Last Updated on May 3, 2022 by Share My Kitchen
Pre-workout can go bad. Usually, pre-workout can be used up to the expiration date. However, sometimes environmental conditions or bad storage can lead to mold, foul odor, or poorly mixed pre-workout shakes. Read more about this post to avoid serious food poisoning.
Can You Consumer Expired Pre-Workout?
Do NOT consume pre-workout past its expiration date, and if it has gone moldy or smells bad. Pre-workout that is clumpy can indicate spoilage. However, it’s not always true. You can look and check if you can save that clumpy pre-workout.
Will Consuming Old Pre-Workout Make You Sick?
Expired or spoiled pre-workouts can cause an upset stomach, gas, nausea, and vomiting. Consuming pre-workouts containing mold spores can also trigger an allergic reaction. This could manifest as irritation of the throat and eyes. You may also experience chest tightness and difficulty breathing.
Always check the expiration date of your pre-workout to avoid stomach discomfort and stomach pain. Then, throw it away if it is past its expiration date. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
5 Signs Your Pre-Workout Has Got Bad
There are warning signs that your pre-workout supplement may not be safe to eat. So, it’s good to check the state every now and then. This is especially true if it has been on the shelf for longer than a few months. These are the things to look out for when you want to determine if your pre-workout has spoiled:
It Passed Its Expiration Date
It’s clear that your pre-workout should not be used after the “use by” date on the container. Don’t take the chance. Throw it away. Also, if you are planning to buy them in the future, make sure that you get a size you can use within 2 to 3 months. This is the best time to use most pre-workouts once they have been opened.
Visible Mold
Take a good and careful look at the canister with good lighting. Check if there are any green, blue or black spots appearing in your pre-workout. That is the mold forming in your pre-workout. Do not mix a moldy supplement with your shake to avoid getting sick.
If The Pre-workout Smells Bad
If your pre-workout smells “rotten” or spoiled, it is likely that you are not safe to use. Even if there aren’t any obvious signs, a change in the smell can signify that mold is present. Bad-smelling ones can cause unpleasant stomach problems and gas symptoms.
If the Shakes Don’t Mix Well
Pre-workout shakes that retain a gritty or slurry consistency after mixing may indicate that the pre-workout has spoiled. You should look for the previous signs if your shake is different than normal. Although a change in consistency does not always indicate that your pre-workout is spoiled, it is a warning sign to be more careful.
There are Clumps
The powder absorbing moisture can lead to clumpy pre-workout. This is possibly bad since moisture-plus-pre-workout in a sealed container makes the ideal conditions for mold to form. Although pre-workout that is clumpy may not always be spoiled, it is worth checking. Moreover, make sure to check the expiration date, and smell for mold odors before you begin. Throw it out if it is moldy or clumped.
Are Pre-Workouts Still Effective if It Clumps?
Pre-workouts that are too clumpy may still be safe to take. However, you should inspect your supplement thoroughly if you notice rock-like clumps. Moreover, check if it is past its expiration date. Is there mold growing on the powder? Is it smelling musty? Throw it out if any of these conditions apply. If not, you can still use it.
- A clumpy pre-workout can still be safe, or it could have spoiled.
- Your pre-workout should be thrown out if it is past its expiration date, moldy, or smells sour/spoiled.
- The clumpy pre-workout is still good if it has gone over its expiration date, and does not show any other signs of going bad.
Your clumpy pre-workout is still safe to use if it does not show any other signs of spoilage. Moreover, you can return it to its original, unclamped, state to mix your shakes easier.
How Do You Unclump Your Pre-Workout?
Pre-workout that haven’t gone bad may still become lumpy and gritty. However, you can easily return your supplements to their powder form and get back on track. You may try these methods to do it:
Blend It
Get a food processor or blender, then put your pre-workout and run it through a cycle. The blender blades will remove any clumps easily. Then, return it to its original bottle to it and use it as usual.
Blender Cup
Blender bottles work to separate clumpy pre-workouts. The wire blender ball in your cup will act as a whisk to separate the clumps into powder. Then, as you shake, the blender ball will combine your pre-workout and your liquid of choice. However, remember to make sure you add the liquid first and then the powder to prevent powder buildup around the edges of your cup.
Paste Method
You can easily break down small pre-workout clumps with a spoon or cup. Begin by measuring out the desired amount of powder. Then, add the powder to a cup with a little water. You may then use the back of a spoon to crush the clumps, and make a paste with the pre-workout. Next, add more liquid to your shake and continue mixing it as normal.
Leave or Add a Silica Packet
Some pre-workout products can clump. Therefore, some manufacturers include silica gel in their powder bottles to avoid this problem. If your pre-workout already has one, leave it in the bottle to absorb moisture and keep it clump-free. Otherwise, you can save any silica packets that are included in your other products. Then, add these packets into your pre-workout container to prevent clumps.
Prevent Clumps
Prevention is the best remedy for clumps. Close the lid properly immediately after scooping what you need to keep your pre-workout free from clumps. Moreover, the canister should be kept away from moisture sources like the sink. Avoid mixing powders and liquids near an opened canister. Additionally, keep it in a dry, cool place, out of direct sunlight.
What Is the Shelf Life of a Pre-Workout?
Pre-workout powders are safe to use up until their expiration date or approximately 8-12 weeks after the seal is broken. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Sealed pre-workout: Valid until the expiration date.
- Opened pre-workout: Valid for 8 to 12 weeks, or until expiration (whichever comes first).
- Mixed pre-Workout: 12 to 24 Hours
Furthermore, mixed pre-workout shakes should be kept refrigerated, or drink as soon as possible. Adding water also accelerates the rate of the pre-workout going bad.
