Over time, all organic compounds breakdown. But protein takes longer to breakdown compared to other organic compounds. Protein powder manufacturers put expiry dates on their products because the Food and Drug Association (FDA) and other regulatory bodies require all products to have shelf life since it would be bad to display a single product on a shelf for a very long time. In the case of protein powder, it can still be used or consumed two years or more after its expiry date. But the organic compounds or other elements that are incorporated in protein powders explain its early expiry dates.
Pure protein powder that is past the expiry date will lose its potency and not eventually goes bad. It slowly loses its effectiveness many years after the posted expiry date. Protein powder goes bad if it is not taken care of properly; that is, if it is not sealed properly and if it gets wet with water or other liquid substance. You will know if it is stale or not because it will smell different and may look different than fresh protein powders. Several months after the expiry date posted is still consumable and effective but if it is way more than two years, then better throw that away and buy a new one.
A lot of consumers are on the go for expired protein products because they are much cheaper than those that are not expired. The same effect can still be achieved by using an expired protein powder as with using a newly manufactured protein powder, so long as it is consumed not very long after the expiry date. You can get a tub of protein powder that is, sometimes, 60% less than its regular, unexpired price. You can save a lot of money if you are a wise and cautious buyer.
Nevertheless, it is still much safer to ask experts whether an expired protein powder is safe to consume or not. Protein powders are produced by different manufacturers and are also manufactured differently with varying contents in it; thus, protein powders go bad or lose potency at different times depending on the brand or manufacturer. Some protein powder products may contain elements that go stale after its posted expiry date. So it is safer to consult an expert about the matter before going and buying an expired protein powder product. It is also wise to call the customer service department of the manufacturer of the product, if there are no experts to ask from, and inquire about if their product is still consumable after the expiry date. The worst possible thing that may happen after consuming an expired protein powder is an upset stomach and nothing more serious than that. Protein powders are indeed reliable and long-lasting that’s why it has been a trusted supplement by many athletes, bodybuilders, and health-conscious individuals.