Out of date protein powder?

[TheGreatSoprendo]

Due to a fairly nasty bout of labyrinthitis, I haven't been able to go to the gym for the last 9 months, but now that things are improving, I've just started going back. I pulled my EAS protein shake powder out of the cupboard and noticed the use by date is May 2009.

The powder itself looks and smells perfectly normal and there's no sign of any moisture contamination. There's still a fair amount left in the tub so I'm loathed to throw it away if I don't have to. Any thoughts on whether it's still safe to use?

[Z4monster]

Try it. If you honk then it's gone off.

The probable issue is that it will have lost some of it's quality/content. IE might not provide as much protein or vitamins, etc as it states.

[ferrari spider]

For the price of a new container of powder, its not worth risking a bad belly IMO. Its a food product buy another.

[andy ted]

If it is a 'use by' date and its past that by 6 months then I would say definately don't use it. If its 'Best Before' than that is just an advisory date before they recon it will be past its best. So a bit more leeway with that date.

For the sake of 30 quid though I would prob just get a new one!

[ShadownINja]

I've used stuff that's two years old (a friend gave me his virtually full tin). No problem. Although, I haven't been on a proper date in 2 years. Do you think this is a side-effect?