These days we all try to live a healthy lifestyle combined with good choices for nutrition.
That is why whey protein has become one of the most popular supplements taken by athletes, those who have active days, and people who want to give their bodies a healthy boost.
With so many benefits, it makes sense that we all have a container of whey protein in our homes, but we might wonder whether whey protein goes bad.
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Does Whey Protein Go Bad?
The good news is that whey protein, if sealed correctly, in most likelihood, won’t go bad. It will only become hard to use if it comes into touch with water.
However, although it doesn’t go bad in the sense that it will make you sick, it does decrease in quality over time.
A great benefit of having whey protein regularly is the vitamins it offers, but if you drink whey protein that has gone past its best, you won’t get the vitamins because the quality of the supplement would be too low.
How Long Does Whey Protein Last?
Whey protein has a very long shelf life, and if you store it correctly, it will last long past the best by date printed on the container.
However, your whey protein will lose its potency as time passes, meaning you won’t get all the benefits that it was designed to give you.
If that isn’t a concern, you can have your whey protein up to nine months after the best by date has passed if your container is still sealed. If your container has already been opened but is stored properly, you can enjoy your whey protein for up to six months past the best by date.
The best by date is only a guideline that is required by law, but it isn’t a true reflection of the shelf life of your whey protein in this case.
In fact, people have enjoyed their whey protein for up to three years after the best by date because it was of excellent quality and stored correctly.
However, to be safe and to still get the nutrients that your whey protein was designed to offer you, it is advised to consume your whey protein within nine months of the best by date if it is still sealed and six months past the best by date if your container is already opened.
How Long Does Whey Protein Last? |
Stored in the pantry |
| Sealed, unopened container | Up to 9 months past best by date |
| Opened container, stored correctly | Up to 6 months past the best by date |
4 Tips to Tell if Whey Protein Has Gone Bad
Whey protein doesn’t spoil quickly.
In fact, you will find your whey protein seems perfectly fine months after the best by date has passed, and it would be acceptable for you to have it.
It is only if your whey protein has come into contact with moisture that you should be concerned because then it might become unpleasant.
Here are a few ways that you will be able to tell if your whey protein has become unfit for consumption:
Your whey protein looks strange.
If your whey protein shows any signs of pantry bug infestations, you should throw it out.
You might notice some very tiny black eggs in your powder, and that would indicate the presence of pantry bugs.
In addition, if your whey protein has come into contact with moisture, it might become very clumpy, making it hard to scoop and mix.
It might be best to avoid using whey protein that has become very clumpy or hard because it is inconvenient and impractical to consume.
Also, if your powder shows any signs of organic growth or mold, discontinue use.
Your whey protein smells strange.
If your whey protein has an unusual or unpleasant smell, it is best not to use it anymore.
It might not necessarily make you ill, but if it isn’t smelling the way it should, it is most definitely not giving you the nutrients and minerals it is supposed to.
Your whey protein feels strange.
If your whey protein has become stiff or clumpy, it might not be great to consume it.
In addition, if your whey protein seems to be sweating or carries moisture, it is not a good idea to finish it.
Your whey protein tastes strange.
If you have the daily supply of your whey protein and find that it tastes unpleasant or unusual, it is best not to have it anymore.
This is because if your whey protein has undergone enough of a transformation to alter the taste, it is probably decreased in quality to the point where it won’t offer you any nutritional benefits.
2 Tips to Store Whey Protein
When it comes to getting the most out of your whey protein, storing makes all the difference between being able to use it for months after the best by date or having to throw it out early.
Of course, there are many different kinds of whey protein brands on the market today with ranging quality levels, so that makes a difference, too.
Moisture is the enemy of your whey protein, so you must correctly store your whey protein to prevent moisture from contaminating your powder. Here are two tips to keep in mind when you store your whey protein:
Your pantry is best.
Storing your whey protein in your refrigerator or freezer is not necessary. Your pantry is the ideal spot for storing your whey protein.
In fact, keeping your whey protein in a fridge or freezer runs the risk of it drawing moisture, leading to unwanted clumping and decreased quality.
You can store your whey protein in your pantry and enjoy a long shelf life if it is kept away from heat sources like your oven or the stove and direct sunlight. It is advised to keep it in a dark cupboard instead of near a window.
The container matters a great deal.
The container that your whey protein comes in should be suitable for long-term storage.
However, if your whey protein came in a pouch and you don’t like it, you can transfer it to an airtight tub. Be sure to dry the tub entirely before putting your whey protein in there to avoid possible moisture exposure.
Also, if you use a measuring cup, make sure it is dry before using it. If you enjoy a pouch and your whey protein comes in a pouch that seals appropriately, then there is no problem keeping it in there. However, make sure that you close the bag correctly after use.
The Risk of Consuming Expired Whey Protein
The good news is that it is improbable that your expired whey protein will make you sick.
This is because your whey protein is a supplement that is low in moisture, making it an unlikely candidate for bacterial growth.
So the only risk of consuming expired whey protein is that you will not get the benefits and nutrients you were hoping for when you originally purchased the powder.
If you consume whey protein that has gone past its best by date within months or years, it is still safe for consumption, but your whey protein has lost a lot of its quality after it passed its best by date by so long.
Avid whey protein consumers state that they still enjoy their whey protein long after the expiry date but consume a significant volume of it to make up for the drop in quality.
However, this is only the case if the whey protein still seems fine for consumption.
As soon as your whey protein shows signs of contamination, it is best not to have any more of it because, although the risk of getting sick from bacteria growth is low with whey protein, it is still present.
Can You Freeze Whey Protein?
As debates about which whey protein is the best continue, we wonder whether it is safe to store your whey protein in your freezer. It is best to keep your whey protein in your pantry.
The environment in your pantry is perfectly suitable for your whey protein, and it can last incredibly well if stored in an airtight container away from a heat source.
Therefore, there is no need to keep your whey protein in your freezer.
Instead, keep your whey protein in a dark cupboard in your pantry, and you will be delighted to see that it can last for months after its best by date.
Summary
Whey protein makes it quick and easy to give your body that extra boost when you are working out or wanting to bulk up. You can use it as a tasty drink, in your pancake batter, or use it in your baking, too.
Regardless of how you intend to use your whey protein, storing it will make all the difference. If you keep your whey protein stored safely in your pantry, you will be able to enjoy it for months after the best by date has passed.