to fuel your exercises or a post-workout shake. That’s particularly true in the summer, when you don’t want to leave a pre-made protein shake in the vehicle when it’s hot outside.
In general, you may keep a blended protein shake in the refrigerator for up to two days, although I’ve never heard of anybody doing so on a daily or even occasional basis.
Putting it all together in a nutshell
- Whey protein should be stored in a cool, dry area away from heat.
- Whey’s quality deteriorates with time, so it may not taste as good after a few months passed the expiration date on the package.
- Although “expired” whey protein may have somewhat lower nutritional value than fresh whey protein, it is typically safe to consume.
References
The “how to tell if protein powder is bad” is a question that has been asked many times. There are several factors that can help you determine whether the protein powder is still good or not.
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