The other day, one of my clients brought his container to show me his clumpy pre-workout.
He never saw that happening before, so he had a lot of questions regarding clumpy pre-workout powder.
As I realized many gym-goers still don’t understand the reasons behind this phenomenon nor how to fix or prevent this from happening, as an experienced instructor, I felt compelled to dedicate a few weeks to evaluate this topic with my certified dietitian.
These are our findings.
Quick Summary
- To fix clumpy or hard pre-workout powder, use methods like physical breakdown and grinding, with a blender being an effective tool for this purpose.
- Preventing pre-workout powder from clumping involves proper storage, such as using silica packets and keeping the powder in a cool, dry place.
- Hygroscopic ingredients like Citrulline, Creatine, and Glycerol in pre-workouts are the main reasons for moisture absorption and subsequent clumping.
- In my view, understanding and applying these storage and handling techniques can significantly extend the shelf life and effectiveness of your pre-workout supplements.
How to Turn Hard Pre-workout Into Powder Again?
To restore clumpy pre-workout to powder, you need to physically grind it.
The quickest way is to use a blender. This should return your pre-workout to its powdery state in under a minute.
Ensure your blender is dry and working well to avoid the powder sticking to its sides. If it sticks, the pre-workout will clump up again.
A powerful blender is essential for tough pre-workout chunks.
Why Do Supplements Clump?
Pre-workout powders clump due to reasons like faulty safety seals, poor storage, or moisture-attracting ingredients like Citrulline, Creatine, and Glycerol.
Faulty seals, often from poor quality control or shipping issues, let moisture in, hardening the powder over time.
These ingredients are hygroscopic, meaning they draw moisture and hold water molecules at room temperature, as explained by Science Notes [1].
Remember, 'prevention is better than cure.' It's crucial to stop pre-workouts from absorbing moisture and clumping.
If the seal's intact, what's next?
Related: Why Is My Pre-Workout Clumpy?
How To Prevent Pre-workout From Hardening?
To prevent pre-workout from hardening, you should follow a few standard rules.
Using Silica Packets
Keeping the silica packets that come with pre-workout supplements in their containers works wonders.
From my experience, these silica packets, when left in the powder, are great at preventing moisture. I used to throw them away when I started using pre-workouts, only to see quicker clumping. Now, I always keep them in the powder.
Just follow the instructions and don't eat them, and it's safe to leave or add extra silica gel packets for even better moisture control.
Proper Storage and Handling
To prevent clumpy pre-workout, regularly stir or shake the powder to stop it from settling.
Using pre-workouts more often, like once a week, can also help.
Avoid storing your pre-workout in hot, humid places like a car, especially if the seal isn't tight. In such conditions, silica packets won't be enough to stop clumping.
Instead, store your pre-workouts in dry, cool places (a fridge works well) and ensure they're properly sealed to keep moisture out.
Vacuum Sealing
For those who buy in bulk, vacuum sealing portions of the powder can be an effective way to prevent clumping.
This method removes air, thus reducing moisture exposure and maintaining the powder's consistency over time.
Related Article: Can A Pre-Workout Expire?
Alternative Uses for Clumpy Pre-Workout Powder
Turn clumpy pre-workout powder into tasty, effective treats with these ideas:
- Blend it into smoothies or protein shakes for texture-free enjoyment.
- Stir into yogurt or cottage cheese for a protein-rich snack.
- Make energy bites by mixing the powder with nut butter, oats, and honey – perfect for on-the-go.
- Sprinkle over cereal or mix into pancake or waffle batter for an energizing breakfast.
- Create a paste with water and spread on rice cakes or whole grain toast.
Always stick to recommended servings and check labels for safe use. These tips not only rescue clumpy powder but also spice up your diet.
FAQs
Can You Use Clumped Pre-workout?
Yes, you can use clumped pre-workout. Pre-workout supplements clump, and this is natural for all powdered supplements (like pre-workout, fat-burner, and protein powders).
It’s important to emphasize that clumpy pre-workout is still safe to use and keeps the same effectiveness and quality.
The only drawback of clumpy or chunky pre-workout may be measuring the accurate dose and mixing.
Can Pre-workout Get Old?
Yes, pre-workout can get old and go bad. Almost every supplement, including pre-workouts, tends to have a use-by date printed on the container.
However, if stored incorrectly, pre-workout can get moldy and go bad even if it doesn’t pass the expiration date. It often happens if pre-workout is stored in humid places or the seal is halfway closed.
References:
- https://sciencenotes.org/hygroscopic-definition-and-examples/
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