Ever opened your new tub of protein powder, only to find little clumps inside? Don’t stress, it’s not actually a sign of your protein powder being unsafe. In fact, clumping often indicates a cleaner, less processed formula and clumping may simply come down to how it’s stored.
If you’re curious about why protein powder clumps and how to prevent it, keep reading.
Why does my protein powder clump?
Contrary to popular belief, protein powder clumping rarely has anything to do with the quality or safety of the protein powder. Factors such as the cleanliness of the formula, humidity, temperature, and mixing methods can instead cause your protein powder to clump.
Common causes of protein clumping include:
Moisture and humidity: If humid air gets into your tub, the powder may absorb the water and stick together. Common reasons for this to happen include a damp kitchen, open lid, or wet scoop.
Temperature changes: Moving your protein powder from hot to cool places (and vice versa) can cause condensation to occur inside your tub and thus lead to chunks over time
Very cold liquid: If you’re using cold liquid to mix with your protein powder, the coldness may slow how fast your protein powder dissolves and also cause clumps
Mixing method: Adding powder before liquid, stirring with a spoon, or not blending enough may cause clumps to form at the bottom and along the sides of your protein drink
Cleaner formulas: Powders without flow or anti-clumping agents are more prone to clumping simply because they don’t have those extra helpers to keep particles separate. This however ensures that the powders are cleaner with no extra additives
Is clumpy protein powder safe?
More often than not, clumpy protein powder is safe as long as it’s not actually spoiled. Clumps are normal when they’re formed due to excess moisture or humidity, and not from contamination.
You can differentiate between safe clumping and contamination by examining the colour, texture, and smell of the protein powder. If all looks normal, clumpy protein powder is nothing to worry about.
When to throw away spoiled protein powder:
If there’s a sour or ‘off smell’
Major colour changes that you didn’t notice previously
If clumps are super hard and you can’t break them apart
You can also check the expiry or best before date to confirm whether or not a protein powder is safe to use.
How to fix clumpy protein powder?
Fixing a clumpy protein powder is easier than you think. You can:
Break up chunks in the tub with a clean fork or spoon, then shake
Shake the powder through a fine mesh sieve
Store in a cool and dry place with the lid sealed tightly so new clumps don’t form
How to prevent protein powder from clumping
Half of preventing protein powder from clumping relies on knowing how to mix and store your protein properly. Learn more below.
Tips for mixing a smooth protein shake:
Add your preferred liquid (milk or water) first before adding protein powder
Make sure you use enough liquid (approximately 300ml to 350ml of liquid per scoop)
Use room temperature liquid (only chill with ice or add hot liquids after your powder is fully mixed)
Use a shaker with a whisk ball for better powder dispersion
Use an electric hand mixer to blend your powder
Shake or blend for at least 15 seconds to ensure your powder is fully dissolved
Avoid mixing near sinks or dishwashers where humidity is likely higher
Tips for storing protein powder correctly:
Keep your protein powder in a cook, dry, and dark environment (away from stoves, ovens, and windows)
Aim to store in temperatures between 18°C and 22°C
Try to keep your protein in the original airtight container (tub or pouch)
Always close the lid or zip fully immediately after use
Never scoop with a wet or damp scoop
What about clumpy supplements in general?
Similar to protein powder, clumping can be common across most powdered supplements and is usually a moisture and mixability issue rather than a safety problem. Supplements may clump due to:
The makeup of hygroscopic actives in the supplements which causes them to pull water from the air and stick together
Humidity and condensation from temperature swings
Loose lids increasing moisture in the packaging
The amount of time a supplement is being stored - long storage lets powders settle, compact, and harden
Still have concerns about clumps in your protein powder? Our Elite Supps customer service team is more than happy to help. Simply get in touch via email (enquiries@elitesupps.com.au) or call us at 1800 577 310.
