Can protein powder be used after expiration date?
Yes, out of date protein powder is safe to use. Since protein powder is such a dry substance there is very little risk of bacterial growth. This is applicable to both whey protein and casein protein.
Protein powder comes with a best before date rather than a use by date. This means it has been certified as safe to eat past the specified date. It’s only products with use by dates that you should avoid eating once the date has passed. Learn more about the differences between best before and use by here.
If the protein has been opened its recommended you consume it six to eight months after the expiry date.
How long does unopened protein powder last?
Unopened protein powder can last for years after the best before date. An unopened tub of protein powder kept in a cool, dry environment (a kitchen cupboard that isn’t above a stove, for example) can easily last up to two years past the initial best before date. The taste is unlikely to be compromised between six and 18 months after the expiration date; however, it may start to deteriorate after this timeframe. Where you notice changes in flavour, you can incorporate the powder into the food rather than consuming it as a standalone shake. In terms of safety, if the powder is stored in a cool dry place it can last for two years, sometimes longer. As explained above, the best way to assess your protein is to do a smell and taste test.
Is expired protein still effective?
Though expired protein is safe to consume, an important amino acid in the protein can start to break down over time, making it less effective.
Lysine is the amino acid found in protein powders that aids muscle building. Over time, lysine can begin to break down via a process known as the Maillard reaction. When this happens the protein may be less effective at aiding muscle building.
Deterioration in taste indicates that the Maillard reaction has taken place. This doesn’t mean it will be entirely ineffective, however, and since it is safe to eat you may still want to use it up or mix it in with newer protein powder to avoid wasting it.
How do you know if your protein powder is bad?
There are signs that indicate moisture may have got into the product, which increases the risk of bacterial growth. If you notice lots of clumps in the powder this may be the case. This doesn’t mean that the powder is absolutely unsafe to eat, but it can increase risk.
Other signs that you may not want to consume your powder include a change in colour and an unpleasant smell or taste. Since the product will still have a very low risk of causing you harm, the best way to assess your powder is to look at, smell and taste it. Use your common sense — if it the colour has changed a lot, and if it smells and tastes funny then it might be best to leave it. If you are happy with the taste then it’s fine to use.
Passed best before and short-dated protein powder for sale
Many protein powder enthusiasts look for deals on protein, as it can be expensive, and one of the best ways to save money is to purchase short-dated protein or protein that has passed its best before.
At Approved Food we often have a range of respected brand protein products available at reduced prices. Take a look at our protein range here to view our current offers.
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FAQs
But what happens when you go beyond that date? Schlichter says, “Over time, the protein's quality, taste and nutritional value can degrade gradually. It might not mix as well, have a slightly altered flavor, or lose some of its protein content. In essence, it's like sipping a not-so-fresh protein shake.
Does out of date protein still work? ›
Taking expired protein powder may not cause any immediate health issues, but it may not be as effective as protein powder that hasn't expired. “Over time, the potency of the protein and other nutrients in the powder can degrade, making it less effective for building and repairing muscle tissue,” says McSorley.
Can you use 2 year expired protein? ›
Expiration dates on protein powders indicate when the powder is at its highest quality, not when it is unsafe to use. It's OK to use the powder past any expiration date on the package, but its effectiveness may have diminished. Most powders, if stored in a cool, dry place, should last anywhere from nine to 18 months.
Are out of date protein bars ok? ›
Expired protein bars can sometimes be consumed safely if they are only slightly past their expiration date. However, consumers should meticulously inspect the bar for signs of spoilage such as: Unusual Odor: A sharp, off-putting smell is a red flag.
Can you eat expired plant based protein? ›
One of the best things about protein powder is that it's dry, so as long as it's been stored sensibly and sealed correctly, then expired protein powder is unlikely to cause you any damage - especially if that powder is plant-based.
What are the side effects of expired protein? ›
However, taking protein powder well after it expires can cause the supplement to lose some of its nutritional properties and lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, gas and upset stomach. If your protein powder has expired, examine it for unusual odors, discoloration, clumping and off taste.
Does protein powder affect the kidneys? ›
A high-protein diet may cause your kidneys to work more to filter your blood. Over time, this increased workload could cause kidney damage or make kidney disease worse (16, 17 ). However, the evidence is mixed. Some research suggests that the increased filtering work is not actually harmful for your kidneys.
Can I use 4 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.
How to know if a protein powder is good? ›
When selecting a protein, she recommends choosing a brand that contains:
- Complete protein. This means it contains all the essential amino acids our bodies need. ...
- As few ingredients as possible. ...
- No added sugar. ...
- No hydrogenated oils. ...
- Recognizable ingredients.
Technically, you can eat protein powder without water but it won't have a pleasant taste or texture. Swallowing a dry powder is also tough to do and can be dangerous for your health. Protein powder is designed to dissolve in liquid for ease of use and optimal taste and texture.
All of our Muscle Milk products have a "Best Taste Date," which is very different from an expiration date often found on perishable items such as dairy and meat products. Our "Best taste date" is a self-imposed indicator that has been listed on the shoulders of our bottles and containers.
Do protein bars have a long shelf life? ›
Water Activity is a proxy test that measures the amount of water that evaporates off the surface of a protein bar. If it is below the threshold where yeast and mold can grow, the product will usually have a long shelf life (9+ months).
Can I freeze protein bars? ›
Storing tips. In the fridge: store these chocolate peanut butter protein bars in the fridge tightly wrapped or in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 weeks. The perfect easy snack to have on hand! In the freezer: feel free to keep them in a freezer-safe bag in your freezer for up to 1 month.
What to do with old protein powder? ›
protein powder still has protein past expiry. If it becomes cloggy or changes texture or taste throw it away, otherwise it's fine to eat…..it's not a drug to be mandatory to be thrown away after expiry. Companies print expiry just to maintain quality standards.
Does unopened protein powder expire? ›
As long as your protein powder has been stored properly, it will almost always be good beyond the printed sell-by date. The more time passes, the more likely there will be an issue. Even if the product doesn't go bad, some of the ingredients may deteriorate, and there may be a decline in the product's quality.
How long does protein stay in your system? ›
The body can't store protein - unlike other nutrients like carbohydrates and fats, your body doesn't 'build up' protein over time. The lifespan of a protein in the body is approximately 2 days. That means that a truly protein-perfect diet has to include regular (daily) intake of protein-supplying foods (source).
Can we use expired body powder? ›
Yes, Expired powder can irritate skin and create some more problems like infections. You can use expired powder for waxing and wash it after work is done.
Can you drink expired Premier protein shakes? ›
Because it is a best before date and not an expiry date it is possible that the product could still be suitable for consumption after the stated date. However, as manufacturers we cannot guarantee the quality of our products if consumed after the best before date.
How long does protein powder stay in your system? ›
After consuming protein, the amino acids enter your bloodstream and can remain in circulation for up to six to seven hours. However, the actual digestion and absorption process typically takes much less time, with most of the amino acids being absorbed in the first two hours after consumption.
