I see that you purchased a new protein powder… five years ago. Well, that’s a shame, because now you have an expired bowl of useless powder. If you stopped working out for whatever reason and you don’t plan to consume your protein powder on a daily basis anymore, it’s best to keep an eye on that expiration date.
On one hand, if you have it in a visible place, it’s likely not stored properly. If it’s stored properly, you might forget about it. What a conundrum, huh?
In this article, we will take a closer look at protein powder storage and how to do it properly.
I Can’t Believe It’s Not Expired!
Okay, so first things first, let’s talk about the shelf life of that magical muscle dust. Most protein powders have a shelf life of about 12 to 18 months. But I know what you’re thinking: “Will my precious protein turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight on its expiration date?” The answer is a resounding… maybe?
In all seriousness, that expiration date is more of a guideline than a hard rule. Your protein powder might still be good for a little while after its expiration date, but its quality may degrade over time. So, here’s a tip for you: don’t wait until it turns into an unpalatable, clumpy mess. You’ve been warned.
Disclaimer: No, I do not recommend eating whatever that has already passed its expiration date, just so we are on the same page.
Sniff and Scoop Test
Are you wondering if your protein powder is still good to go? Trust your senses, young padawan. Perform the sacred ritual of the sniff and scoop test:
- Sniff: Give your protein powder a good ol’ sniff. If it smells off or has a funky odor, it’s probably time to let it go. (Don’t worry, there’s plenty more protein powder in the sea.)
- Scoop: Take a look at the powder’s texture. If it’s clumpy or hard, it might be past its prime. Say goodbye to your once trusty sidekick and move on to bigger and better tubs.
Storing Your Precious Gains Dust
Now that we’ve covered the basics of protein powder shelf life, let’s talk about storage. You wouldn’t want to ruin your precious gains dust by storing it improperly, would you?
Keep It Cool, Dry, and Dark
Three simple words to live by when storing your protein powder: cool, dry, and dark. Trust me, your protein powder isn’t a fan of humidity, heat, or light.
Note: most protein powder brands already took care of the sunlight problem – most containers are black and impenetrable by light, but still, better to be safe than sorry.
So, unless you want to turn your muscle dust into a clumpy, ineffective mess, keep it in a cool, dry, and dark place. Your pantry, cupboard, or even a kitchen cabinet would work perfectly.
Seal the Deal
Imagine grabbing your protein powder container only to spill half of it on the ground, just because last time you were too lazy to seal it properly.
When you’re done scooping out your daily dose of gains, be sure to secure the lid on the container. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even use a vacuum sealer or an airtight container to keep your powder fresh for longer – but that is a bit overkill if you ask me.
Remember, oxygen is your protein’s arch-nemesis, so don’t give it a chance to wreak havoc on your precious gains.
A Word of Caution: Beware of the Fridge and Freezer
Okay, those are the dos of protein powder storage, but let’s talk about the don’ts. Some people might be tempted to store their protein powder in the fridge or freezer, thinking it’ll extend the shelf life.
And that is a big no.
Why?
Because storing protein powder in the fridge or freezer can introduce moisture to the container, turning your lovely powder into an unappetizing, clumpy mess. And let’s be real, nobody wants to chug down a lumpy protein shake after a grueling workout – trust me, it’s disgusting.
So, do yourself a favor and keep that protein powder far, far away from the fridge and freezer. You’ll thank me later.
To Sum It All Up
Well, that wasn’t so hard to follow, was it? It’s actually a simple procedure, just follow these few steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying delicious, smooth protein shakes for months to come:
- Check the expiration date and remember that it’s more of a guideline than a hard rule. When in doubt, perform the sniff and scoop test.
- Store your protein powder in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry, cupboard, or kitchen cabinet.
- Keep the container tightly sealed to prevent oxygen from ruining your precious gains.
- Avoid the fridge and freezer as they can introduce moisture and turn your powder into a clumpy disaster.
Now that you know the basics on how to store your protein powder, go get yourself a scoop and jug it down. You deserve it.
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