We’re sure you’ve been in this situation before: you arrive at your grocery store waiting for an energy boost, only to realize your pre-workout has expired. But looking at the packaging, it appears fine. You give it a sniff, and it smells good. Then you think to yourself, does the pre-workout expire?

You don’t want to waste it, but you’re not sure if it’s worth rolling the dice… So what do you do?

How to know if the previous workout has expired

Go ahead and hang up your detective hat. The best way to determine whether or not yours pre-workout that it’s expired is to look at the expiration date printed on the packaging, says Paul Falcone, MS, BOD’s chief scientist. “These dates are established after testing to ensure the product’s quality, potency and effectiveness over that time frame,” Falcon says.

Also, discolored or lumpy pre-workout powder can also be a sign that it has gone bad after being left out for too long.

Beachbody Performance Energize‘s active ingredients have been carefully formulated to help optimize athletic performance.* Caffeine, beta-alanine and quercetin help boost energy, delay fatigue and maintain laser-like focus.

However, the only way to ensure that you are getting the optimal benefits of Beachbody Performance Energize (or any other pre-workout supplement) is to consume it according to the directions and before the expiration date.

Can pre-workout go wrong after mixing it up?

While it’s a good idea to allow some time (30 to 60 minutes) between your pre-workout drink and hitting the gym, you should avoid pre-training too much in advance. “We recommend drinking your pre-workout mix immediately after, or as directed on the packaging of these products,” Falcon says.

Occasional packages Beachbody Performance Energize — because they include just one serving and don’t require measuring — it’s easy to prepare your pre-workout wherever there’s a water source. Don’t forget your bottle!

What causes pre-training to go wrong?

Anything intended to be consumed has a shelf life. Dietary supplements, like apples, are exposed to air and moisture and will begin to break down over time.

Based on scientific testing, expiration dates provide the most accurate time frame when supplements should be consumed. “Beachbody Performance Energize should maintain its quality as long as it is consumed within the expiration date stated on the package,” Falcon says.

Is it ok to take expired pre-workouts?

At some point, you have probably gambled on an expired product without experiencing any side effects. Maybe you’ve made your choice with yogurt simply past its “best by” date or, in a moment of desperation, reheat that forgotten jar of spaghetti sauce that technically should have been eaten a couple of months ago.

As long as you survived to tell the tale, you should probably discard the questionable item. The same rule applies to all supplements, incl Beachbody Performance Energize.

“It’s never a good idea to consume any product past its expiration date,” says Falcon.

How can you stop pre-training from going wrong?

Pre-workout freshness comes down to proper storage conditions. Use these tips to keep your pre-workout cool.

1. Store in its container

Beachbody Performance Energize‘s container is designed for storage, so avoid transferring it (or any other Beachbody Performance product) to another container.

2. Stay calm

A shelf sitting in direct sunlight or on top of the oven is probably not the best home for your pre-workout. Instead, choose a cool, dry place like a closet or, if you have room, put it in the refrigerator.

3. Avoid moisture

Never use a wet ball for your pre-workout measurements, and be aware of the humidity. Some rooms, like the bathroom, tend to have more moisture in the air. Find the driest place in your home to store before your workout.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.