As a certified personal trainer, I've seen firsthand the difference that fresh supplements can make in a workout. I always remind my clients to check their pre-workout's expiry date. It's a simple step that's crucial for safety and performance enhancement.
This date is based on when the product was made and is critical for your safety. Using expired pre-workout supplements can lead to potential health risks, that should not be taken lightly.
I'll explain the causes adverse effects of pre-workout supplement degradation. Then, I'll give tips on how to store them properly. I'll also give you some practical tips to help you determine if your pre-workout supplements have gone bad.
Quick Summary
- Pre-workout expiration is real. Using them past the date can reduce their effectiveness and pose health risks.
- Store pre-workout supplements in a cool, dry place. After each use, seal the container tightly.
- A USDA study shows that use-by products may be unsafe after their date. Their quality may be poor. So, it's important to follow labeled dates.
- I believe it's as crucial to check for spoilage in your pre-workout supplements as it is to monitor their expiration dates. Look for clumping or off-smells. This will help you achieve the best workout results.
Is It Safe To Drink Pre-Workout After the Expiration Date?
No, it is not safe to drink pre-workout after its expiration date. You could experience some pretty unpleasant side effects, such as a gurgling, upset stomach and severe gas.
Most supplement companies clearly state on the label not to use the product past its use-by date for this reason.
A USDA study says that products with a use-by date may be safe after that date. However, their quality and shelf life may be poor. So, it's important to follow the labeled dates [1].
But you also need to consider active ingredients and how long a tub is open for if you want to avoid ingredients becoming ineffective.
Does the Pre-Workout Go Bad Faster Once The Container Is Open?
Yes, a pre-workout powder will generally expire faster than pre workout product once the container of the pre workout expire or fresh product pre workout powder is open. With some pre-workouts, this expiry date could mean using it up within eight weeks, which is quite a short period.
Other products will be suitable for 3 to 4 months, but I advise my clients extend the shelf life not to exceed three months.
Some pre-workout ingredients, like B vitamins and minerals, may last a long time. But, amino acids tend to break down with age. Take BCAA in pre-workouts, for example. The pre-workout lose potency once the amino acids are gone.
Problems can also appear based on how the product is stored correctly, and I’ll get to some tips for that below.
"The USDA says products containing a use-by date may still be safe after that date, but it may not be of acceptable quality. To help preserve the quality, always store protein powder in the container it comes in."
- Sara Lindberg, Health & Fitness Writer
How Do You Know If Your Pre-Workout Go Bad?
In my years of coaching, I've seen pre-workout dietary supplements before that have gone off. The signs are always the same: a bad smell, clumping, and, in the worst cases, mold.
We discuss each sign in more detail below.
1 - Smell
Make sure you’re familiar with the normal smell of your pre-workout supplement products when you first open the tubs. If it starts to have a foul or stale smell, then that could be an indication that it's past the expiration date.
2 - Clumpy
This is one of the biggest problems that you can encounter with all pre-workout supplement products. Once the vacuum seal is broken, moisture may enter the container. This will clump the fine powder and hasten its printed expiration date.
This does not mean that pre-workout is 100% gone bad. You can check our guide on how to fix clumpy pre-workout.
3 - Doesn’t Mix
Another good indicator that your pre-workout supplement is no longer good is when it doesn’t mix easily. In most cases, you can just use a shaker, but if you suddenly find that the powder remains unmixed with a chalky texture, then it could be time to get rid of it.
4 - Mold
This would clearly show that something is wrong with your pre-workout. It is often due to not storing the product correctly, which allowed it to get damp. Always get rid of moldy or expired pre--workout powder as you could get some pretty nasty food poisoning from it.
Also Read: Can You Take Pre-workout on a Plane?
Tips For Avoiding It From Going Bad Too Soon
As a certified personal trainer, I've learned a lot about pre-workout supplements. My knowledge comes from fitness experts and clients. It is about their effectiveness up to the expiration date.
Here are four other supplements and essential tips I suggest to keep your pre-workout supplements fresh and effective until you're ready to use them:
1 - Tighten The Seal
With pre-workout tubs that have screw-on tops, it’s important to make sure that you tightly fasten the top. Avoid the thread misaligning as this could result in air and moisture getting in.
For the resealable bags, always push out any air in gym bag before sealing it tightly sealed and then check that the bag is fully sealed tightly closed.
2 - Store In The Right Place
Avoid keeping the pre-workouts out in the open, especially where they can be exposed to direct sunlight. This may cause significant temperature fluctuations that could reduce effectiveness of pre workouts.
3 - Keep It Cool
If you have space in your refrigerator, then that’s where the pre-workout should be stored. It’s cold and dark, which may reduce it from spoiling prematurely.
4 - Buy The Right Size
I know how tempting it is to get a great deal on those mega pre-workout tubs. But unless you have a pretty hardcore pre- workout routine, fitness routine and regimen, you could end up with a pre-workout tub that is open for a very long time. Just buy products that will get you through about 2 to 3 months.ž
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Impact of Packaging Materials on Longevity
Packaging, like foil packets and plastic tubs, affects pre-workout supplements' stability athletic performance and has safety concerns.
Plastic tubs may not protect the supplement as well. So, it may degrade.
Choosing the right packaging is vital. It keeps your pre-workout supplements effective and safe for consumption over time.
FAQs
Is Clumpy Pre-workout Bad?
Yes, a clumpy pre-workout can be bad in some cases because it may be an indication that it’s past its usable date. But if it’s still within the shelf- life of your pre, you may just need to use a blender to get rid of the lumpy texture.
Can You Keep Pre-workout in the Fridge?
Yes, you can keep pre workout powder after-workout in the fridge. It’s actually one of the best places to keep pre workout powder a cool and dry place to store it. Because it’s cold and dark, it may significantly reduce the risk of moisture and molding.
Can You Mix Pre-workout Early?
Yes, you can mix pre-workout early, but I would avoid doing so more than 12 hours before you plan to drink it. Also, ensure that it remains at the same temperature for that time to avoid losing its effectiveness.
For more information on when to take your pre-workout, read our blog.
How Long Can You Use Mixed Pre-Workouts?
You can consume the pre-workout up to 12 hours after it's been mixed. After this period, its effectiveness starts to diminish, and it may not yield the same results during your workout.
References:
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating
About The Author
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