If you've not touched your tub of whey for quite a while, here's how to check if you have expired protein powder.
Working out daily requires enhancing protein consumption with protein powders. The reason is that protein is essential for muscle recovery. As the market is full of uncountable options, you can select one based on your requirements. Yet, what you should bear in mind is that the protein powder should not have exceeded its expiration date.
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Does Protein Powder Expire?
Yes, protein powders can expire. This applies to all types of protein powders, from vegan protein to whey. Every type of protein powder in Singapore has a shelf life and can expire. But, the stamped-on expiration date isn't the best method to tell. That means expiration dates are only approximations.
What Are Protein Powders?
Protein powders are a practical and low-cost approach to enhance your protein intake. These supplements benefit muscle building, fat loss, blood pressure control, and bone health.
Protein powders come from many sources such as:
- milk — in the form of whey or casein
- soy
- collagen
- pea
- rice
- egg white
In most products, protein comes from a single source. But, some may contain protein from many sources to save money or change the absorption rate. For instance, many protein powders include both fast- and slow-digesting whey protein. They consist of fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Also, protein powders usually have additives. Artificial flavors and thickening agents are available to provide a creamier consistency.
According to published studies, when maintained under normal conditions, whey protein powder has a shelf life of 9–19 months. The shelf life of most protein powders can be extended by up to two years with the use of additives. What happens after that?
What Happens If You Drink Expired Protein Powders?
If you check around and discover that you own an expired protein powder, all hope is not gone. You can still use it depending on whether it's a pure protein powder or one with extra components. Best protein powder can be taken up to three months after the expiration date, according to some manufacturers.
Yet, protein powder's muscle-building power diminishes when the use-by date has passed. Maillard browning, a chemical process, is the reason. The protein combines with sugar leftover from the whey extraction process make the amino acid lysine break down. If you don't have enough lysine, the protein powder won't be fully beneficial. As a result, your powder will provide less muscle-building ability.
Another disadvantage of consuming outdated protein powder is that it degrades the taste. The way it tasted doesn't remain the same.
How To Know If You Can Still Take Your Out Of Date Protein Powders?
How can you tell if the powder is okay when the expiration date has passed?
Give It A Sniff
Rotten protein powder will smell weird, although it won't smell as horrible as soured milk. This step is vital, especially in the case of non-vegan whey protein powders, which spoil faster.
Examine it with your eyes
See any blue, dark-grey, or green-colored particles in the container? Get rid of it since those are mold spores. The appearance of mold is a big clue that the protein powder has gone bad.
Even if there is no mold in the tub, you must remove the unexplained clumps and lumps. This means the powder has been exposed to water or moisture. Moisture makes it easier for things like microorganisms and bacteria to thrive. This might cause it to spoil faster.
Give It A Try
Do a taste test if it doesn't smell odd and there are no evident signs of mold or dampness. Take a sip of water with a pinch of expired protein powder. Does it taste different? Toss it out. If it doesn't, go ahead and drink it!
Can I Put Protein In Liquid To Make It Last Longer?
Many folks prepare a protein shake before going to work or hitting the gym. They store it in the refrigerator or in a bag until it's time to take it. So, can protein last longer in liquid? Yes, it is. But, it is not recommended for long-term storage.
Try to drink your protein powder within 48 hours when mixing it with your liquid. Besides, don't leave the shake in a warm or hot atmosphere. In that case, clean the shaker bottle and begin again with a new protein shake.
The most important thing when pre-mixing your protein shake is to make sure the shaker is sealed at all times. Leaving it open would undoubtedly turn things around swiftly. Also, you need to clean your bottle after finishing your shake.
How To Store Your Best Protein Powder?
When you buy protein powder in Singapore from Ultimate Sup, you never want to leave the tubs or bags open. Always tighten the lid. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible without pushing the powder out the top, before sealing the opening. You should not keep the bag or container open for too long, since heat and moisture can seep in and begin to damage the contents.
Protein powder should be stored in a cold, dry, and dark location away from direct sunlight and moisture, such as in a pantry or one of your kitchen's cabinets.
To conclude, protein powders do expire. If there are no signs of spoilage, eating expired protein powders is probably safe. But, when you see any of these symptoms above, it's time to get rid of your tub and buy a new one.
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