Does Pre Workout Go Bad or Expire: How long? (Truth Revealed)

February 16, 2022 |

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If you’re like most people, you probably think that pre-workout supplements go bad after a certain period of time.

You might have even heard that they expire after a short period of time.

Is this true?

Or is it just a myth?

Some believe that they go bad after a certain amount of time, while others think that they are good forever.

In this blog post, we will explore the truth about pre-workout supplements and whether or not they expire, and why.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to store them properly so that they last as long as possible.

Does pre-workout go bad?

Pre-workout supplements can become contaminated, go bad and lose their potency over time – especially after being opened. It’s very important to check the expiration date on the product and to discard any pre-workout supplement that has expired.

Additionally, it’s important to store pre-workout supplements in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight. As they can get rancid if they’re not stored properly.

Pre-workout supplements that are stored in a hot, humid environment or that are exposed to light will lose their potency more quickly.

Another thing with pre-workouts is that they often have a very short shelf life. However, there are many different types of pre-workout supplements on the market, so some might last longer than others.

Generally speaking, most pre-workouts have a shelf life of around 18 months, although the exact time frame may vary depending on the specific ingredients. While some will only be good for use for up to one year.

Some manufacturers claim on the packaging of their products that you can take them indefinitely without any issues, other brands recommend using them within a certain period after opening the container or bag (usually six to twelve months).

So, if you’re not sure whether a pre-workout has expired or gone bad, the best thing to do is check the expiration date on the packaging.

If it’s been more than a year since that date, then it’s probably time to toss it out and find a new supplement.

Is It Safe To Drink Expired Pre-Workout?

Pre-workout supplements can be harmful if consumed after their expiration date. The ingredients in the product may have lost some of their potency, and they could also become contaminated with bacteria or mold over time.

Expired pre-workouts should never be taken because they could cause side effects such as headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps.

In some cases, expired pre-workouts may even contain toxic compounds that could be harmful to your health.

So, it’s best to avoid consuming any pre-workout supplement that has expired. Instead, find a new one and discard the old one.

How to tell if your pre-workout supplement has gone bad or expired

There are signs and things to look out for that will tell you whether or not your pre-workout has gone bad.

You can also tell if it’s expired by checking the expiration date on the packaging, but there are other signs to look out for as well.

Here are some of them:

  • Bad Smell

The first sign is a foul smell. Pre-workout supplements should not have any odor at all, so if yours has a rancid or moldy scent then it may be time to toss it out.

If you notice this immediately after opening the container, discard it right away because there could be bacteria growing in there which could make you sick if you consume it.

  • Discoloration

If your pre-workout has changed color from what you remember it to be, then this is also a sign that something is wrong with the product and should be discarded immediately.

The texture of the powder may have changed as well; if so, trash it fast.

  • Clumps Or Lumps

This is a problem that affects many workout supplements, and once the vacuum seal has been broken water can get into your container. This will cause clumps in whatever powdery fillers are presently making them less effective for use.

It can also become clumpy or lumpy over time if it’s not stored properly.

  • Mixes Poorly

If the powder doesn’t dissolve easily in liquid, it could be a sign that it has expired.

Lets say for instance that it dissolves slowly or incompletely, that is an indication that the supplement has gone bad.

Do Pre-workouts Expire Faster Once The Container Is Open?

pre workout supplement

While the expiration date on most supplement products is based on how long the ingredients will retain their potency – they tend to expire faster once the container is open.

This is because the ingredients in a pre-workout are sensitive to light, air, and heat. The main ingredients that tend to go bad first are the stimulants (caffeine, guarana, etc.), so it’s best to keep them in a cool, dark place.

If you do have an opened container of pre-workout powder, try to use it up as quickly as possible. Within 8 weeks at most.

If you notice that the powder has started to change color or has developed a strange odor, it’s best to discard it.

Does pre-workout go bad after mixing?

Yes, they can go bad. Pre-workout supplements are meant to be consumed shortly after mixing. However, if you do not consume it all within a short period of time (usually 12 hours), the ingredients may start to break down and lose their effect.

Additionally, if the container is not airtight and moisture gets into the mix, it can also spoil and become ineffective.

Once you mix it you should drink it within 12 hours.

Is clumpy pre-workout bad?

If you see clumps or lumps, it could be a sign that the product has expired.

However, sometimes clumping is just a result of the product not being shaken properly.

If you see clumps or lumps in your pre-workout, try mixing it up again and seeing if that helps before throwing it out. Or at best, check the expiration date on the packaging.

Tips For Avoiding pre-workout Supplements from Going Bad too Early

As we mentioned earlier, pre-workout supplements can expire or go bad more quickly if they are exposed to light, air, or heat.

Here are some tips for avoiding this:

1. Keep in a cool, dry place

Keep the container tightly closed and in a cool, dark place. This will help to keep the ingredients from breaking down and losing their potency.

2. Don’t expose to light

Don’t leave your pre-workout powder sitting out on the counter or in direct sunlight – this will make it lose its effectiveness and speed up the expiration process.

However, if you must store it in a place where there is light, try to keep the container in an opaque or dark-colored container.

Do not store near any heat sources such as radiators or stoves; this could cause the supplement to break down faster than it normally would.

Keep away from open flames (like candles) because fire can also degrade some of these ingredients, especially if they contain amino acids like taurine or citrulline malate).

3. Don’t freeze

If you want your pre-workout supplement to last longer, don’t put it in the freezer.

The cold temperatures can cause some of its compounds such as caffeine anhydrous (the stimulant) and citrulline malate (an amino acid) break down faster than they would at room temperature.

Although it is totally okay to keep your pre workouts in a fridge.

But if you want to keep your pre-workout supplements longer than one year, it is best not to refrigerate them.

4. Make sure the caps are tightly sealed

If the container’s cap isn’t tight, it can allow air and moisture to get into the powder. This will make it spoil faster.

Making sure the caps are tightly sealed will help to keep moisture and air from getting into the container and degrading the ingredients.

Also, avoid opening the container more than necessary, as this will allow air to get inside and cause it to go bad faster.

Final Thoughts

First of all, it is NOT OKAY to consume expired pre-workout supplements. Just like any other food or drink, they can cause you to harm if they are consumed after the expiration date.

If you have an open container of pre-workout powder, try to use it up as quickly as possible – within about eight weeks.

If you do notice that the powder has started to change color or has developed a strange odor, it’s best to discard it.

As we mentioned earlier, pre-workout supplements can expire or go bad more quickly if they are exposed to light, air, or heat.

In conclusion, it is important that you store your pre-workout supplements in a cool, dry place and avoid exposing them to light.

Important Disclaimer: The information contained on MAX HEALTH LIVING is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Any statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and any information or products discussed are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease or illness. Please consult a healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet or taking supplements that may interfere with medications.

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