How long does protein powder last and what should you look out for?
A long break from training, buying new products or forgetting the package in the cupboard - there are many reasons to ask yourself: how long does protein powder last and what happens if it expires? If you regularly use protein powder in your daily life, you might wonder how long it lasts after opening. But can protein powder also spoil and which ingredients are affected by this? We explain how long protein powder lasts, both opened and unopened, and what role quality and storage conditions play in shelf life.
How long does unopened protein powder last?
Like food, protein powder also has a best-before date, or MHD for short. Newly purchased protein powder is generally good for at least one year, provided it is unopened. The best-before date is printed on the product packaging, usually on the label, the neck or the bottom of the can. However, as with other foods, the following also applies to protein powder: just because the best-before date has passed, it does not automatically mean that the product has spoiled. The best-before date in the sense of the MHD is often equated with the expiry date. Unlike the expiry date, the MHD simply indicates that the quality of the powder is guaranteed up to that point. After the best-before date, the manufacturer can no longer guarantee that the product will be of the same quality as before and that it has not spoiled. In contrast, with the expiry date, food should not be consumed after it has passed. This mainly applies to perishable products such as meat or fish.
Since high-quality products come in well-sealable screw-top containers and are dry products, you don't have to worry about the shelf life of this protein powder - especially as long as it is unopened. Of course, you should always observe the correct storage and handling of the product. It doesn't matter whether the protein powder contains whey protein or casein protein, or a combination of both.
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How long does protein powder last after opening?
The situation is slightly different when it comes to protein powder and its shelf life after the packaging has been opened. How long the powder remains edible in opened cans depends mainly on the correct storage method. In principle, you should always close the packaging of your protein powder properly so as not to compromise its shelf life. This is, of course, easier with cans or screw-top containers than with a bag or other packaging without a lid. If you have purchased a large amount of protein powder in a bag, you can also transfer it to a screw-top container to extend its shelf life.
In addition, you should not only store your protein powder in an airtight container but also protect it from moisture. If the powder gets damp, mold can form. Also, make sure that as few bacteria as possible get into the packaging. You can prevent this by maintaining sufficient hygiene, for example, by not putting your hands into the powder before using the scoop. Of course, you cannot completely avoid bacteria, but their growth can be significantly reduced by hygienic handling of the protein powder.
Shelf life of protein powder: What should you pay attention to when storing it?
Good storage is important for the shelf life of protein powder, whether opened or in its original packaging. Here, three important factors play a role:
1. Store the protein powder in a dry place
Storing protein powder in a dry place is crucial for its shelf life. Moisture not only causes the powder to clump but also promotes the growth of bacteria and mold formation. Therefore, always close the packaging tightly and under no circumstances take the powder out of the packaging with a wet or damp spoon.
2. Seal the container airtight
Proteins and fats can oxidize due to oxygen. This causes proteins to lose their structure and the fat can go rancid. To prevent this, you should always seal the packaging of your protein powder tightly. This not only protects your powder from oxidation but also prevents moisture from getting in.
3. Make sure to store it in a cool place
Protein powder does not need to be stored in the refrigerator. This does not improve its shelf life, even after opening. However, cool storage is important, although normal room temperature is not a problem for the powder. For our MORE PROTEIN, we recommend storing it below 25 °C and protected from sunlight. The simple reason for this is that heat can negatively affect the stability of the proteins. In this case, the protein powder can lose its effectiveness.
Which ingredients in protein powder can spoil after the best-before date?
Are there ingredients in protein powder that can spoil? Since protein powder made from whey or casein is a very dry product, it is generally less susceptible to spoilage. However, if the packaging has been open for a long time or stored incorrectly, protein powder can also spoil. In this case, three components are particularly affected:
- The proteins themselves
The structure of the protein in protein powder changes over time, as the proteins oxidize under the influence of oxygen and can thus partially lose their stability. However, this is not harmful to health and does not affect the shelf life of the protein powder. If the protein powder has already been opened and stored for a long time, the proteins may lose their biological value.
- Flavors
Protein powders always contain flavorings to improve the taste. The added flavorings can evaporate over time, which changes the taste of the protein powder. It may simply become less tasty over time, or develop an odd note. This is not a health risk, but it does affect the enjoyment.
- Fats
Although the proportion is very small (in our MORE PROTEIN, for example, a maximum of 5g per 100g, depending on the variant), every protein powder also contains fat. If stored incorrectly or if the best-before date is exceeded, the fats can go rancid. In this case, the risk of intolerance increases. This can have health consequences and, for example, lead to stomach pain or nausea.
In addition to good storage conditions, the quality of the ingredients used is also decisive for the shelf life of protein powders. If you use high-quality protein powders, you not only benefit from a better taste but usually also from a longer shelf life.
Can you still use expired protein powder?
As already mentioned, exceeding the best-before date does not directly mean that the protein powder has spoiled. The shelf life of protein powder depends on various factors: In addition to storage, the quality of the ingredients also plays a role. It cannot, therefore, be stated generally that expired protein powder must be discarded immediately. Before using expired protein powder, you should test whether the product is still edible.
Here's how you can check if your protein powder is still good:
- Take a good look at the powder, smell it, and perhaps try a small amount. If the powder tastes normal, it is probably still edible.
- Check if the powder has clumped and if moisture has entered the container. If this is the case, it could also be contaminated with bacteria and have spoiled.
- Has the color of the powder changed or are there any signs of mold? If so, the protein powder is probably no longer good.
If your protein powder is past its expiration date, it doesn't hurt to trust your sense of smell and taste and to carefully check the powder. However, if you have any doubts, don't take any risks and dispose of the protein powder.
What can happen if you eat expired protein powder?
The question of how long you can keep protein powder is not the only thing on many people's minds. What happens, for example, if you drink a shake with expired protein powder is also a common question. Experiences with the shelf life of protein powder vary widely. While some people tolerate a product without problems even two years after its best-before date, others have problems after only a few months. This depends not only on the product in question but also on individual sensitivity and the way the powder is stored.
If you have drunk a protein shake with spoiled powder, despite checking its smell and taste beforehand, there is no immediate cause for concern. The most likely outcome is that the protein powder has simply lost its flavor and solubility. However, if bacteria or mold have multiplied due to moisture, diarrhea and stomach problems can occur after consumption. In general, the risk of food poisoning from spoiled protein powder is quite unlikely.
Conclusion: Can you extend the shelf life of protein powder?
In principle, there's no secret advice on how to extend the shelf life of protein powder. However, you can pay attention to a few things to keep your protein powder fresh for as long as possible. As with taste and tolerability, it's also wise to rely on high-quality products for shelf life. Choose manufacturers who provide a transparent overview of the ingredients and whose products haven't been sitting in the warehouse for long. With our MORE PROTEIN line, you can therefore also view the results of regular analyses from independent test laboratories to convince yourself of the quality of our products. We also have our own production and can therefore produce fresh products regularly. This avoids long storage times and gives you the freshest possible product with a long shelf life.
With high-quality protein powder, you can extend its shelf life by storing it correctly and handling it hygienically. Store the powder according to the manufacturer's instructions, dry, airtight, and away from direct sunlight. Do not use damp scoops for dosing - then you will certainly enjoy your protein powder for a long time. A good storage place, for example, is your pantry, a less good one is the bathroom.