Scoop, blend, and drink—protein powder is a convenient way to meet protein needs. Whether for muscle recovery, weight management, or overall nutrition, these powders have become a staple in many kitchens across the U.S. 

But like any food-related item, protein powders don’t last forever. What happens if you’re about to mix your post-workout shake and realize that your giant container of protein powder is past its expiration date? Is it safe to use or do you throw it away? That depends. 

This article addresses protein powder expiration dates, why they matter, factors that influence the shelf life of your protein power, and how you can keep your dietary supplement fresh, effective, and safe to use—even past its expiration date.

Does Protein Powder Expire?

Although they are generally shelf-stable, protein powders don’t last forever. It’s not so much that the dietary supplement expires, but that the quality of the product degrades over time, including its nutritional quality.  If you examine your container of protein powder, you will find an expiration date. Or, more commonly, a date labeled: “Best if Used By."

There are no set criteria for how food manufacturers label their food items. They may use different phrases like—best-by, sell-by, or expiration date on the label. As a consumer, it's important to know that the date on the food item—no matter what phrase the manufacturer uses—is an indicator of the food quality, not necessarily safety.

The expiration date on the container of your protein power lets you know how long your supplement maintains the best taste and nutrition. These dates aren’t required by law and it’s up to you to decide whether it’s safe to consume the product after the expiration date. 

Understanding Shelf Life Factors

As a shelf-stable food item, it’s safe to store protein powders at room temperature (unless otherwise noted). There’s no set storage time for protein powders and expiration dates are decided by the maker of the product. In general, shelf-stable foods have a storage life ranging from six to 24 months. You may find best-by dates on your protein powder container that falls within this time frame.

There are many variables that affect the shelf life of your protein powder, including protein type, added ingredients, and packaging. For example, milk protein powders like whey protein may not last as long as vegan, plant-derived proteins.

Manufacturers may add shelf-stabilizing ingredients such as lecithin and maltodextrin to prolong the shelf life of their protein powder. Manufacturers also package your dietary supplement in opaque containers with lids to protect it from light, heat, and moisture.

However, time is the biggest factor that affects the quality of your protein powder. Over time, the protein and nutrients in your supplement degrade, decreasing its nutritional quality and changing its flavor.

Decoding Expiration Dates

Expiration dates are a major cause of food waste in the United States. You may throw away food if it has passed its expiration date. That’s why the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) encourages food manufacturers to use the best-by-date phrase instead of an expiration date.

It’s generally safe to consume food and dietary supplements like protein powders past their best-by date as long as the item is stored properly and has no signs of degradation, such as a funny smell or change in color. Read the label of your protein powder to find out how to properly store the supplement so it maintains its nutritional quality and taste for as long as possible. 

Storage Guidelines for Prolonged Freshness

Heat, moisture, and light are detrimental to the quality of your protein powder. You should store your protein powder in a cool, dry, and dark place to maximize freshness and prolong use. 

Research shows that most protein powders store well at ambient room temperatures, or no higher than about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the lid on tight to protect your supplement from moisture and light.

Signs of Spoilage or Degradation

There are a few signs to look out for beyond the best-by date that can indicate your protein powder isn’t safe to use. Any change in color, smell, or texture is a sign that your protein powder has spoiled. The powder may look darker than it did when you first opened it or it may smell rancid. You may also notice that it doesn’t mix as well as it used to.

Spoilage and degradation of your protein powder occur because of chemical reactions between the elements in the powder. Maillard browning is a chemical reaction that occurs when the proteins react with the carbs in the powder. This reaction breaks down the protein in the powder so it’s no longer a high-quality protein supplement—which means it no longer has all of the essential amino acids.

When exposed to heat, light, or humidity, any fat in your protein powder becomes unstable, causing it to turn and go rancid. If your protein powder shows any signs of degradation, it’s time to throw the canister away. 

Maximizing Protein Powder Freshness

Keeping your protein powder in a cool, dark place can prolong freshness. So instead of keeping your canister on top of the refrigerator (which can be hot and humid), put it in your cupboard.

You also want to make sure your scooper is dry before putting it back in the container and that the lid is tightly closed after each use. You may also consider transferring your protein powder to an airtight container to maintain freshness.

If protein powder isn’t a regular part of your daily routine, consider using individually portioned protein powder packets. Although single-package protein may be a bit pricey (and not great for the environment), it may save you money in the long run if you end up throwing away half of your large container of protein powder because of spoilage, 

Safety Precautions and Quality Assurance

For safety and quality, purchase powders made by reputable companies. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate dietary supplements like they do drugs or food and it’s up to the manufacturer to follow good manufacturing practices (GMP).

Look for products that display a seal of quality assurance from independent supplement testing groups like ConsumerLab.com or NSF International. Also, check the expiration date of your protein powder before buying it and follow the recommended storage guidelines so your powder remains safe and effective. And, always check your protein powder for signs of spoilage before using it.

Just like greens powders, protein powders are a supplement, but you still need to treat it like a food. Check the expiration date and store your container in a cool and dry place so you get as much bang out of your buck. It’s safe to consume your protein powder after the expiration date, unless it shows signs of spoilage like rancidity.

However, even if your protein powder doesn't show any signs that it's gone bad after the expiration date, its nutritional quality may still be compromised. When incorporating protein powders into your meal plan, it’s always a good idea to prioritize safety, quality, and freshness so you get what you expect without compromising your nutrition or health.