Does Whey Protein Go Bad? How Long Does Whey Protein Last?

In this article, you will know the answer to the query “Does Whey Protein Go Bad? How Long Does Whey Protein Last?“.

Protein powder is often purchased in bulk by athletes and bodybuilders to save money.

Expiration dates are the primary concern when purchasing supplements.

In addition to your requirements, you might have asked, does whey protein go bad after a while?

Whey protein is typically used as a supplement to build muscles. The protein powder that has passed its expiration date should not be consumed by consumers.

There is also a specific time for consuming whey protein, but it varies depending on whether the package is sealed or not.

Despite not being fatal, bad whey protein can cause certain health problems, such as abdominal pain and nausea, depending on the individual.

This article is entirely for those who are interested in learning more about the benefits of whey protein.

Does Whey Protein Go Bad? How Long Does Whey Protein Last?

Whey protein comes with a use-by or best-by date on the label, which is typically 12-18 months from the date of production.

When stored properly, this product can last for some months after the best-by date, as this is not the expiration date.

Whey protein can last up to a year, but it cannot be predicted exactly how long it will last. Because of this, we are only able to estimate the shelf life of whey protein.

It is possible for opened whey protein packages to last for at least three to six months after they have been opened. Since the package has been opened, moisture and bacteria are more likely to accumulate.

However, if you store it properly and keep it airtight, it will be safe to consume.

Whey protein packages that have not been opened can last for at least six to nine months after their use-by dates. The only thing to keep in mind is that some protein powders come with vitamins added to them.

It is possible for these vitamins to lose their potency with time. Due to this, consuming whey protein after the use-by date will not provide any nutritional benefits.

Additionally, homemade whey protein has a shelf life of up to six months. Whey protein’s shelf life is summarized in the following table:

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!

If whey protein does not come into contact with water or other contaminants, it will not go bad.

Using your sense of smell is one of the best ways to tell if whey protein is bad. There is a possibility that the protein powder has gone bad if it smells unpleasant.

Whey protein with an unusual texture is another sign that it has gone bad. Protein powder has gone bad if it contains wet clumps, which can occur when it comes into contact with moisture or molds.

The flavor of whey protein can also tell you if it is bad. There are a variety of flavors available for whey protein, including cocoa powder and vanilla.

If you notice any changes in the flavors, then you should stop eating them immediately. Whey protein that is unusable will exhibit the following symptoms:

• Unusable whey protein has a foul smell, which is an obvious sign.
• It is also important to pay attention to the texture of the protein powder. The presence of clumps on the whey protein may indicate mold growth. If the texture of the product changes, you should not consume it.
• It is also possible to tell whether whey protein is unusable by its taste. As whey protein comes in a variety of flavors, changes in flavor indicate it is unsuitable for consumption.

Conclusion

The body needs whey protein to function properly, especially for athletes and bodybuilders. The best-by date is also listed on the label of whey protein, just like other products.

The difference between an expiration date and a use-by or best-by date should not be confused. It is possible to use opened whey protein up to 3-6 months after its best-by date.

Whey protein that has not been opened can last up to 9 months, while homemade whey protein can also last for about 6 months.

You should follow the above-listed signs to determine if whey protein is bad.

Does Whey Protein Go Bad? How Long Does Whey Protein Last? (Recipe)

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

15 minutes

TOTAL TIME

30 minutes

Ingredients

• Whey protein
• Air-tight containers
• Labels and markers

Instructions

• Read the guide thoroughly to learn how long it lasts.
• Check the “Best-by-date” 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 use.