If you are an athlete or bodybuilder, then you would have bought protein powder in bulk to make some savings.
The primary concern appears when those purchased supplements approach the date of expiration.
With more than your requirements, you would have asked, does whey protein go bad?
Typically, whey protein is a supplement that can help you to build muscles. As a consumer, you should be careful about consuming protein powder that has passed the expiration dates.
Whey protein also comes with a specific time for consumption, although it can vary between sealed and unsealed packages.
Though consuming bad whey protein is not fatal, it can cause certain health problems such as abdominal pain and nausea, depending on one person to another.
If you want to understand more about various aspects of whey protein, then this write-up is entirely for you.
Does Whey Protein Go Bad? How Long Does Whey Protein Last?
Like any other product, whey protein comes with the label of use-by or best-by, which can be up to 12-18 months from the date of production.
You should note that this period is not the date of expiration; as such, it can last for some months longer after best-by date, provided that you store it properly.
It is difficult to tell exactly how long whey protein will last. Hence, we can only draw an estimate of the shelf life of the whey protein.
For opened whey protein package, it can potentially last for at least three to six months after the use-by date. It is because the opened package increases the chance for the product to accumulate moisture or bacteria.
But, it will be safe to consume as long as you keep it airtight and store it properly.
When it comes to an unopened whey protein package, it can last for at least six to nine months after the use-by date. However, you should note that some protein powder comes with vitamins added.
After a passage of time, these vitamins can decrease its potency. As such, the nutritional value of consuming whey protein after the use-by date will not be effective.
Moreover, the shelf life for homemade whey protein is up to six months. The following table summarizes the shelf life of whey protein:
| Whey Protein |
Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Store-bought whey protein (opened) |
Use-by + 3-6 months |
| Store-bought whey protein (unopened) |
Use-by + 6-9 months |
| Homemade whey protein |
6 months |
How to Tell If Whey Protein Is Bad? Whey Protein Shelf Life!
You should note that whey protein will not go bad as long as it does not come into contact with water or other contaminants.
One of the best ways to tell if whey protein has gone bad is by using your sense of smell. If the protein powder has an unpleasant smell, then it might have gone bad.
Another way to tell if whey protein has gone bad is to look for unusual texture. The protein powder has gone bad if it contains wet clumps, which can happen when it comes in contact with moisture or growing of mold.
You can also tell if whey protein has gone bad by tasting its flavors. Whey protein comes in different flavors such as cocoa powder and vanilla.
If you notice any changes in the flavors, then you should immediately avoid it. The following are some signs that indicate unusable whey protein:
- One of the obvious signs that indicate unusable whey protein is a foul odor.
- Another sign comes with the texture of the protein powder. If there are clumps on the whey protein, then it can be a sign of growing mold. You should avoid it if you notice any changes in its texture.
- Another sign that indicates unusable whey protein is the taste. Whey protein comes with varied flavors; as such, changes in the flavor would be a sign that it is not suitable for consumption.
Does Whey Protein Go Bad? How Long Does Whey Protein Last?
Ingredients
- Whey protein
- Air-tight containers
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
- Check the u0022Best-by-dateu0022 to know when it expires.
- Make sure to store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (pantry or fridge).
- Always check for signs of spoilage before using.
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