Do protein shakes go bad quickly?

Protein shakes have become a popular nutritional supplement for athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone looking to increase their protein intake. They provide a convenient way to get a quick protein boost after a workout or as a meal replacement. However, like any food product, protein shakes do have a shelf life. So how long do protein shakes last before they go bad?

How Long Do Protein Shakes Last?

The shelf life of protein shakes depends on several factors:

• Container: Is it a ready-to-drink bottled shake or a powder?
• Ingredients: Whey, casein, plant-based proteins, etc.
• Storage: Refrigerated or room temperature?
• Preservatives: Are there any preservatives added?
• Best by date: Check the expiration or best by date.

Here are some general guidelines for how long different types of protein shakes will last:

Type	Refrigerated	Room Temperature
Ready-to-drink shakes	7-10 days	2-3 days
Whey protein powder	6-8 months	3-4 months
Plant protein powder	6-8 months	6 months
Casein protein powder	18-24 months	6-12 months

Ready-to-Drink Bottled Shakes

Pre-made liquid protein shakes in bottles have the shortest shelf life. They are perishable and need to be consumed within 5-10 days of opening. Unopened, they typically last 7-10 days from the manufactured date when stored in the refrigerator.

Once opened, the shake should be consumed within 2-3 days. The bacteria from your mouth can contaminate the shake after opening. So discard any unfinished shakes after 2-3 days.

Bottled shakes last longer when refrigerated since the cool temperature slows bacteria growth. But they can still be kept at room temperature for a day or two. Just make sure to check the drink for any changes in smell, taste, or texture.

Powdered Protein Shakes

Dry powdered protein shake mixes will last much longer than ready-to-drink shakes. As long as the container is sealed and stored properly, powders can last months beyond the best by date.

Whey Protein Powder

Unopened whey protein powder lasts 6-8 months in the refrigerator. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for 3-4 months.

Once opened, whey protein lasts 4-6 months in the fridge before going bad. Just be sure to reseal the container tightly after each use.

Signs that whey protein has spoiled include clumping, a change in texture, and an unpleasant smell. The protein may also lose its effectiveness.

Plant-Based Protein Powder

Plant proteins like soy, pea, rice, and hemp last a bit longer than whey. Unopened, these powders keep for 6-8 months in the pantry.

Once opened, plant proteins stay fresh for 6 months at room temperature. Refrigeration can extend their shelf life to 8-10 months after opening.

Casein Protein Powder

Casein protein powder has the longest shelf life. Unopened containers keep 18-24 months in the fridge or 6-12 months in the pantry.

After opening, casein lasts 12-18 months refrigerated. At room temperature, it stays fresh for 6 months.

How to Tell if Protein Powder Has Gone Bad

Here are some signs that your protein powder has spoiled and should be discarded:

• Clumping – Powder is caked or clumped
• Color changes – Unusual darkening or lightening
• Texture changes – Becomes more grainy or gritty
• Smell – Smells unpleasant, stale, or rotten
• Taste – Bitter, unpleasant aftertaste
• Expired – Past the best by or expiration date

If your powder shows any of these signs, it’s best to throw it out. Consuming spoiled protein powder can cause unpleasant digestive side effects.

How to Store Protein Powder

To maximize your protein powder’s shelf life:

• Store in a cool, dry place away from light and moisture.
• Keep container tightly sealed after each use.
• Don’t let any water get into the container.
• Refrigeration can extend shelf life after opening.
• Shelf life depends on the type of protein powder.
• Freeze-dried protein powder lasts the longest.

With proper storage, most protein powders stay fresh well beyond the best by date, lasting months or even years.

Can Expired Protein Powder Make You Sick?

Consuming protein powder past its expiration date doesn’t necessarily mean it has gone bad or will make you sick. Manufacturers put expiration dates well ahead of time to be safe.

However, expired protein powder does start to slowly lose its nutritional quality and effectiveness. The proteins degrade over time, providing less muscle-building benefits.

While expired powder won’t make most people sick, there are some risks to be aware of:

• Degraded amino acid profile
• Nutrients become less bioavailable
• Higher bacterial growth risk
• More likely to cause digestive issues
• Undesirable taste and texture

If the powder has only been expired for a few months and was stored properly, the risks are low. But if it’s been expired for well over a year, it’s best to replace it.

Does Freezing Protein Powder Extend Shelf Life?

Freezing protein powder can effectively extend its shelf life beyond the best by date. By storing powders in the freezer, the proteins stay fresher for longer.

Freezing prevents the proteins from breaking down. It also inhibits bacteria growth, limiting spoilage.

Here are some freezing tips for protein powders:

• Store powder in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• Press out excess air before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
• Frozen powders may last 1-2 years beyond the best by date.
• Thaw powder in the refrigerator before using.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles as this can degrade proteins.

The extremely cold freezer temperatures keep proteins intact much longer. Just be sure to prevent moisture from getting in.

The Bottom Line

Most protein powders remain safe and effective to consume for months after the best by date, especially if stored in the refrigerator or freezer. However, liquid ready-to-drink shakes have a shorter shelf life of just 5-10 days once opened.

No matter the type of protein shake, it’s always important to properly store it sealed and in a cool, dry place. Heat, sunlight exposure, and moisture will hasten spoilage.

Check protein shakes for any signs they’ve gone bad like clumping, smell, color changes, or expired date. If in doubt, it’s better to be safe and throw it out.

By following storage recommendations and using your senses, you can determine if your protein shake has gone bad and avoid any potential negative effects from consuming expired or spoiled shakes.