Do Fairlife Protein Shakes Have To Be Refrigerated? Best Practices, Tips, And More

Protein shakes are becoming increasingly popular these days as more people realize the incredible benefits that it offers. Currently, Fairlife is one of the most famous protein shakes on the market thanks to its high protein content. With 26 grams of protein per bottle, it’s the popular post-workout drink for athletes and gym-goers.

But like any other milk-based drinks, Fairlife protein shakes are prone to spoiling. Luckily, we are here to help you avoid that predicament.

In this blog, we’ll give you the best tips in preserving protein shakes and find out whether or not Fairlife protein shakes have to be refrigerated. Discover the best ways to enjoy your healthy drink to the fullest!

Do Fairlife Protein Shakes Have to be Refrigerated?

Yes, Fairlife protein shakes need to be refrigerated. Since they are made with milk, they are highly perishable and need to be kept cold to prevent spoilage. The best thing about this brand, though, is they use ultra-pasteurized milk so it has a longer shelf life than regular milk.

Generally, unopened bottles can last for up to 9 months if stored properly in the fridge. But once opened, they need to be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days.

Still, keep in mind that their shelf life depends on several factors, including the manufacturing date, weather, and how they were stored. Milk-based drinks kept in spaces with humid temperature will spoil more quickly than the ones kept at room temperature.

A Matter of Ingredients

If the shake is made with dairy or other perishable ingredients such as yogurt and fruit, it’s vital to keep them inside the fridge. But if it’s simply made with water and powder, it’s fine even if you keep them unrefrigerated as those are non-perishable ingredients.

To be safe, always check for signs of spoilage and the expiration date before drinking, and when in doubt, don’t hesitate to throw it out. Drinking a spoiled shake can lead to health issues similar to food poisoning, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Why Does Proper Storage Matters?

Before we dive into the best storage practices, let’s first talk about why it matters.

Proper storage is important as it plays a big role in preserving the nutritional value of the shake. If the shake loses some of its freshness, the quality of the taste, texture, and ingredients will also decrease, making it less effective.

As with any other food, proper storage also helps prolong the shelf life of the drink and protects it from bacterial growth and contamination.

How to Store Fairlife Protein Shakes

So, what can we do to preserve their freshness?

First of all, keep them refrigerated and make sure the temperature is set below 40°F (4°C). If the weather is particularly warm, don’t leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours or else you’ll come back to a sour-tasting shake.

If you need to store it for a longer period, you can pour the shake in an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. Though I wouldn’t recommend freezing them beyond that since it will likely go bad and lose all its flavor, color, and texture.

How to Know if a Protein Shake is Expired

Before drinking your post-workout shake, make sure to look for signs of spoilage first especially if it’s close to the expiration date.

You can easily tell if it has gone bad by examining the smell and texture. If it’s giving off a sour or rancid smell, there’s a hundred percent chance that the shake has already expired. If the texture is slimy, foamy, or separated, that’s also a clear indication of spoilage.

Quick Tips

Now that you know that Fairlife protein shakes have to be refrigerated, here are some additional tips that I’ve learned based on experience.

• When freezing the shake, use an airtight container to keep out moisture, air, and bacteria.
• Frozen liquids tend to expand, so don’t fill the container to the brim and leave some room for expansion. If possible, use an airtight plastic container instead of glass which might crack or burst when the shake expands.
• When you’re ready to drink the frozen shake, take it out of the freezer and let it thaw slowly overnight inside the fridge or at room temperature.
• Shake or stir it well before drinking if you want a uniform consistency and texture.
• If you’re planning to take the drink on the go, consider using a cooler or insulated bag to keep it cold during your travels.
• Don’t buy more than you can drink; remember, you need to finish all of them within a few days. When shopping for groceries, I also tend to grab the bottles at the back of the fridge as they are more likely to be fresh than the ones in front.

On our website, you’ll find a number of interesting articles like Do Dill Pickles Need To Be Refrigerated?, Do English Muffins Need To Be Refrigerated?, Do Empanadas Need To Be Refrigerated?, and Do Custard Donuts Need To Be Refrigerated?

Conclusion

It’s no secret that fresh food simply tastes better, and that’s also true for protein shakes. Like other milk-based drinks, Fairlife protein shakes have to be refrigerated at all times to make sure they are always fresh and delish.

They are undoubtedly good for your health, but if not stored properly, they might do more harm than good. So the next time you come home from the groceries, keep them refrigerated right away!

What about you? Do you have any tips for preserving Fairlife protein shakes? Tell us in the comments below!