Does powdered formula go bad?

Quick Answers

Powdered baby formula, when stored properly, typically lasts 1-2 years past the “best by” date before losing quality or nutrition. Unopened and properly stored, it can last even longer – up to 18-24 months. Once opened, powder formula lasts 1 month at room temperature or up to 3 months refrigerated. Signs formula has gone bad include changes in color, texture, smell or taste.

Does Powdered Formula Expire?

Yes, powdered baby formula does have an expiration date and can eventually go bad. However, powder formula lasts much longer than ready-to-feed liquid formula. This is because the lack of moisture in powder formula creates an environment where bacteria, mold and other microbes cannot easily grow.

Powdered formula is given an expiration date or “best by” date by the manufacturer based on when they guarantee the highest quality. This date is typically 12-18 months after the formula is made.

However, just because the “best by” date has passed, it does not mean the powder is unsafe or should be thrown out. As long as the formula is unopened and stored properly, it can often last weeks or even months beyond this date before it starts to degrade.

How Long Does Powdered Formula Last?

Here is how long powdered baby formula typically lasts in different scenarios:

  • Unopened, stored properly: 1-2 years past “best by” date
  • Opened, stored at room temperature: 1 month
  • Opened, refrigerated: Up to 3 months

The exact shelf life depends on the formula brand and ingredients. Always check the package for any storage instructions and expiration guidance.

Does Expired Formula Go Bad?

Powdered formula that is past its “best by” date does not necessarily mean it has gone bad. If stored properly, the nutrients and quality will slowly degrade over time.

Formula that has truly gone bad or expired will have noticeable signs that it is no longer safe or nutritious for babies. This includes:

  • Change in color
  • Lumping, clumping or separation
  • Off or stale odors
  • Sour taste
  • Growth of mold

If there are no obvious signs of spoilage, it is generally considered safe to use formula up to one month past the “best by” date, as long as it was stored unopened in a cool, dry place. But quality and nutritional value may start to decline.

How to Store Powdered Formula Properly

To get the longest shelf life out of powder formula, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips for storing powder baby formula:

  • Store unopened cans or boxes of powder in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Avoid hot places like near the oven or in garages.
  • Once opened, transfer powder to an airtight container or seal the original container tightly.
  • Opened formula can be kept at room temperature up to 1 month.
  • For longer storage, refrigerate opened powder for up to 3 months.
  • Do not freeze powder formula.
  • Write the date opened on containers for reference.
  • Use a clean, dry scoop and wash hands before scooping formula.

Always check the storage guidance on your specific brand of formula as well. Some specialty formulas may have different storage requirements.

Can You Extend the Shelf Life?

Proper storage is the main way to extend the shelf life of powder formula past its “best by” date. A few other tips can help prolong freshness:

  • Purchase formula in smaller containers to limit air exposure once opened.
  • Be diligent about keeping containers sealed tight.
  • Minimize contact between scoop and powder to reduce contamination.
  • Immediately refrigerate any made formula your baby does not finish.

If formula is expired and you want to try to extend its shelf life, look for any changes in color, texture, smell or taste before using. Any signs of spoilage mean it should be discarded.

Is Expired Formula Safe to Use?

In most cases, powder formula that has passed its “best by” date is still safe for babies if it was stored properly and there are no signs of spoilage. But it’s ideal to use formula before its expiration date when possible.

If feeding expired powder formula, here are some precautions to take:

  • Give a small test feeding and watch for any symptoms of an upset stomach.
  • Discard if there are any changes in appearance, smell, taste or texture.
  • Do not use if severely expired or more than 2 months past the printed date.
  • Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

In most cases, expired formula that was unopened and stored properly is less of a safety concern, but the nutritional value may start to degrade over time. If your baby seems fussier or hungrier on expired formula, it could be a sign it is losing vitamins and nutrients.

Risks of Using Expired Formula

While rare, there are some risks associated with using expired or spoiled powder formula. These include:

  • Nutrient degradation – Vitamins like C and B can breakdown over time, reducing nutrition.
  • Food poisoning – Bacteria like cronobacter can cause illness if severely expired.
  • Dehydration – Formulas thickened with starch may thin over time.
  • Fussiness – Babies may refuse expired formula with altered taste.

To minimize risks, inspect all formula closely and stop using any past expiration that shows any sign of spoilage. Only use severely expired formula in an emergency situation.

Signs Powdered Formula Has Gone Bad

Check powder baby formula closely for these key signs it may be expired or spoiled:

Appearance

  • Change in color – Should be uniform, no darkening or yellowing
  • Clumping – Powder is hard, caked or stuck together
  • Mold – Visible fuzz or spotting from mold growth
  • Separation – Oil droplets, dry clumps or uneven texture

Smell

  • Rancid odor
  • Stale smell
  • Sour smell

Taste

  • Bitter taste
  • Unpleasant aftertaste
  • Sudden sweetness

Any change in the formula’s normal smell, consistency, taste or appearance could signal it is past its prime or has been contaminated.

Can Expired Formula Make a Baby Sick?

Consuming spoiled, severely expired formula can make a baby sick. However, food-borne illnesses from contaminated powdered infant formula are very rare in the U.S.

More common symptoms of feeding babies expired formula include:

  • Fussiness or refusing to eat
  • Mild digestive upset like gas or diarrhea
  • Dehydration from thinner formula
  • Hungrier from lack of nutrition

Severe illnesses are very unlikely unless the expired formula is more than a year old or was improperly stored. But always discard formula giving any symptoms of sickness and consult your pediatrician if you have concerns.

Botulism Risk

Powdered formula expiry concerns sometimes raise questions about botulism risk. Botulism is caused by a toxin produced by clostridium botulinum bacteria. But despite common misconceptions, botulism has never been linked to commercial U.S. infant formula, expired or otherwise.

The few infant botulism cases in the U.S. each year are often traced back to honey exposure, soil or dust. Commercial baby formula undergoes high temperature sterilization that destroys any botulism spores that could be present.

What to Do With Expired Formula

If your baby formula has expired, been open for over a month or shows any odd signs, it’s best to discard it. Here’s how to get rid of it:

  • Mark expired cans/containers so they aren’t accidentally used.
  • Try donating unopened, recently expired cans to a food bank or women’s shelter.
  • Pour liquid formula down the sink drain to prevent consumption.
  • Throw away or bury expired powder formula.
  • Recycle empty plastic containers when possible.

Never give or sell very expired or spoiled formula to someone else. When in doubt, throw it out.

FAQ About Powder Formula Expiration

Can formula be used after the expiration date?

Powder formula can often be used for up to 1 month past the “best by” date if unopened and properly stored. Avoid using expired opened formula unless no alternatives are available.

What happens if baby drinks expired formula?

An upset stomach or fussiness are the most likely effects of giving a baby expired but not spoiled powder formula. Severe illness is very unlikely unless the formula was improperly stored or severely expired.

Does formula need to be refrigerated after opening?

Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of opened powder formula up to 3 months. But it can be left at room temperature up to 1 month after opening if refrigeration is not available.

Can you freeze baby formula?

No, powder baby formula should never be frozen. Freezing can damage proteins in the formula and separate the fat, compromising nutrition and texture.

How long can mixed formula be stored?

Prepared liquid formula only lasts 1-2 hours at room temperature. It can be refrigerated up to 24 hours but is best used right away, especially for newborns.

The Bottom Line

Checking for expiration dates and proper storage can help prevent feeding babies spoiled formula. But in most cases, powder formula lasts weeks or months beyond its “best by” date if stored in a cool, dry place. Watch closely for any changes in appearance, smell or texture to determine if powdered formula is still fresh and safe to use.

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