You blended up a delicious protein shake, then were called away to a meeting or important phone call before you were able to drink it. It has been about an hour and the protein has separated a bit from the liquid. Is is still safe to drink, and how long do protein shakes last?
If you love protein shakes and are wondering how long do protein shakes last after mixing, keep reading.
As long as it remains cold, a refrigerated protein shake will last anywhere from 48-72 hours. If you can’t refrigerate the protein shake after it’s mixed, you should consume it within 20-30 minutes after mixing, regardless of whether it has digestive enzymes or not.
How to Make Your Protein Shake Last Longer
In a perfect world, you’ll want to mix your protein shake and drink it within about 30 minutes, but life doesn’t always go as planned. When it comes to extending your shake’s shelf life, it comes down to storage methods and the ingredients you’re adding to your shake.
How Long do Protein Shakes Last?
Protein shakes are incredibly nutritious, and wonderful as a convenient meal or post-workout snack. In order to reap all the benefits and optimize the flavor and satisfaction of your protein shakes, you’ll want to enjoy it as soon as possible after it’s made.
When it comes to the unmixed, dried protein powder, it can typically stay fresh for 18 months or longer. This is a general rule of thumb, but if the product looks excessively clumpy, has changed color, or has an odd odor, it’s time to toss it regardless of how old it is.
Once the protein shake is blended, it should be consumed immediately for optimal taste and quality. If you aren’t able to have it right away, refrigerating it can make it last longer.
For example, an unrefrigerated protein shake can last approximately two hours at room temperature, but a refrigerated protein shake can last up to 72 hours. You should treat rehydrated whey protein similar to liquid cows milk, which has a much shorter shelf life than dried milk.
So how long can protein shakes last? The shake can last a bit longer, up to approximately 4 hours, if it is kept in a well-insulated cup that is able to maintain a temperature below 38 degrees. But regardless if it’s insulated or not, if it’s left at room temperature for too long, it will become warm and not taste as good. Colder beverages just tend to taste better and less bitter.
Additionally, If you add fruit to your protein shake, this may cause the color to change as the fruit oxidizes when it is exposed to air and light. It’s not harmful to eat oxidized fruit, but the color and taste may not be as appealing.
I Survived On Protein Shakes For A Week, Here’s What Happened
FAQ
How long can you keep protein shake after mixing?
Can you mix a protein shake and leave it in the fridge?
Can you drink a protein shake 2 days after making it?
How long does protein shakes last in the fridge?