Whey protein is produced during the process of making cheese as it is the distinct watery part of milk from the curds.
It is used as a supplement for proteins and adds lots of protein nutrients to a meal and making it balanced, it can also be used to aid athletes in their performances by increasing their strength
And vigor, it also aids diabetic and asthmatic patients. Despite its many advantages and uses it also has side effects.
So, how long does whey protein last?
The whey protein has a shelf life of nine months when unopened, but when opened its life span decrease, and this decrease in its life span depends on,
If it has preservatives or not,
Secondly, if it is homemade or not, and lastly how properly it is stored.
For the protein powder that contains preservatives, after opening it can last for up to three months,
For protein powder that does not contain preservatives, after opening it can only last for about a month.
While for homemade whey protein powder,
Naturally does not contain preservatives so after production and opening it can last only for a month,
While for those that are not produced at home which are produced by a company naturally have preservatives and due to this,
After opening it can last for about three months.
Lastly, when it comes to the storage of whey protein after opening it is good to note
Good storage can help the protein last long even after opening, and bad storage can reduce its life span greatly after opening.
How Do You Know If Whey Protein Has Gone Bad?
The reason why whey protein goes bad is due to the growth of microorganisms or bacteria especially after opening.
When the whey protein powder has gone bad it is very easy to detect because of the following signs which are to be watched out for.
To know if the whey protein has gone bad depends on its appearance, texture, Smell, and taste.
For appearance, when the protein starts to develop colors
That is not originally part of its normal color like blue or green it has gone bad and it is best to dispose of.
For texture, it tends to form a clump or lump and these lumps are not just small lumps
But large ones and this is also a sign that it has gone bad or is going bad.
For its smell, it might not really be noticeable but the smell starts to deteriorate
Which gives off a smell that is really off and when this happens it is best to note that the protein has gone bad.
Also for its taste, it is best to taste a micro amount of the powder if we are unsure if it has gone bad or not,
If it has gone bad it will give off a sour and bitter taste but if it has not gone bad it will taste the same,
But if it gives off a bitter taste it is best to throw away.
Lastly, always check out for its expiration date and if it has expired it’s best to throw it away as it is a sign that it has gone bad.
How Long Does Whey Protein Last Unopened?
Unopened whey protein has a longer shelf life of life span than opened one
Its life span also depends on if it has preservatives or not, if it is homemade or not, and lastly how properly it is stored.
For an unopened protein powder with preservatives, it can last for up to nine to nineteen months but
If it does not have or contain preservatives it can last for nine months unopened.
For its production, homemade whey protein powder naturally does not contain preservatives so after production it can last only for six months,
While for those that are not produced at home and are produced by a company naturally have preservatives
And due to this, it can last for up to the range of nine to nineteen months.
While for its storage it should be kept in a cool dry place if unopened, away from water and sunlight
And it should also be kept at room temperature of 70°F which is 21°C
It can last for up to eighteen months or more when unopened and if stored at a room temperature of 95°F which is also 35°C it can last for up to nine months or more when unopened.
Lastly, its expiration date can have a great effect on it in that,
The protein powder can expire despite the fact that it is unopened and once it has reached its expiration date it will go bad.
How Long Does Whey Protein Last In Water?
It is possible for the whey protein powder to go bad after it has been mixed with water
And this is because proteins are very stable in water and can easily build up bacteria which could lead to it going bad.
Note that if it is stored properly it would be able to last for some time.
After mixing the protein powder with water, it is best to store it in the refrigerator
If stored in the refrigerator it would be able to last for 72 hours which is equivalent to three days,
Storing in an airtight container can increase its life span and this is because after mixing with water,
Its reaction with oxygen is what leads to the growth of bacteria which can make it go bad quickly,
So if it is stored in an airtight container that does not allow oxygen inside
Then it is placed in the fridge it would able to last for four to five days.
If a protein powder has been mixed with water
If it is not placed inside a refrigerator or an airtight container it can go bad after a few hours.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Expired Whey Protein?
It is best to always check for the expiration date of products and look out for it always
This is because taking expired products into the body can lead to adverse effects especially when it comes to protein powder.
If whey protein powder is taken after it has expired it has a lot of side effects which include health issues
That can accumulate over time, constipation, severe stomach ache, gas, and also bloating
And indigestion might be a result of deterioration in the gut and the development of lots of gas
This can lead to gastric issues and pain in the abdomen and this is due to the growth of bacteria in the expired protein powder.
Other adverse side effects of expired whey protein include liver problems,
Kidney problems, heart diseases, and issues, osteoporosis, ketosis, increment in blood acid levels,
Unbalanced nutrition, weight gain even obesity, gout, and weakness.
What To Do With Expired Protein Powder?
If whey protein powder is taken after it has expired it has a lot of side effects.
So it is good to always check for the expiration date of products and look out for it always
This is because taking in expired products into the body can lead to adverse effects especially when it comes to protein powder.
So if it is noticed that the protein powder has expired it is best to throw it out.
10 Best Substitutes For Whey Protein:
Whey protein is a very good and effective protein supplement but here are other alternatives or substitutes for whey protein:
1. Organic Protein Powder.
2. Hemp Protein Powder.
3. Lactose-free Protein Powder.
4. Brown Rice Protein Powder.
5. Soy Protein Powder.
6. Vegan & Vegetarian Protein Powder.
7. Collagen Protein Powder.
8. Hydrolyzed Beef Protein Powder.
9. Egg White Protein Powder.
10. Pea Protein Powder
How Many Scoops Of Protein Powder A Day?
When it comes to how much protein powder can be consumed per day there is no limited amount.
It is normal to take up to two scoops of protein powder per day especially after a workout as this can help in enhancement.
For men, it has been recognized that they have a higher need for more protein than women
This is because it helps in their growth, bone development, and sperm production,
So it is best for a man to consume four to five scoops of protein powder in a day.
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How To Store Whey Protein
When it comes to the storage of whey protein after opening it is good to note that good storage can help the protein last long
Even after opening and bad storage can reduce its life span greatly after opening.
For it to last long after opening it is best to store it in the fridge as not storing it in the fridge can lead to it becoming worse
Also if it is stored at a room temperature of 70°F which is 21°C it can last for up to eighteen months
If stored at a room temperature of 95°F which is also 35°C it can last for up to nine months.
While for its storage when opened, it should be kept in a cool dry place, away from water
And sunlight and should also be kept at a room temperature of 70°F which is 21°C
It can last for up to eighteen months or more when unopened
If stored at a room temperature of 95°F which is also 35°C it can last for up to nine months or more when unopened.
Why Does My Whey Protein Taste Bad?
When the whey protein powder gives off a very bad taste
It is one of the few ways used in determining if the protein powder has gone bad or not.
So for its taste, it is best to taste a micro amount of the powder if we are unsure if it has gone bad or not,
If it has gone bad it will give off a sour and bitter taste but if it has not gone bad it will taste the same, but if it gives off a bitter taste it is best to throw away.
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Conclusion
Whey protein powder is a protein supplement that very essential for a balanced diet
It easily goes bad due to the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria if taken
After it has gone bad can lead to adverse health effects,
There are ways to determine if the protein powder has gone bad and this includes its bitter taste,
Development of new colors, deterioration of smell and it’s the development of clumps,
If these signs are noticed it is best to throw them away.
