Does Whey Protein Go Bad

Is My Whey protein Bad?

Surely you have noticed most whey protein products have an expiration date.  Once you reach the expiration date, you probably have asked yourself, does whey protein go bad? Is it safe for me to use? If you take necessary precautions and your whey protein is kept in proper conditions, it may last well over several months past the expiration date.

Many forums discuss this dilemma, and in attempt to discern truth from fiction, you can easily get confused or frustrated. Nonetheless, it is possible to learn how one appropriately stores whey protein as well as how to identify if it is past the point of no return.

Not only could you get the most out of your supplement, but you could also save yourself from spending even more money in replacing wasted product. Your body and your wallet will be very thankful.

Using Whey Protein

We understand the many uses of whey protein as a dietary supplement. In consuming this product, individuals experience several benefits that may include the production of lean muscle tissue, body fat loss and overall weight loss.

Individuals use this product throughout exercise and daily routines. Typically, whey protein is in powder form and is easily mixed into drinking liquids or sprinkled on top of meals.

Being that most whey protein formulas are comprised of animal products, the composition can break down similarly to common food items. Thankfully there is much less of a concern or a chance that whey protein will go bad, but it is nonetheless possible.

What You Should Know and What You Can Do

How Whey Protein Starts to Go Bad

The second you open your container, and every time thereafter, you are exposing the contents to an entirely different environment than what’s inside. Continual accumulation of moisture can lead to somewhat of a contamination, in that your whey protein might begin to spoil.

If the spoiling persists, the state of the product will worsen, resulting in bacterial growth and a breakdown of the key nutritional components.

Whey protein can highly benefit your body and health. It is safe to have a similar concern to the condition of your product as you would any other substance you intend to ingest.

It is not to say that spoiled whey protein will harm you if ingested, assuming the powder does not appear vile or sludge-like. Even still, you may want to consider throwing it out when at this state, simply because the taste will not be near as pleasing as it was before, and the ingredients will have degraded. This prevents you from consuming a complete protein.

How can I tell if my whey protein is bad?

Look carefully at the contents of the container as well as the container itself. Note any holes or tears to the container. If you notice clusters in the contents, this could mean that enough liquid collected inside, causing the powder to form lumps.

The objective is to maintain the same sifted texture as when first used. If clusters start to form, then moisture was allowed to enter the container.

Smell your whey protein. Unfortunately, spoiled whey protein will not have a distinct odor other than the original fragrance.

It will be a little more difficult to judge the state of your product by smell. However, if the scent is stale or in any way off-putting to you, then your product may not be in the freshest state.

Taste the powder. Sprinkle a little on your tongue.

If whey protein does not have its familiar taste or you pick up on hidden notes of cardboard, you may want to reconsider consuming as it won’t make for a particularly delectable treat.

What can I do to make my whey protein last longer?

There are a couple key steps to ensure a long shelf life for your product. If you make a point to follow these precautions, you can prevent having to dispose of your supplement.

• Check the expiration date before you purchase the whey protein. You must also ensure that the lid to the container is sealed appropriately.

• If you notice a broken seal or an expiration date close to the current date, you may want to notify a sales associate and consider purchasing an alternative product.Once purchased, store the container in a cool and dry place. This does not include your fridge or freezer, as many assume to be an optimal storage place for the product.

• Placing your whey protein in and out of the fridge/freezer, you are exposing it to multiple environments. The changes in temperatures can cause condensation to form inside the container.

• Even if the container is sealed, the condensation can leak down into the product and gather inside creating unwanted clumps.Every time you open the lid, try not to leave it off for too long. You should also make certain you close it securely.

Is there anything I can do if moisture did get inside the container?

We know whey protein can be pricey. This among many reasons is why it may be advantageous to avoid the circumstances forcing you to throw your product out.

Instead of disposing of it, you may try emptying out the contents onto a cooking tray. Spreading the product out evenly and allowing it to dry in the air for a few hours may evaporate those sneaky water particles.

It is also possible to incorporate whey protein into smoothies or even baked goods. There are many recipes that you might follow incorporating whey protein, regardless of its texture, into items such as pancakes or cookies.

This is also helpful in disguising the flavor if your whey protein tastes stale.

You May Not Have to Dispose of Your Expired Whey Protein

Expiration dates should not be taken lightly. However, if you are responsible in how you handle and store your whey protein, you may be able to continue its use well past a year after the expiration date.

Regardless of how long you have had your whey protein, or if you’ve reached the expiration date, exposure to humidity and moisture is something you might want to prevent. If secured properly and stored in a cool and dry location, there is a slim chance moisture could collect inside the container.

Conclusion

Does whey protein go bad? Yes it can go bad. If your whey protein is kept in good condition you can prevent this from occurring. It is still safe to use if the product has been spoiled, but if you are attentive and suitably care for it, you can ensure that your body absorbs all the nutrients that the product can offer. This can benefit your health and consequently save yourself a generous amount of money.