Protein shakes are a great addition to any diet and when used as directed will help you meet your daily macronutrient requirements. However, storage of the protein powder can become an issue. A protein shake can last in the fridge for at least 72 hours but you have to shake it well before use.
It is also recommended that use protein shakes as early as possible to get benefits of all nutrients.
How Long Can a Protein Shake Last in the Fridge if Opened?
Protein shakes are the most essential part of a healthy diet. They help your muscles to grow and make you feel fresh and energetic. One thing that puzzles most people is how long a protein shake can last in the fridge. The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. There are several things to consider before answering this question.
First of all, it depends on whether or not the shake has been opened. If it’s unopened then it should be good until the date on the container, which is usually about a month away from the purchase date. However, if you’ve already opened it then that’s a different story altogether.
Shakes can last for a day or two after being opened, but there’s no hard rule about this so don’t take anyone else’s word for granted! Generally speaking though, if there’s still some liquid left in your shaker then go ahead and drink up because chances are good it hasn’t spoiled yet (unless you’ve been mixing things like milk with juice).
How long does the unopened protein shake last?
Protein shakes are a great way to get your daily protein intake, especially for those who struggle with solid foods. And because liquid protein is so convenient and easy to keep on hand, many people have a few shakes in the fridge at all times. But what happens if you don’t finish it all? How long can your protein shake last in the fridge before going bad?
The shelf life of protein shakes varies from product to product, but most unopened commercial shakes last about two weeks past their “sell by” date. If you’ve made your own shake at home, it’s best to consume it within 24 hours. That being said, if you keep your homemade protein shake in the fridge and close the lid tightly, it should last up to three days.
If you’ve opened a container of store-bought protein powder, do not refrigerate. Instead, store it in a cool dark place—anywhere between 60°F and 70°F is ideal—and use within 30 days after opening. Alternatively, if you buy pre-made protein shakes (like Myprotein) that come unrefrigerated, they’ll stay good at room temperature for up to 12 months.
Be Careful with the Expiration Date
Be careful with the expiration date. While a protein shake may be safe to consume past its expiration date, it will be less effective as a muscle builder and weight loss aid. The protein in expired shakes starts to break down, decreasing its effectiveness and increasing the chances of bloating and gas.
If you refrigerate your protein shakes, they are usually good for up to 24 hours. However, if the shake contains fruit, it should be discarded after six hours because bacteria can form. Some protein powders are specifically designed to be mixed with water and consumed right away. These powders contain dairy products, which can spoil when left out or in the refrigerator for too long. Any homemade protein shake should be discarded after 24 hours, even if you have kept it in the refrigerator.
If you’re traveling with your protein shakes, keep them in a cooler or insulated bag so that they don’t spoil. If you don’t have access to a cooler or fridge on your journey, store them at room temperature and consume them within four hours.
For safety reasons, do not consume any protein shake that has been left out at room temperature for more than four hours or has been in your refrigerator for longer than 24 hours.
How to Store a Protein Shake?
If you’re trying to build muscle and lose body fat, a good protein shake is the perfect snack. You can whip it up quickly before heading out the door, and it’s easy to take with you on the go. But if you mix up a protein shake and don’t finish it right away, you might be wondering whether you can store your drink in the refrigerator for later. There are definitely some guidelines you should follow if you’re doing this.
First of all, if you add milk or yogurt to your protein shake, it should be stored in the refrigerator right away. Dairy products have a relatively short shelf life, and they go bad quickly when left out in room temperature. It’s not unusual to see a carton of expired milk sitting on the shelf at home because someone didn’t finish drinking it soon enough; protein shakes are no exception. If you want to save your drink for later, get it into the fridge as soon as possible. Don’t leave it out on the counter overnight or for more than an hour or two at most.
If your meal replacement shake doesn’t contain any dairy products—just water, protein powder, and maybe fruit, it will last longer without refrigeration.
3 Main Things which Determine the Storage of a Protein Shake.
The timeframe a protein shake can be stored depends on the following:
1. The type of milk used (soy milk, almond milk, etc.)
2. Whether it has been opened or not
3. How long it has been in the fridge
If you use regular milk, then it is recommended that you consume your protein shake within 3 days of opening it. If you use soy milk or almond milk, then you should drink your protein shake within 2 days of opening it.
If you have never opened the container and have kept it refrigerated since buying it, then you may be able to drink the protein shake after 4-5 days. However, even if a protein shake is not yet expired, do not let its expiration date go by more than a week before drinking it because the flavor will start to fade and the quality of nutrients will deteriorate.
Last Words
Protein shakes are packed with proteins and micronutrients. Therefore they should be stored in a cool, dry place away from light and in an opaque bottle or container. The best place to store protein supplements is refrigerator. The temperature inside refrigerator is lower than room temperature so it keeps protein shake well preserved. This is where the saying comes from: “The longer the shelf life of protein shake, the better.” Protein shake should be consumed within 72 hours.
