Protein powders are a prevalent supplement. And the market for protein powder is expected to rise at a rate of over 7.3% CAGR from 2022 to 2032, surpassing USD 22.3 billion in 2022. This indicates that demand for the product is rising. Its widespread use results from protein powder’s numerous health advantages, such as constructing the structural components of strong muscles and tissues, enhancing the immune system, etc. 

As a result, the product’s many advantages enable your business to prosper; nonetheless, the packaging is a crucial consideration. One of the most widely utilized gasses for packaging with a modified atmosphere is nitrogen. Nitrogen food storage extends the shelf life of protein powder and guarantees its quality, among other things, and it plays a crucial role in preserving food.

So, today in this article, you will see how nitrogen packaging works best for protein powder. 

Shelf Life and Packaging 

Despite being created from whole foods such as eggs, soy, dairy products etc. The storing and packaging needs differ from the foods, they are derived from. It is essential to store and pack the protein powder properly to keep it fresh and thus increase its shelf life.

The means by which the shelf life of protein powder is extended and maintained is through packaging. Packaging is vital in the food industry as it shields food from biological, chemical, and physical harm. Additionally, it serves as a physical barrier against harmful germs, volatile chemical compounds, moisture, and oxygen.

The powdered goods are packed with the help of filling devices and machines; these goods include milk and protein powder. To produce the intended outcomes, these powder filling line machines must be highly accurate in their design. Using nitrogen flushing packaging to increase the shelf life of protein powder is quite effective as it extends the freshness quotient. 

Shelf Life Of Whey Protein Powder

Whey is among the widely used protein powder. It is mainly a hit among bodybuilders and anyone who frequently performs resistance training. Most people use whey protein after post-workout due to its fast absorption. 

The body can start repairing and rebuilding muscles immediately when a protein is quickly absorbed. When kept in typical storage circumstances, whey protein powder has a minimum shelf life of 18 months. Storing the protein at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 35% humidity is the usual circumstance.

In terms of storage containers for protein powder, one can put the protein powder in a zip-top bag, a tightly sealed pouch, or a tightly sealed can. The protein can remain good if stored in original packaging with aptly used nitrogen sealing. Because heat and moisture pose the main threats to the whey protein shelf life, it is best to keep all packaging out of the sun and away from water.

Protein Powder Packaging Needs

First, whether made in the US or elsewhere, protein powders or other supplements must adhere to strict guidelines established by the Food and Drug Administration. Getting protein powder packaging to customers’ front doors takes a lot of work. There are numerous processes, from packing each item to ensuring it travels securely. 

But there is also a chance to save money without sacrificing quality throughout the packaging process. Brand loyalty is based on the satisfaction of the customer. Customers are not satisfied with products that do not maintain their quality. The freshness, flavor, and nutritional qualities of your items should thus be sealed in the packaging to assist make your brand the best option.

• Water activity levels should be kept at or below recommended limits when storing a product such as protein powder. The best option is moisture-resistant packaging that can reduce moisture absorption.
• To ensure the quality of the product during storage, it is recommended to use tin cans or 3-4 ply multiwall Kraft paper bags along with the 3-4 mil thick low-density polyethylene bag liner.
• Shelf life has been proven to be significantly improved by modified atmosphere packaging. That is using nitrogen flush packaging machines which replace the oxygen with nitrogen.

Tips For Packaging Protein Powder For A Long Shelf Life

The common ingredient in many kitchens is a protein powder, but many people are unsure if there is an expiration date. The primary explanation is that protein powder has a shelf life and can lose its effectiveness over time; however, packaging, such as can packaging machines, plays an important role. Most protein powder comes with a “best used before” date on the container, indicating how long the item is guaranteed to stay fresh, effective, and delicious if stored properly.

• Protein powder should be kept in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight if one wants it to last as long as feasible.
• Additionally, an airtight container will prevent the powder from deteriorating by keeping oxygen and moisture out.
• The protein powder that has been opened can be refrigerated to increase its shelf life.
• One of the best ways to prevent food from spoiling quickly and extend its shelf life is to utilize nitrogen for food packaging. A preservative gas, nitrogen flushing, and sealing machine modify the atmosphere inside food packaging. Gas flushing and nitrogen sealing will remove oxygen and other pollutants from food storage containers, reducing the oxidative reactions that hasten food deterioration.

Nitrogen For Protein Powder Packaging And Storage 

One of the most widely used gasses for packaging in modified atmospheres is nitrogen. Nitrogen may significantly lengthen your food goods’ shelf lives by replacing oxygen in their packaging, which results in reduced waste and contented customers. Also, nitrogen can packaging machines applications are several such as they are used for packaging powder, liquid, capsules, etc. 

How Does Nitrogen Extend Shelf Life

Because of its unique chemical and physical characteristics, gaseous nitrogen is a good choice for packaging protein powder. Because nitrogen is an inert gas, it won’t react with ingredients in prepared foods and change their flavors or fragrances. Additionally, the effective displacement of oxygen by gaseous nitrogen will reduce oxidation and the development of bacteria that hasten the deterioration of food. 

Because it substitutes oxygen with nitrogen, nitrogen food packaging is crucial for food preservation. As you may already be aware, microorganisms like mold and mildew need oxygen to flourish, and if there is no oxygen present, your protein powder will have an extended shelf life. 

The importance of nitrogen for food preservation is further supported by filling every crevice in your packing, leaving no room for moisture to enter. With the help of nitrogen flush packaging machines, switching out the oxygen for nitrogen on-site is simple, significantly lowering waste generation and saving your business thousands of dollars annually.

The FDA deems nitrogen gas generally recognized as safe when one uses it according to the guidelines and good manufacturing practices. The food item, in this case, the protein powder that has to be preserved, is first placed in a package or can. After that, the packaging is filled with food-grade nitrogen, which expels any moisture and oxygen-rich air. Food items can be preserved for an extended time by sealing the food packaging, which traps the nitrogen inside and creates an oxidant-poor atmosphere.

Nitrogen Protein Powder Packing Machine 

Vacuum Sealer With Nitrogen Flush

The nitrogen filling vacuum sealing machine effectively seals the cans and fills the nitrogen gas into them to preserve durability. It is suitable for all cans, including plastic cans, paper cans, etc. 

The working principle is that the cans are vacuumed, and after that, it is filled with nitrogen gas and, finally, it is sealed. The significant aspect is that with the nitrogen flush sealer, less than 3% of the can’s original oxygen is still present. Since the products are filled with nitrogen gas to preserve them, the protein powder won’t spoil for a long time. 

Powder filling machine

The powder filling machine is made to distribute powdered goods, including protein and milk powders. To produce the intended outcomes, these filling machines must be highly accurate in their design. A powder filler is a piece of independent equipment used to fill prefabricated containers, like cans, bottles, pouches, etc., with powder. Therefore, if you wish to package powder, a powder-filling machine is a must.

Whey Protein Powder Auger Filling Machine

The whey protein powder auger filling equipment is made in conformity with national GMP guidelines. This machine can be used with other equipment to create the filling, capping, and labeling production line for whey protein powder. The machine consists of parallel flights at the bottom that is inside the funnel. This helps to get the exact measurement of volume for each pitch. The auger is continually turned by the auger drive to produce a continuous flow. The agitation blade rotates in the opposite direction of the auger; this deaerated and homogenizes the powder.

Conclusion

Most diet plans include nutrient-dense foods like protein powders. Since protein powder is such a widely used product, you should ensure that the top-notch purity and freshness of protein powder must be delivered to your customers. Nitrogen flush packaging machines give your product the unmatched protection it needs to keep its freshness. 

Also, it ensures that your customers are satisfied and happy with your product. So, you can contact us if you’re searching for a complete packaging solution, such as can packaging machines that include filling, sealing, capping, labeling, and prepackaged pouch packaging machines.