Nesquik Chocolate Powder is one of the most popular cocoa alternatives out there, adored by consumers of all ages around the world.
Made with no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners, it is also enriched with iron and a variety of vitamins to offer a delicious and health-conscious drink choice.
But if it is a chocolate drink, does Nesquik Powder expire? The simple answer is yes, but in truth, it is somewhat more complicated. Nesquik doesn’t ‘go bad’ or spoil, as such. Instead, Nesquik Powder loses its potency over time, often causing no physical illness but tasting significantly worse after it passes its expiration date.
However, that is not to say that Nesquik cannot cause you any harm. Improperly storing cocoa powder after you have opened it can invite the development of mould, which can cause serious harm if consumed.
Therefore, it is handy to know how to keep your Nesquik good for as long as you can. Our guide will have the answers to all your questions about Nesquik Powder and its expiration date, as well as a few handy tips to making it last longer.
How Do You Read the Nesquik Powder Expiration Code?
Unlike other drinks that can go bad and spoil, Nesquik has no shelf life. Instead, it has an advisory best before date, which indicates the point at which the powder will begin to lose its taste, smell, and flavor.
Depending on the age of your package and where it was purchased, the best before date will be placed either on the back or the bottom of your container.
The best before date will be formatted as ‘Month Year’, with a production code adjacent to it. These production codes do not pertain to the expiration of the product but rather is used to identify units that are part of recalled batches.
Be careful: it can be a little hard to read against the background, particularly if the container has been damaged, or the text has begun to fade with age. If you cannot read the best before date because the container is damaged, it is probably safe to assume the contents have been contaminated and that it should be thrown away.
How Long Can Unopened Nesquik Powder Last?
Nesquik will not go bad unless it has been contaminated or moistened, allowing mould to begin to develop. While this is a real concern to those who have opened their containers, it is usually less so to those who have not.
However, although the Nesquik container is sturdy, this isn’t to say that it is indefinitely impenetrable. One must assume that, unless it is kept in laboratory conditions, its packaging will eventually be breached. For this reason, consider unopened Nesquik to last between two to 10 years after the printed “best before” date.
How Long Does Nesquik Powder Last After Being Opened?
Nesquik will not spoil unless it has been contaminated. However, it will begin to lose its taste and flavor over time, making it a far less appealing beverage.
The process of your Nesquik Powder losing its taste will begin as soon as it is opened. It will become noticeable around the time of your packages best before date. In general, Nesquik will be drinkable – with a diminished flavor – up to two years after it was first opened. However, this also depends on whether it was stored properly.
How to Store Nesquik Powder?
Nesquik Powder should always be stored in a cool dry place, making your pantry the ideal location to keep it.
But there are also a few other conditions to keep in mind if you would like to get the most out of your Nesquik:
- Unlike some other lower quality cocoa powder, Nesquik comes in a container sturdy and robust enough to maintain it to the end of its shelf life. No need to transplant its contents, but if you do, ensure the new container is clean and completely dry.
- Cocoa powder is particularly susceptible to oxidation, so be sure not to leave it out or open for any longer than you must.
- Always use a clean and dry utensil to scoop your powder to avoid cross-contamination or adding water to the dry powder. This can cause your powder to expire prematurely or mould.
- Finally, humid environments can cause your Nesquik’s life expectancy to decrease, thanks to the effect it will have on the powder while open. As soon as your powder becomes wet, it can begin to grow mould.
What Happens If You Drink Expired Nesquik?
Like other cocoa powders, unless it has been contaminated, Nesquik will not spoil with time. As a result, it is not likely to cause any adverse side effects or illness to anyone who consumes it even a few years after it reaches its best before date.
However, that isn’t to say that the Nesquik will be particularly enjoyed a few years after its shelf life ends. The older preserved Nesquik gets, the weaker its flavor and aroma will be, meaning that its taste will be significantly weaker – even to the point of not having any taste at all.
So, if you drink expired Nesquik you are not likely to have any adverse effects, but it might not taste very nice.
Final Thoughts
- Nesquik Powder is a vitamin-rich chocolate drink that is adored by consumers of all ages around the world.
- As it is a dry product that does not contain milk powder, it cannot go bad unless it has been contaminated. If the powder is allowed to accrue moisture, it is likely to develop mold which can cause serious ill-health if consumed.
- The Nesquik expiration date is formatted ‘Month, Year’ and can be found on either the base or back of your unit. It is located next to a production code, which identifies the batch from which it was taken.
- If left unopened and uncontaminated, Nesquik can last for as long as ten years. If opened, it can last for as long as two years.
- Nesquik Powder should always be stored in a cool dry place, making your pantry the ideal location to keep it. For your Nesquik to last, you must ensure it kept dry and uncontaminated.
- Finally, since Nesquik cannot spoil on its own, drinking expired Nesquik will not cause ill-health. However, the powder will gradually lose its taste and flavor over time, making it far less desirable as it ages.