Kratom powder is growing in popularity as a natural supplement, but if stored improperly or for too long, it goes bad. Signs your kratom powder may be expired.
- Appearance – Kratom powder that is freshly harvested and processed has a greenish hue and consistency similar to matcha powder. As it starts to age and oxidize, the color darkens to a brownish or yellowish tint. Expired kratom powder can look nearly black. It may also clump together or feel damp and overly compacted.
- Scent – Fresh kratom powder has a distinctive earthy, herbal smell. As the active alkaloids break down over time, that smell fades. Expired kratom has very little scent at all. In extreme cases, spoiled powder may even give off a musty or rotten odor due to bacteria growth.
- Taste – The taste of pure kratom powder is quite bitter. If your kratom has been stored for a long time or exposed to moisture, it may start to taste sour or fermented in addition to the bitterness. The expired powder will have very little flavor at all.
- Effectiveness – Outdated kratom powder tends to be less potent than fresh powder. You may notice that your usual dosage has little effect. The alkaloids that provide pain relief, energy, and other benefits have started to degrade, making the kratom far less effective.
Proper storage for maximum freshness
- Keep it cool – Heat and humidity speed up the expiration process for kratom powder. Store your powder in an airtight container, in a cool dark place like a cupboard or pantry. Avoid keeping powder in hot areas near a stove or in direct sunlight.
- Use air-tight containers – To prevent moisture from contaminating your supply, use an airtight container like a mason jar, ziplock bags with the air pressed out, or special tinted plastic or glass bottles designed to store kratom powder. Remove excess air from storage containers before sealing to keep the powder fresh longer.
- Freeze it – Freezing kratom powder can essentially pause the expiration process. If you buy your powder in bulk or don’t use it frequently, consider keeping some of your supply in the freezer to pull from later. Use ice cube trays to measure out single doses in advance. Transfer frozen powder to an airtight container to prevent condensation after removing from the freezer.
How long does kratom powder stay fresh?
If stored properly in a cool, dry, dark place in airtight containers, kratom powder will last a long time.
- 6 to 12 months at room temperature
- 2+ years in the freezer
what is kratom? Fresher kratom powder may last a few months beyond these estimates if you take exceptional care in extending its lifespan. Powder stored in hot, humid environments may spoil faster than average. Be sure to keep close tabs on your supply of kratom powder to ensure you always have fresh, high-quality powder stocked. Get in the habit of taking inventory and inspecting containers periodically.
Be a smart kratom consumer
Checking for signs of freshness and always using properly stored kratom powder reduces health risks. Avoid buying more powder than you can use before it expires to prevent waste and accidental use of spoiled powder. If ordering online, try to purchase smaller quantities more frequently to ensure you always have fresh powder on hand. Store your current kratom stash properly to optimize potency and longevity. Paying attention to expiration means your next kratom tea, smoothie or capsule will be palatable, safe, and pleasantly potent.
