Oh no, stop it!
Mom, you want to use this protein powder, right?
Yes.
This thing is out of date. Don’t you know that?
Really? But it looks fresh.
That was what happened in my kitchen yesterday.
My mom can cook excellent dishes, but she often lacks knowledge about this kind of thing.
I am sure many of you have similar issues with your mother.
If yes, you can refer to this article, which is about what I told my mother yesterday – how long does protein powder last?
I hope it is informative and useful to you.
Would protein powder expire, darling?
Yes, mom.
The protein powder expires because its ingredients can’t last long.
Of course, you still can keep it fresh for a long time if you know how to store it properly.
But, a long time doesn’t mean FOREVER.
After the recommended expiration date, your protein powder will lose its efficiency.
So, how long does protein powder last?
The majority of protein powders available on the market can last for about two years. However, you should choose a product which is clearly labeled with its expiration date.
But, throwing it away is a waste. Can I still use expired protein powder?
Oh no, please don’t use expired protein powder.
Mom, don’t overstock with protein powder at home. It’s better to buy some more after you have used them all.
Usually, when protein reacts with sugar, it will lead to a steady breakdown of the amino acid lysine, which is lost after the expiration date. Thus, it isn’t a complete source to do its job anymore.
Oh! How do you know if my protein powder has gone bad at that time?
Haha, it’s straightforward to know.
Do you feel stuffy from a cold, mom?
Your protein powder smells bad. Like eggs, soy, and other milk-based powders, this food would typically become smelly when it has gone bad.
In case you can’t smell and feel its moisture, use your finger to touch and taste it.
Ah! Here is one more thing:
If you let your protein shakes and powders contact with water, they will go bad very fast because they are susceptible to water. Even they get ruined sooner than the date printed on the label.
Sooner? What do you mean? Please let me know how long I can keep protein powder in water exactly
If you store your protein powder in water, I strongly recommend you to leave it in a container or a sealed shaker then put in the fridge. This way helps you keep it at a maximum of two days. After that period of this time, the taste is terrible.
Note:
Apart from water, you also have to keep it away from moisture, heat, sunlight, and oxygen.
It’s best to store in a dark, cool, and dry place like a desk drawer, kitchen cupboard, or even a bedroom wardrobe.
It’s the end of the story here. However, I know there are other problems which you may wonder:
Let’s discover now:
What are protein powders?
Most of you know that protein powders are a source of protein from animal or plant foods (dairy, rice, eggs, or peas.)
But do you know that it has three common forms?
Protein concentrates
These are extracted from the food by using heat, acid, or enzymes. They can provide you with 60-80% protein. Meanwhile, the remaining is 20-40% of fat and carbs.
Protein Isolates
This is an extra filtering process to remove more fat and carbs. They contain 90-95% protein.
Protein hydrolysates
They are produced by heating them with enzymes or acid to break the bonds between amino acids. Your body and muscles absorb these protein hydrolysates quicker.
Overall, protein powder comes from many sources and has several formulations. It can help you meet your protein demands, raise your muscle mass as well as improve your overall body composition.
How many types of protein powders are there?
There are 7 kinds of add.
Whey protein
This protein comes from milk. Specifically, it’s a liquid form separated from the curds during the cheesemaking process. There is a high level of protein, harbors lactose, and hard-to-digest milk sugar.
Although whey protein retains some lactose, after isolating, there is very little because a significant amount of milk sugar will be lost during the process.
Casein protein
Like whey protein, casein protein also comes from milk. But, you can digest and absorb it slowly.
When casein protein interacts with your stomach acid, it forms a gel, slowing down your stomach to delay the bloodstream’s absorption of amino acids.
Egg protein
When it comes to eggs, they are a fantastic source of high-quality protein. Among other types of food, eggs have the highest protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS).
Pea protein
If you are a vegetarian, vegan, or have allergies and are sensitive to eggs, dairy, pea protein powder is a great source.
It is made from the yellow split pea, and high-fiber legume – essential amino acids.
Hemp protein
This protein is a pretty popular plant-based supplement. Though it relates to marijuana, there is only a small amount of the psychoactive component THC.
Hemp has a high level of beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids as well as many essential amino acids, but it is not a complete source of protein since it is low in the amino acids lysine and leucine.
Brown rice protein
According to recent research, taking 48 grams (1.7 ounces) of whey or brown rice protein daily can result in an effective change of body composition, recovery, and strength. But, the brown rice protein is low in the essential amino acid lysine.
Mixed plant proteins
This is the combination of two or more proteins such as quinoa, artichoke, flax seeds, chia seeds, alfalfa, hemp, pea, and brown rice.
Which protein powder is the best?
Each type of protein is useful for different purposes:
For muscle gain
According to research, whey protein can promote muscle mass and speed up recovery. Although whey concentrate is cheaper than whey isolate, the former contains less protein.
You should refer to the following suggestions:
- Dymatize Nutrition Elite Whey Protein has five grams of BCAAS and 24 grams of protein per scoop.
- EAS 100% Whey Protein comes with 6.3 grams of BCAAs and 26 grams of protein per scoop.
- Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein offers you with 5.5 grams of BCAAs and 24 grams of protein per scoop.
For weight loss
Whey protein, casein protein, and the combination of these proteins are the best protein supplement for your weight loss.
Below are my three commendations:
- The combination of EAS Whey and Casein Protein has 20 grams of protein per scoop.
- Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Protein provides 24 grams of protein per scoop.
- Jay Robb Gras-Fed Whey Protein offers 25 grams of protein per scoop.
For Vegetarians and Vegans
My suggestion is high-quality protein powder which contains single or mixed 100%-vegan plant proteins:
MRM Veggie Elite has brown rice protein, pea protein, and vegan digestive enzymes, providing 24 grams of protein per scoop.
Is it time to throw your protein powder away?
Read my story and other information to know the answer to the question “how long does protein powder last?” The maximum lifespan is about two years, but you should carefully check on the label.
Now, perhaps you know the importance of using fresh protein powder. If you also have your own story to share or any issues regarding protein powder, you can leave your comment in the section below. Don’t forget to share if you find my post informative and helpful.
