If you’re using pre-workout supplements and seeing them clump together, you’re not alone. Most pre-workout supplements will usually clump when they’re exposed to high amounts of moisture. It’s normal for pre-workout supplements to clump. While this is a problem, it doesn’t mean that these supplements aren’t effective. In this article, we’ll go over what causes pre-workout supplements to clump, and how to solve it.
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Why is my pre-workout clumpy?
There are usually four main reasons for pre-workouts to form clumps.
- Hygroscopic ingredients such as Glycerol Supplements, Betaine Anhydrous, L-Citrulline Malate, Agmatine Sulfate, and L-Carnitine cause pre-workout to absorb moisture from the surrounding which forms clumps.
- A bad storage environment is another factor that can make your pre-workout clumpy. When you store pre-workout in a wet, humid environment it can make clumps.
- If the seal is damaged or the bottle has some gap from where your supplement is getting in contact with air, it can make clumps.
- Similarly, when you do not use pre-workout for a long time its ingredients form clumps. Pre-workout can form clumps if it is not used regularly. The ingredients may bind together over time and form a lump.
Is clumpy pre-workout bad?
The clumps don’t affect the effectiveness of your pre-workout. The clumps are not harmful to your body. It is a problem, but it doesn’t mean that the supplements are bad. It is a normal occurrence. It just means that your supplement has absorbed moisture from the surrounding which makes it clump. It’s normal for pre-workout to absorb moisture. If your pre-workout clumps, you’re not doing anything wrong.
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How to prevent pre-workout clumping?
In order to prevent your pre-workout from clumping, you can try the following:
- Make sure that the bottle is sealed well and doesn’t have any air gaps in the bottle.
- Keep the pre-workout in a dry, cool, and dark place.
- You can use a zip lock bag to keep the pre-workout in a dry environment.
- If you’re using a plastic bottle, make sure that the bottle is sealed well and doesn’t have any air gaps in the bottle.
- Keep the pre-workout away from direct sunlight, moisture, heat, and cold.
- Another important step is to consume the supplement sooner once the seal gets opened.
- Put a few silica packets inside your pre-workout tub, as it helps absorb the moisture.
How to fix clumpy pre-workout?
Pre-workouts are a great way to help you train harder and longer. But not all pre-workouts are created equal. Some of them may clump up in your bottle, making it difficult to measure and mix properly.
- The first thing you should do is shake the bottle. This will break up the clumps. If you don’t have a shaker bottle, you can also use a knife.
- Use a blender or knife. There are many ways to mix pre-workout, but some work better than others. A blender or knife is a good way to get the job done.
- Mix the pre-workout properly. You should be able to see the powder when you open the bottle. If you can’t, you probably need to mix it properly. You’ll want to make sure that the powder isn’t clumping up.
- Keep the pre-workout in a dark place. Pre-workouts can be very sensitive to light. If the bottle is exposed to light, it may turn brown. This will make the pre-workout taste different.
- Keep the pre-workout in a cool place. Pre-workouts are designed to be stored in a cool environment. If you keep the bottle in a warm place, it may affect the taste.
- Shake the bottle every time you use it. If you don’t do this, you could end up with a clumpy pre-workout. This will make it difficult to measure and mix properly.
- Try a different pre-workout. Some pre-workouts may have clumps that you can’t get rid of. If this happens to you, try a different brand.
- Mix it with water. If you can’t get the clumps to break up, you can mix it with water. Make sure you shake the bottle well before you add the water. This will help make sure the water mixes with the powder.
How do you know if the pre-workout went bad?
Below are a few ways to identify if your pre-workout supplement is not good to consume.
Expiration Date
The very first thing is to check for the manufacturing and expiration date of the product.
The expiration date and the date of manufacture are both important pieces of information. Expiration dates are used to indicate when the product is no longer fresh. Manufacturers use this information as a way to gauge how long a product has been in circulation. If your pre-workout is passed the expiration date it is better to keep that away for your good health.
Any sign of visible mold
Mold is another sign that your pre-workout is no more usable. Mold can be a serious problem in humid areas. It grows on pre-workout powder, so you want to make sure that you keep an eye on your supplement. Mold can also grow on pre-workout that has been sitting around, so it’s important to consume pre-workout sooner once the seal gets opened.
Color
Visually inspect your supplement powder and if the color looks darker or lighter than usual then it might not be good to consume.
Consistency
Consistency is one of the most important things to look for to identify if the pre-workout has passed its life. If you see large clumps or if the powder doesn’t mix easily, then that is a problem. This should not happen with any supplement. Make sure to check the consistency of the pre-workout powder before using it.
Taste
If the pre-workout taste different than usual then it is evident enough that your supplement is no longer usable.
Smell
Pre-workouts usually smell nice, if you found your pre-workout is smelling awful it could be a clear indication of a bad product.
Upset Stomach
One of the common side effects of drinking a bad pre-workout supplement is that it will give you an upset stomach. Other symptoms could be nausea, vomiting, or headaches.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, clumping is a normal occurrence for any pre-workout and should be expected. It can occur when pre-workout comes into contact with air, but it should not be considered a sign of deterioration. Clumping will not affect the performance of the supplement. The supplement will still be effective for you to use. The best way to avoid clumping is to keep the pre-workout in a cool, dry place.