I just consumed 2 scoops of whey protein powder that expired about 8 months ago. I had nothing else to use for my weight lifting session so I said to myself....yes...you could up end up dead...but you only live once...gamble with your life...go for it.
But one "additional" reason I took a chance, which I thought was rather valid, was because it was still sealed. I had to literally cut into the paper seal to get it off it was so thick. It had never been used.
I have already researched this a bit on other forums and everybody has their own opinions. But one thing I found interesting somebody said, is that the fat in whey protein can go bad, as in go rancid.
I found that statement rather interesting. Because, unless I am mistaken, all the fat in whey protein is from calories, is it not? Not actual fat? Anyway, I figured if the fat hasn't gone rancid after being put into a powdered form, it really can't get any worse.
So, I have lifted my weights, and it's about 2 hours after consuming the whey. Still alive. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Wonder though still, if I should finish the container after today.
So, for anyone who wants to chime in on this subject matter please do.
Regarding fat content in protein, it varies.
First, let's clear this up: "Because, unless I am mistaken, all the fat in whey protein is from calories, is it not? Not actual fat?"
There is only one kind of fat, in this regard: fat - specifically, different varieties of fatty acids.
Calories are calculated from the major components of food: lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. You don't get fat content from calories, you get calories/energy potential from fat.
And yes, protein powders contain fat.
Pure protein, like pure whey protein or pure casein protein, is exactly that, pure, without any fat or carbs.
Problem is, it is either impossible, or financially irresponsible, to make protein powders that perfect.
That is one way you can tell apart the actual quality of one protein powder compared to another: gram for gram, more expensive proteins *generally* have more protein and less fat and carbs. Sometimes carbs are added, like a minimal amount of sugar or dextrose, to help with consistency and round up the sweetness of the final product. Sometimes those natural sugars were not removed, either due to inefficiency of the process or on purpose to minimize additives afterward. Most brands also add sugar substitutes so they can minimize calories from carbs in their protein product, which is generally the end-consumers goal so that's a business decision that's fairly constant in the industry. (except for mass gainers, which are basically overpriced sugar drinks. they are more complex carbohydrates than mono- and disaccharides, but rarely are considered anything but very cheap in bulk. Outside of targeted biological uses (mass gaining, when coupled with the right exercise regimen and a diet that otherwise is fairly clean), such carbohydrates are basically filler (unless I am mistaken).
I digress (as usual).
I'm not sure of protein powder long-term shelf life and food safety. Yes, the more fat content there is, the less likely it can last a long time.
If it smells, feels, and a very small taste test all say "normal" - it should be fine. That is not a guarantee, but it typically is a favorable scenario. However, while caution regarding food is always better than unnecessary gambling, some things with expiration dates will be fine for a long, long time past that date. Dates on things like medications (MOST, but not every single last one) and supplements are more to cover liability and peak potency. Some things will degrade by, say, a percent or two a few years after the date, if at all. Most supplements do not degrade even after a decade.
I know that wasn't overall too helpful, but I wanted to help how I could.
Google protein powder and expiration and you might stumble upon some good info.
Id only eat it if tastes good.. i dont worry about anything expiring.. i drink milk a week past the date on the label and its been fine and had milk go bad a week before the date,, its all just a recommendation in my opinion for best taste / texture
Dairy, eggs, meat, and anything else with a Sell By as opposed to Use By date, are generally good for a reasonable time after that date. I can't, however, remember how long eggs are good for afterward. I always break eggs into a separate bowl and not directly into a mix or pan, just in case (a few reasons).
Storage, both prior to purchase and after purchase, are almost always why anything goes bad before a Sell By date.
If milk is stored too warm, or if you drink it out of the bottle straight enough times and it lasts (quantity) long enough (backwash) - or left out of a refrigerator for too long at any point - it might very well go bad before sell by dates.
A great tip to ensure such items last as long as possible, from the moment you select them: pick them up at the very end of any shopping trip. Do the dry goods or room-temp items first, and your meats, dairy products, eggs, etc should be the last items you are picking up. You don't want to give things like chicken and pork, or milk and eggs, a chance to warm up too much above the refrigerated temps in the grocery coolers, because not only might that impact overall taste and texture for some things (unless you cook or entirely use immediately once you get home), it might also give any dormant bacteria (think: spores) a chance to "awaken" and colonize enough that will not do you many favors, even if they are made dormant again by going into a properly-set refrigerator.
Facebook
Twitter