How long does a protein powder last? Unpacking the facts

We all love a scoop of our favourite protein powder to increase the nutritional value of a meal, but if you’ve ever found a forgotten pouch or tub at the back of your cupboard, you might have wondered if it’s still safe to use. How long does a protein powder actually last?

We’ve got the answers you need to make sure you don’t accidentally add something less-than-desirable to your protein smoothie, porridge, or shake. Find out more below!

How long is my protein powder good for?

Whether or not you can use a protein powder after its expiry date, or even after it’s been open for a lengthy period of time, can vary depending on a few factors.

Our organic whey protein powders

Firstly, for users of our organic whey protein, you’ll usually find that your pouch has a shelf life – or best before end – of around 24 months from when it was made.

In the case of our Raw Cacao & Maca and Banana & Lucuma blends, some of the whole food ingredients have a shorter shelf life, which brings this down to a best before end between 12-18 months from the time of blending.

Importantly, this won’t necessarily be from when you bought it, but from when the batch was first blended and packaged.

Once the packet has been opened, however, we generally advise that our customers use it within six months. This is really to be on the safe side, but we have also had long-standing customers tell us that they’ve enjoyed our protein powder 5 years after opening it!

Expiry dates, best befores, and shelf lives

Often, a protein powder will have a best before or expiry date. If you’re looking at the back of your protein powder pack, and can’t see the wood for the trees, you might be getting confused with the different terms pertaining to the freshness of the product. Here’s a quick guide:

• Expiry date: The last date recommended for the product’s safe consumption, indicating when it might no longer be effective or safe to use.
• Best before date: Suggests when the product is at its peak quality and flavour, but doesn’t necessarily mean the powder is unsafe after this date.
• Shelf life: While you might not see this on your protein powder, the term ‘shelf life’ is generally used to reference how long a product should last when stored correctly.

How long is the typical protein powder shelf life?

The shelf life of your protein powder can vary. Even if it's kept in optimal conditions, the type of protein powder and its ingredients can extend or even shorten the shelf life.

Whey protein powders, for example, are known to be pretty stable and can be used right up to (and in some cases, even long after) the best before date. 24 months is the typical shelf life for both whey and pea protein in the right conditions.

You generally won’t find preservatives used in whey protein powders, even where other artificial ingredients are used to enhance the product.

Factors that affect protein powder shelf life

• Storage conditions: Storing your protein powder in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight will help to extend its shelf life. Heat, moisture, and light can degrade the powder – although protein powders are low-moisture foods. (3)
• Protein source: Protein powders which come from plants with a 70% protein content or higher, such as pea and rice protein, tend to have a similar shelf life to whey protein - generally 18-24 months. Vegan protein powders with a lower protein content, such as hemp protein, which is typically around 50% protein, tend to have a shelf life of around 12 months.
• Artificial additives: Some protein powders may have artificial additives that help keep them edible for longer.
• Opened or closed: The shelf life of a protein powder also depends on whether it has been opened or not. With exposure to air or moisture, your open protein powder may not last as long as an unopened pouch.

Can I use protein powder after its expiry date?

Using protein powder after the expiry date isn’t always a hard no – it depends on a few considerations.

Is it as effective?

When it comes to effectiveness, the nutrients, especially the protein content, may gradually degrade after the expiry date. This means while it might still be safe, you’re likely not getting the full nutritional punch.

For instance, the amino acid content might decrease. This was shown in a study where the lysine content in a whey protein powder decreased by around 24% when it was stored at 21°C with 45–65% humidity.

Is it nice to eat?

Consuming a protein powder past its expiration isn’t just about the quality of the protein itself, but the taste of the product. No one wants to spoil their food with an off-tasting, expired protein powder!

Another study on whey protein powder showed that, when stored incorrectly at a higher temperature of 45°C, there was an increase in oxidation which led to an unappealing change in the taste when consumed.

Is it safe?

From a safety perspective, protein powder is a low-moisture product, meaning it's less prone to bacterial growth. If it’s stored properly in a cool, dry place, you can sometimes use it past the expiry date and it's unlikely to make you sick – though there’s never a guarantee how your body might react.

The bottom line

The bottom line is that there may be some cases where you can happily use your protein powder after the best before, or even sometimes the expiry date.

Nevertheless, you should proceed with caution just to make sure you’re confident it’s not going to make you sick – if you spot any of the signs of a rancid protein powder, you’re best to discard it and get a fresh batch.

Signs your protein powder has gone bad

Looking out for these key signs will help you decide whether your protein powder is still good to eat. Signs that it has gone bad include:

• Smell: A strong, sour, or rancid odour indicates spoilage.
• Texture: If the powder has clumped together or feels sticky, it’s likely been exposed to moisture and has degraded.
• Colour changes: If the colour looks different from when you first bought it, especially if it has darkened, the powder may be spoiled.
• Lumps: Protein powder should have a fine, smooth texture. If you find stubborn lumps that don’t dissolve, that’s another sign it has gone bad.
• Taste: If you’re happy to, try a small bit of the protein powder. A bitter or unusual taste is a clear sign that the powder has gone off.

Knowing when to say goodbye

It can be disappointing when you realise a protein powder has gone past its best before, but there are some cases where you might still be able to enjoy it. We can only ever give general guidance, so be sure you feel comfortable and you’ve checked for signs of spoilage beforehand if you do decide to use it.

Store your protein powder in a dry, cool place once opened, and aim to consume it within six months to get the best quality from your purchase. With our subscriptions, you can tailor your protein delivery to your preferences, from 2 to 8 weeks – and if you find it’s getting a bit much, you can change your subscription with ease.

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