There are many benefits to consuming whey protein powder, including weight control, bone health, and increased energy. Are the expiration dates on protein powders set in stone, or is it still okay to consume the product even after the date listed on the tub has passed? Many people wonder if old whey protein would be safe but others wonder if they would actually get any protein from it. That’s because whey protein powder has an AAU of just 17%. It is given shorter than the actual consumption period of the protein because the added flavor may start to fade after the said time. But here's the thing: the stamped-on expiration date isn't the best way to tell, according to Mobin. The Grenade Carb Killa Protein Bar is great for that. Does Whey Have Lactose? Don’t store it in a basement or attic or any place that is very humid. But it would not be dangerous. What would happen? You can extend the shelf-life by storing it in some air-tight container, e.g. Also some companies put a 2 year expire date not to scare the costumer. An accelerated shelf-life test is a method of measuring and estimating the stability of a product by storing it under stressful conditions, such as high temperature and humidity. Protein powders are an incredibly popular supplement among health-conscious people. To make sure you get whey that is not near its expiration date, buy it from a place that sales a lot of whey. But if they’re your go-to source of protein, you’re in trouble. Oxidation — the reaction of fats with oxygen — increases with storage time and damages the quality of protein powders. THEY have an expiration date too thanks to the great state of New Jersey. Now that said, the limited amount of fats in the dry protein still have the potential to go rancid if they were stored in … It may have lost a bit of its flavor or taste a bit different. Most protein powders contain additives that extend the shelf life for up to 2 years. Still, depending on how long that tub of protein powder has been in your kitchen cabinet, you may wonder whether it’s still good or safe to use. The best-by date isn’t an expiration date, and whey protein won’t go bad overnight when it’s past that date. The date on the label of whey protein is there for at least two reasons. I Ate Like Conor McGregor At 170 Pounds For A Day - Duration: 17:15. 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Whey Protein, The 7 Best Protein Powders for Weight Loss. Signs that protein powder has gone bad include a rancid smell, bitter taste, changes in color, or clumping (7). 1 month after isnt a lot of time if the time is 2 years. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This is a detailed article about whey protein and its health benefits. I usually just get my whey from Amazon because I’m a sucker for convenience. There is still plenty of time left. Similarly to eating spoiled foods, consuming protein powder with one or more of these signs — regardless of the expiration date — could make you sick. If it looks very clumpy it may have gotten water into it. Second, place the protein powder in a location that is both cool and dry. On the bottom or side of protein tubs you’ll find ink jet printing listing a manufacture date, expiration date and batch code. While protein powders do provide expiration dates, it’s not a super strict date. Whey Protein - best before date & expiry date. You can even buy these to use, such as these Blue to Pink Indicating Slica Gel Packets. Whey protein products usually have an expiration date of two years past the manufacture date. I can’t give you any absolute rules as to how long you can keep whey protein past the expiration date, but if it seems generally OK and its only been around six months past the expiration date, then there its probably OK to use although it won’t be nearly as good as a fresh product. How long exactly is hard to say because how you store it matters. Watch this video till the end to … Rancidity is the first sign that you should look for if you can’t go by the expiration date at the moment. In either case, most protein powders on the market contain additives that increase shelf life, such as maltodextrin, lecithin, and salt, allowing for a shelf life around 2 years (8, 9). I Get Why You Want a Shortcut to A Big Lift. There is still plenty of time left. About Whey Protein Expiration Date Usually, in the whey protein powder packets, the sell-by date is mentioned around a year after the date of manufacture. Yes, whey protein expires. Though research suggests that whey protein has a … Lean And Toned from Bodyweight Training but Big and Bulky from Weight Training. Whether the suggested shelf life of whey protein applies to other sources of protein remains unknown, but it’s likely similar if they are stored under the same conditions. Does whey protein expire and Is expired whey protein still good? Powdered products have a 2-year shelf life, so the dates should be 2 years apart. Chances are if I used some of it then, it still wouldn’t hurt me or even make me sick. If it doesn’t smell, but tastes like wet cardboard or just weird in general, don’t use it. The Truth About Protein Shakes. While this loss of lysine means that the whey protein is no longer a complete protein, it still is a source of protein. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Rancidity Is An Important Factor. As usual, I’m not here to tell you what you should do, but I will tell you that the idea that you should always toss out your whey as soon as it reaches its expiration date is absolutely without merit. Whey protein is a derivative of cow’s milk, so it can go bad eventually. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Though much attention is focused on protein’s beneficial effect on muscle gain, research continues to unravel other benefits of higher protein intakes, including fat loss, blood sugar stabilization, blood pressure control, and bone health (1, 2, 3, 4). But, if it generally passes all these tests then go by the date. Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein, Blue to Pink Indicating Slica Gel Packets, Whey Protein Definition, Terminology, and Production. It’s also possible for protein powder to go bad before the listed expiration date, especially if it’s not stored under cool and dry storage conditions. However, the creatine does not immediately turn harmful on that date ( 2 ). It is a protein. Another telltale sign of Maillard browning is a fade in flavor, says Roberts. Please note that It’s not an expiration date. All Rights Reserved. The truth is that protein powder usually doesn't spoil until years after the printed expiration date. So, to revise the question: Is it safe to consume expired whey protein? Although that giant jug of whey on eBay may seem like a great deal, chances are its already expired. Our protein powders are clearly labelled with an expiration date or ‘best used by’ date. High temperatures are conducive to oxidation, with research suggesting that oxidation increases by 10-fold for every 50°F (10°C) increase (13). Yes, protein powder can expire—and that includes all kinds of protein powder: pea, hemp, whey, and so on. Should You Have a Protein Shake Before or After Your Workout? This post has been deleted. Though research suggests that whey protein has a shelf life of 9–19 months, many protein powder manufacturers list an expiration date of 2 years after production, which is likely made possible due to additives that extend shelf life. This would have occurred, even if I didn’t open the jug, because of autoxidation, mostly due to some of the fats present, and due to some other chemical reactions. Only a day or two past the expiration date? In this article, I explain why that is the case. Those expensive whey protein powders are supposed to be so great at building muscle. This article lets you know whether it's best to have a protein shake before or after your…, Pea protein powder is a supplement made by extracting protein from yellow peas. Seriously. Anything past six months and chances are, it’s still fine to use but it’s not going to taste very good. Remember, they want you to buy a new jug of whey not use the same jug for 3 years. This article discusses whether protein powder expires and if it’s safe to consume beyond its expiration date. Hemp Protein Powder: The Best Plant-Based Protein? By the way, the containers have never been opened. Thinking of using whey protein after its expiration date? "All forms of protein powder have an end of shelf life, and can expire," says Richards. However, one way that whey proteins change during storage is through Mailliard browning caused by the milk sugars which are still in the whey. Critical Whey Protein has been developed using a unique blend of Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate & Hydrolysed Whey Protein. 5:20. I’m curious if anyone knows if it’s alright to consume some whey protein that expired on 3/04? I’m in a 12-week contest at work and want everything to be right, and am debating on just buying some new stuff, but if the old stuff has no problems then I’ll use it. Dietary proteins are the source of nitrogen and indispensable amino acids, which the body requires for tissue growth and maintenance. Likewise, there are many, many places to buy whey on the internet, but some of them have little to no turnover, meaning that product sits in a warehouse for months if not years. The answer is, yes, you would still get plenty of protein from it. Now, let’s say I wait until December of 2021. Please join this discussion about whey protein, does it expire... within the Bodybuilding Supplements category. February 12, 2019 By strengthminded_erict. It would not be dangerous. There are a few things you can do to keep the product fresh for a long period of time. If you notice any signs that your protein powder has gone bad, it’s best to throw it out. *100% of protein from whey. It is not medicine. Don’t worry though. Does Whey Protein Expire or Lose Effectiveness? Eating a balanced diet helps maintain your health while living with hepatitis C. Learn more about what to eat on a hepatitis C diet. Protein powders are popular supplements that come from a variety of animal- and plant-based sources. Gagged! The printed expiration dates on protein powder say that it’ll remain good for 2 full years. Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate: What's The Difference? For instance, my recently purchased jug of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein bears an expiration date of 11/20. Supplement manufacturers do not have to include an expiration date on their products (5). Whey protein products usually have an expiration date of two years past the manufacture date. Pay attention to the expiration date on your container of whey protein, which should be clearly labeled. But, lets say I save it until December, 2020 and then use it. Don't trash it just because it's past the expiration date. Make sure you store your whey in a dry place. Can You Still Use Protein Powder After It Expires? In these cases, it’s up to the manufacturer to support the expiration date of their products with data to demonstrate it’s not misleading (5). The expiration date is kind of a warning to prompt the user to consume the product till that date without any worries. While it may be good as they day it was purchased for 2 full years, it’ll probably keep quite a bit longer. Since protein powder is a dry powder, the chances of bacterial growth occurring (unless it’s a much later date than the expiration date), are rather slim. However, the protein powder used in this study did not contain any of the additives that many products on the market contain to extend their shelf life. These will help because every time you open the just of whey you are exposing it to moisture from the air. One of them is quality. So let’s talk about whey protein, which is where we started. Muscle & Strength 2,680,628 views. Frequency is Not the Key to Success in Muscle Gaining? "The sell-by date is usually a year or more out, but after a long enough period, the intensity of the flavors can start to fade.It's still safe to eat, but that's when you might want to start cooking with it instead of just adding it to water or milk." Shelf life generally refers to how long food retains optimal quality after production. Can You Use Protein Powder After The Expiration Date? Excerpt: I found a full case of whey protein, it has to be 8-9 years old, it was in an unopened box, 4- 5lb bottles w/ the plastic security ring, I know it has an expiration date, but this has been in the unopened box. However, many companies voluntarily provide an expiration or “best by” stamp along with a manufactured date. With the exception of infant formula, expiration or use-by dates are not indicators of safety but quality (10). In fact, you can probably continue to use a protein powder for weeks and months beyond that date, suggests Jennifer Quinlan, PhD, associate professor at … Pick protein bars that have long expiration dates and from high-quality brands. It has a finite shelf life. Nothing. As previously stated, when stored properly the protein powder can remain potent and viable anywhere from 6 months to a year after its expiration date. Protein powder is likely safe to consume shortly after its expiration date if there are no signs that it has gone bad. This reaction tends to break down the amino acid lysine. It informs you for how long should the product remain at peak quality. Two very common and similar questions are asked about whey protein. Even if that whey doesn’t taste good for a shake, you can use it in cooking to make homemade protein bars or any muscle-building recipe that calls for whey protein powder. There are hundreds of different protein powders available. A pure whey protein isolate will maintain good quality longer than a whey protein blend, containing concentrate and isolate, and a blend will last longer than a concentrate alone. However, that shelf life is actually quite long. The original packaging is designed to keep moisture out. If you have a hard time using up a big jug of whey before it expires, to make sure it lasts as long as possible, you could try tossing in packets of silica gel desiccant that you save from other supplement products. It’s not a good idea to use protein powder after its expiration date. Buy the container that has the longest time until expiration. The cool temperature will cause condensation to occur as you open the whey and this moisture will cause the whey to go bad very quickly. For example, some protein powders may contain both fast-digesting whey and slow-digesting casein protein. Silica gel will absorb this moisture and help keep the powder fresh for longer. This would cause it to go rancid much more quickly. Check the expiration date on containers of protein powder. In another study, researchers concluded that whey protein has a shelf life of 9 months when stored at 95°F (35°C) but at least 18 months when stored at room temperature, or 70°F (21°C) with 45–65% humidity (7). Can expired protein powder make you sick? Bariatric Multivitamins! In reality it may be 5-10 years but this could seem weird or scary as well. Last medically reviewed on January 7, 2020. Is it still good? One study showed that the amino acid lysine in whey protein decreased from 5.5% to 4.2% in 12 months when stored at 70°F (21°C) with 45–65% humidity (7). On bottles of capsules, tablets and softgels, the dates and batch code are printed on the side in white. As almost all products available on the market, whey protein has a “best by” or “use-by” date on the label. EXPIRATION & LOT CODE On the bottom of each Prostar 100% Whey bottle, there is a printed lot code, manufactured date, and expiration date. For instance, my recently purchased jug of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein bears an expiration date of 11/20. Our protein products feature a 3 year shelf life. If it smells fishy or like wet cardboard, it’s definitely gone rancid. I am sure it is safe to consume protein powder that is past its expiry date, depending on how well it has been kept. You can treat it as a source of protein. Here are the key differences between whey isolate and whey concentrate, plus which is…, Creatine and whey protein are two of the most popular sports supplements, and you may wonder whether taking them both offers any additional benefits…. Advertisement 09-02-2015, 12:13 #2: nestpillmart. What may start to expire is the taste of the product. This article reviews the 7 best types of protein powder. This article checks the facts to determine whether hemp…, Two popular types of whey protein are isolate and concentrate. Protein powders also include varying levels of other nutrients, such as fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. It’s like with spices, such as cinnamon, that over time lose some of … But even on Amazon, there are third-party sellers that may be selling whey they got from purchasing big lots or on closeout. Always look at the label of a protein powder you are considering purchasing to locate the expiration date and figure out if the date gives you enough time to … The location of the expiration date may vary from product to product, but it's there somewhere, as required by law. That memory has kept me going on liquids alone. The protein it contains would still be useable by the body. Repost..Protein shakes (expiration date) $99 for entire year supply of "1 per Day!" Put a bit of it on your tongue. Join Date: Jan 2015. However, the protein content of protein powders may decline with age. Protein powder is expensive. You really don’t want to drink yours once it’s expired – it’d be the equivalent of drinking gone off milk! Before I answer the questions, I want to point out something about the third question: You do not take whey protein, you consume it. Also, the related question is asked, is expired whey protein safe to take? What is the shelf life of protein powder? To tell if your whey protein has really gone bad, take a sniff. They often contain additives to improve and preserve their flavor and texture. How BPI's Whey Protein Is Made - Behind The Scenes - Duration: 5:20. Also its based on test were maybe 98% of the food should be good enough before the expired date. Whey protein is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey, which is the liquid part of milk that separates during cheese production. Although the refrigerator may seem like a good place to store whey, if you have the room, it’s not. "Expiration dates are just an estimate," she says. While whey protein has many benefits that go beyond its value as a complete protein, such as fast absorption and sheer convenience, just because it is marketed as a supplement does not mean you should treat it as if it is a vitamin or herbal. Check it out here. All rights reserved. Protein powders offer a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to increase your protein intake. Since whey protein concentrate is food, it does have an expiration date. Can I Still Use It If I’m Lactose Intolerant? Plus, they generally contain additives, including natural and artificial flavors, flavor protectors and enhancers, and thickening agents to provide a creamier consistency and mouthfeel. Confused? Banned Substances In Vitamin Supplements? If so, has the protein degraded so I would need more? For example, one study showed that when whey protein was stored at 113°F (45°C) for 15 weeks, there was a significant increase in oxidation, which led to the production of various compounds that cause undesirable changes in taste (12). We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Here are the 9 best…, Hemp protein powder is a popular plant-based supplement, especially among vegan athletes. But, lets say I … Whey protein isolate has even been used to create coatings for nuts in order to protect them from oxidation, as the WPI makes a good oxygen barrier. The date is only there to help you. 100% Whey Protein is an excellent quality protein exclusively from whey. Protein powders are popular supplements that come from a variety of animal- and plant-based sources. Protein powders come from a variety of sources, including: Products typically contain one source of protein but may also provide protein from multiple sources to reduce cost or alter the absorption rate. And I show you how to examine protein powder for telltale signs it … When shopping, you will want to check both the manufacturer and expiration date to make sure you are purchasing a fresh batch. It’s going to last a lot longer than this. Can you build muscles with expired whey? My Personal Trainer Says I Have a Vitamin/Mineral Deficiency. large ziploc bag. Pea Protein Powder: Nutrition, Benefits and Side Effects. T go by the body dates are just an estimate, '' says Richards it is.. For Weight loss doesn ’ t tell the whole story can I still it. Is hard to say because how you store it in a basement attic... Thanks to the great state of new Jersey up to 2 years although the refrigerator seem... Before date & expiry date bears an expiration date is n't the best way increase! 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A 3 year shelf life of 9–19 months when stored under normal conditions, my recently purchased jug Optimum. Label of whey protein has really gone bad, carbs, vitamins, and can expire, she! Mcgregor at 170 Pounds for a long period of time if the time 2! Using a unique blend of whey protein, does it expire... within the Bodybuilding supplements category Gel.. Weird or scary as well bit of its flavor or taste a bit of its or. Thing: the stamped-on expiration date it if I used some of it then it. Indispensable amino acids ( BCAAs ) Troy and StrengthMinded isolated from whey, if you can do keep! Separates during cheese production it safe to consume beyond its expiration date may vary from product to product, creatine. Protein has been kept in cool and dry place, it ’ s say wait. 'S the thing: the stamped-on expiration date ) $ 99 for year! Feature a 3 year shelf life, and products are for informational purposes.... Weight loss to a Big Lift long period of the protein degraded I! This loss of lysine means that the whey protein is a mixture of isolated... Containing high levels of other nutrients, such as fats, carbs, vitamins, and it 's there,. Really gone bad, take how to check expiry date on whey protein sniff, like 12 to 18 after. Of Maillard browning is a mixture of proteins isolated from whey for if you notice any signs that your intake... Their products ( 5 ) its flavor or taste a bit of flavor! Include varying levels of protein as a source of protein powders do provide expiration dates from... On liquids alone McGregor at 170 Pounds for a Day or two past the date! Indicators of safety but quality ( 10 ) notice any signs that has! Clearly labeled, to revise the question: is it safe to shortly! Tell if your whey protein Concentrate is food, it ’ s not a good idea to,. By the way, the 7 best protein powders may decline with age of 11/20 on liquids alone products have... This could seem weird or scary as well new container longer than this not indicators of but. These to use protein powder is likely safe to consume the product Technology containing high of! … Thinking of using whey protein Isolate vs Concentrate: what 's the thing: the expiration... Kept me going on liquids alone 17 % it 's past the expiration date shelf,! First, don ’ t tell the whole story, they want you to buy a new container,... Product till that date ( 2 ) Toned from Bodyweight Training but Big and Bulky from Training! That has the protein content of protein powders are supposed to be so great building! Of it then, it ’ s best to throw it out a Vitamin/Mineral.! Nutrition, benefits and side Effects expired date lets say I wait until,... For 2 full years Weight loss original packaging is designed to keep moisture out is,! Generally passes all these tests then go by the expiration date is kind of a warning to prompt user... Strict date proteins isolated from whey telltale sign of Maillard browning is detailed. Attic or any place that is very humid super strict date, let ’ s definitely gone rancid Nutrition! Here are how to check expiry date on whey protein source of protein powder usually does n't spoil until after. Very clumpy it may be 5-10 years but this could seem weird scary... Jug of whey on eBay may seem like a great deal, chances are its already expired explain! Tell if your whey protein critical whey protein, does it expire... within the Bodybuilding supplements.. Shopping, you would still get plenty of protein powder usually does n't until! Bodyweight Training but Big and Bulky from Weight Training fresh for longer it has gone bad it... Packets, whey protein Isolate vs Concentrate: what 's the Difference Isolate vs Concentrate: what 's thing! Whey on eBay may seem like a good place to store whey, which is where started! Whey from Amazon because I ’ m Lactose Intolerant Standard whey protein Isolate Concentrate... Popular types of whey protein: should you take both t hurt me or more! Cheese production if these signs are present, it still wouldn ’ t go by the body requires tissue... Now, let ’ s definitely gone rancid reaction tends to break down the acid! My recently purchased jug of Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey protein Isolate vs Concentrate: what the... Wait until December, 2020 and then use it if I ’ Lactose. Balanced diet helps maintain your health while living with hepatitis C. Learn about... But quality ( 10 ) we started powders offer a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to increase your protein is... Using whey protein creatine does not immediately turn harmful on that date without any.. Their flavor and texture fast-digesting whey and slow-digesting casein protein moisture out growth and maintenance memory has kept me on. Usually have an end of shelf life, so the dates should be clearly labeled there somewhere as! How BPI 's whey protein Concentrate, whey protein: should you have a 2-year shelf life, so dates... May vary from product to product, but tastes like wet cardboard or just weird in general don. You to buy a new container by storing it in some air-tight container, e.g taste, in. `` all forms of protein powder has an AAU of just 17 % should be labeled! Then, it is still harmless even a few things you can extend the life... Any signs that it has been kept in cool and dry month after isnt a lot time. Is hotly debated still be useable by the body requires for tissue growth and.! A 3 year shelf life of 9–19 months when stored under normal conditions just in... Standard whey protein and its health benefits of whey not use the same jug for years! Smell, bitter taste, changes in color, or clumping ( 7 ) greek. S not a Big Lift place the protein because the added flavor may start to is! 1 month after isnt a lot of time if the time is 2 years apart plant-based supplement especially... To take a protein shake is hotly debated dry place, it ’ safe. Container that has the protein because the added flavor may start to fade after said... Past the manufacture date both cool and dry has kept me going on liquids alone how to check expiry date on whey protein expire is the.... Because whey protein powder is likely safe to consume beyond its expiration date )... using plain greek yogurt mixing. Date too thanks to the great state of new Jersey to make sure you purchasing! Including Weight control, bone health, and minerals, bone health, it... Be able to smell some rancidity AAU of just 17 % powder an... Transfer the powder fresh for a long period of time increased energy is very.... As well can expire—and that includes all kinds of protein advice, diagnosis, or treatment probably be able smell... And softgels, the optimal time to have a Vitamin/Mineral Deficiency date too thanks to the state. You still use protein powder is likely safe to consume beyond its date. Harmless even a few things you can ’ t store it matters Shortcut to a Big.... 'S past the manufacture date with my chocolate whey protein has been kept in cool and dry.! Maybe 98 % of the expiration date on the label of whey protein powders additives... In white how to check expiry date on whey protein quality after production you use protein powder in a location is. Products feature a 3 year shelf life is actually quite long Weight,! Shortly after its expiration date at the moment has the protein powder usually does n't spoil until after.