Natural wellness products like Kratom are all the rage these days. Even though Kratom has been used in its native Southeast Asia for centuries, it’s still relatively new to those of us in the West. There are a lot of questions people have before trying Kratom for the first time — and one of those is regarding its shelf life.
How long does Kratom last? Do certain forms expire sooner than others? We’ve got the answers you need. Keep reading to learn all about the shelf life of Kratom.
How Long Does Kratom Last?
Kratom is shelf-stable. Like any other natural wellness product, it won’t last forever. Proper storage is essential for the longest shelf life possible, and knowing when it’s time to throw that old Kratom out will keep you from consuming anything you shouldn’t.
The Average Shelf Life of Kratom Products
Whatever type of Kratom product you have, you can expect it to last between one to two years. But certain forms last longer than others.
For example, our Kratom Capsules have a shelf life of two years. Our Liquid Kratom Shots can last for two years unopened. Once opened, we recommend you finish it quickly for the best experience.
In the proper conditions, you can expect your extract to last around two years. If you want your Kratom to last for as long as possible, proper storage is a must. Without it, Kratom can go bad faster.
Factors That Affect Kratom’s Shelf Life
Quite a few factors can influence how long Kratom lasts. The most important is storage conditions.
Another thing to consider is the container you’re keeping your Kratom in. If air gets into the container, the Kratom could begin to oxidize and become less effective. If any moisture reaches it, mold and bacteria could start growing.
Signs That Your Kratom Has Expired
Are you wondering if the Kratom you’ve been storing in the cupboard is still safe to use? Here are a few signs to look out for.
Changes in Color
Changes in color are one of the most obvious signs that your Kratom has expired. If you notice that your product looks significantly more gray or brown than when you bought it, it may be expiring.
It’s easy to tell when fresh Kratom has expired based on the color. But if you’re using Kratom Gummies or another product where color isn’t obvious, you’ll need to judge it differently.
Loss of Aroma and Flavor
Smelling your Kratom is another easy way to tell whether it's past its prime. When it's fresh, Kratom has a very earthy, botanical smell. If it starts to smell musty, it's probably expired. And if it smells sour, it could be contaminated with mold or bacteria.
We don't recommend taste-testing Kratom if you know it's expired, but you can also tell whether it's gone bad by its flavor. Kratom already has a bitter taste, but a more bitter-than-usual taste is a sign that it's expired.
Reduced Potency and Effects
If you weren’t initially wondering if your Kratom was expired, you might be after noticing weaker effects than usual. As Kratom degrades, it loses its potency. As soon as you notice weaker or shorter-lasting effects, even at higher servings, it’s time to trade your Kratom in for a new batch.
How to Properly Store Kratom to Extend Its Shelf Life
Are you noticing your Kratom losing potency a lot quicker than you had expected? It could be because you’re not storing it properly!
Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to extend Kratom’s shelf life. Here are some tips to help you keep your Kratom as fresh as possible for as long as possible.
Store in an Airtight Container
One of the easiest ways to keep your Kratom fresh is by storing it in an airtight container. Exposure to air and moisture is one of the fastest ways to degrade, oxidize, or contaminate Kratom, and airtight containers protect against all three.
Keep Kratom Away from Direct Sunlight
Over time, light can degrade the alkaloids in your Kratom. Alkaloids are what produce Kratom’s effects, and as they degrade, Kratom becomes less potent and effective.
For best results, store Kratom in a dry, cool cupboard or pantry to prevent light from reaching it. If that’s not an option, store it in an opaque container to block out sunlight.
Avoid Temperature Fluctuations
Heat and humidity are two of Kratom's worst enemies. Heat can make the leaves degrade faster, and humidity creates moisture that promotes mold and bacteria growth.
Best Storage Options for Kratom Products
Storage conditions are crucial, but storage containers are another important factor in keeping your Kratom as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Whether you need to block out light, heat, or moisture, choose a container that meets your storage needs.
Glass Jars with Tight Lids
If you’ll be storing your Kratom for a while, go with a glass jar. Glass jars with tight lids are the go-to container for storing anything long-term because they’re airtight and moisture-proof.
The one downside of a glass jar is that they’re usually transparent. To prevent alkaloid-degrading sunlight from reaching the Kratom, store your jar in a cool, dark area of your home and make sure the lid is on tight.
Mylar Bags with Ziplock Seals
Mylar is a moisture-proof and airtight material. While traditional Ziplock bags still allow air and moisture to seep through and reach the Kratom inside, mylar bags with Ziplock seals are a safe and popular option for keeping Kratom fresh for long periods of time.
Mylar bags are a good option for anyone concerned about light reaching their Kratom. The material is opaque and great at reflecting both light and heat, which is ideal for anyone who needs to leave Kratom in a room with windows.
Avoiding Plastic Bags or Containers
You should never store Kratom in a plastic bag or container. These bags or containers are typically completely transparent and allow both air and moisture through. Air and moisture can both degrade Kratom's alkaloids, and moisture alone could lead to mold or bacteria growth.
If you’ll be storing Kratom for any length of time, avoid plastic bags and containers and go for something more airtight instead.
Kratom Expiration FAQ
Does Kratom Last Longer in Capsule Form?
Kratom capsules have a similar shelf life to most other Kratom products. With proper storage, they can stay fresh for two years.
Should I Store Kratom in the Refrigerator?
Most Kratom products should stay out of the refrigerator. You never want to put dry Kratom, like powders or tablets, in the fridge because it increases the risk of moisture contaminating the product.
Summary
Kratom products last for a while, but proper storage is essential. If you want to keep your Kratom fresh for up to two years, store it in a cool, dark, and dry place. Air, moisture, and light can all degrade the alkaloids in Kratom, reducing potency over time. Moisture is especially important to avoid.
Koi Kratom products are delivered to you in containers that help to lengthen the shelf life of your products. Simply keep your koi kratom products in their original jars or bottles to easily maximize the lifespan of your kratom products.