When the benefits of Kratom were first discovered more than 200 years ago, natives in Southeast Asia began experimenting with different harvesting and drying methods. This was done to produce different Kratom strains with varying effects and benefits. Kratom cultivators soon learned that numerous variables play an important role in how long the Kratom powder lasts before spoiling. Thanks to modernized agricultural equipment and advanced packaging technologies, we’re now able to extend the shelf life of Kratom far beyond the 2-3 weeks it lasted centuries ago.
So, what is Kratom’s shelf life, can you take expired Kratom, and what steps can you take to make your Kratom last as long as possible?
Read on to find out the signs that your Kratom extracts may be expired.
UNDERSTANDING KRATOM SHELF LIFE
Trapped within the cellular walls of Kratom leaves are more than 20 unique, identifiable plant alkaloids, also called phytochemicals. The two most important of these – the alkaloids that are principally responsible for Kratom’s positive benefits – are Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine.
Unfortunately, phytochemicals like Mitragynine and 7-Hydroxymitragynine don’t last forever. The natural process of entropy causes molecular bonds to break and, given enough time, even the best-protected and most carefully packed Kratom powder will lose its efficacy.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE KRATOM TO GO BAD?
Alkaloids begin to break down within a few weeks to months. Without any external factors to influence the speed of degradation, you can expect most Kratom products to last for a few weeks to months and then begin to lose their potency due to alkaloid loss.
This is why Kratom companies like Kats Botanicals work so hard to find the most innovative protective packaging – to protect the alkaloids and the integrity of the Kratom products you use. It is important that you store your Kratom properly, exercise care not to expose the product to moisture or contaminants, and always re-seal your products properly after use so your Kratom is protected.
FACTORS THAT CAN MAKE KRATOM SPOIL
There are a few ways Kratom powder potency can be unnecessarily weakened. These include:
- Exposure to moisture
- Exposure to prolonged UV radiation (i.e. direct sunlight)
- Infiltration of mold, mildew, or fungi
Kratom powder is susceptible to its environment. Therefore, we take extra steps to process our Kratom capsules and powders in clean rooms with advanced filtration systems. In addition, we use airtight, stay-fresh packaging that is zipper-resealable for freshness.
EXTENDING KRATOM SHELF LIFE
The good news is that there are even more measures that can be taken to help preserve Kratom potency and purity. These measures are meant to combat environmental conditions that can infiltrate Kratom powder and compromise its quality.
HOW TO KEEP KRATOM FRESH LONGER
To get the longest shelf life from your Kratom powder or capsules, follow these steps:
- Store your Kratom in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Keep your Kratom in its original packaging.
- Use a clean, dry measuring spoon or cup when preparing your serving.
If you follow the steps above, your favorite Red Vein, Green Vein, or White Vein Kratom strains and Kratom blends should last for at least 8-12 weeks before they begin losing their potency.
You can also store your Kratom in the freezer or refrigerator. But to prevent condensation from getting inside your Kratom supply, leave the bag on the counter and bring it to room temperature before opening.
Though Pinterest and Instagram worthy, those cute glass jars to store your Kratom look great on the shelf, but are not protective enough. Kratom does best when kept in its original packaging, which was designed to protect the product.
Lastly, keep out of the reach of children or animals.
SIGNS KRATOM PRODUCT IS BAD
If you are feeling like your Kratom just isn’t “working” anymore – how long have you had it and how have you stored it? If you think your Kratom may be losing potency or may be compromised, you may have to buy fresh products. Whatever form of Kratom you use, make sure to regularly inspect it to be sure it is still good.
KRATOM EXPIRATION DATES
Your Kratom may have an expiration date on the packaging. Check the labeling for this information, and if in doubt, reach out to the Kratom vendor to ask this question. Our staff here at Kats Botanicals is happy to provide whatever information you need about our products to use them safely and satisfactorily. Simply visit any page on our website and use the chat feature!
KRATOM FRESHNESS
When it comes to buying Kratom, never settle for poorly packaged, questionable supplies, even if you find a really cheap price on them. Cheaper products may seem like a good deal, but if you are buying subpar products, then you’re wasting your money and potentially risking your health.
Buy high-quality Kratom that’s screened for freshness and potency. This is easy to do by always purchasing Kratom from vendors who take product freshness seriously.
At Kats, if our imported Indonesian Kratom does not meet our high standards, the batches are destroyed. We only accept the highest possible freshness and potency for all our Kratom strains. This is so the alkaloids in Kratom are in the right amounts and the product, having been shipped across seas, are still fresh and perfect for you!
KRATOM CONTAMINATION
Look for mold, mildew, or inclusions. Kratom powder should be fine, consistent, and uniformly colored. If your Kratom has a musty, offensive odor, do not use it, and discard it immediately. Fresh Kratom has a distinct earthy and natural smell.
KRATOM PRODUCT DAMAGE
Sometimes Kratom products are damaged due to a mishap in Kratom storage. Because Kratom products are easily compromised, it’s important to ensure that your Kratom investment is protected.
For example, if you accidentally forget a bag of Kratom Gummies in your car all day, then the product may be exposed to heat or sunshine, causing the gummy form to melt and the alkaloids to deteriorate. Either affects the potency and dosing of your product and may render the gummies useless. Remember to keep Kratom in a dry, airtight container away from the sun to extend the Kratom shelf life and strength.
Even inside your home you’ll want to be mindful of where you store your products so heat or moisture doesn’t make your Kratom go bad. For example, if you store your Kratom in an area of the house with fluctuation in temperature and moisture levels (like a garage, basement, kitchen or bathroom), then your product potency and integrity could be compromised.
DISPOSE OF OLD KRATOM
It’s ok to toss out old Kratom. It’s better to discard weak/old stock that’s hard to predict the efficacy or proper dosage, and simply fill your Kratom cabinet with fresh, new products. If you’re worried about the costs of re-stocking, we now have a Value Plus Kratom line!
To dispose of old Kratom products, keep in mind you still need to prevent ingestion by kids, pets, or wildlife. Mix powders with water and put it down the drain, or mix with water, pour in a hole outside in a low-traffic natural area, and bury with dirt. Some people opt to blend in the old Kratom product with used cat litter when disposing of the used litter (nothing is likely to eat that!)
ALWAYS BUY HIGH-QUALITY KRATOM PRODUCTS
One good way to ensure your Kratom products are potent, pure, and well-lasting is to buy good, clean Kratom products to start. Unregulated, imported products are notorious for including contaminants, heavy metals, molds, and other problems. If you buy one of these types of products:
- You may inadvertently consume something unhealthy.
- Your Kratom products may go bad quickly.
- The different forms of Kratom products may be weak.
- You could waste your money!
HOW TO SPOT CLEAN KRATOM
✅ The packaging is clear and well-labeled.
✅ The company that produced it is reputable. Adherence to the American Kratom Association‘s cGMP standards is a good sign.
✅ The packaging is sealed properly and does not appear to be tampered with.
✅ The product itself looks clean, free of debris, is consistent and uniform, and does not contain a foul odor.
✅ Look for information about third-party lab testing. Most sites will share what they test for and share the results with you in the form of Certificates of Analysis for each product. Here’s how we do Kratom testing at Kats.
KEY THINGS TO UNDERSTANDING KRATOM SHELF LIFE
Kratom can last a few weeks to months, and storing Kratom properly may extend Kratom shelf life by months! Good Kratom powder can last about a year if you take good care of it! This is because the product powder itself can be contaminated, or the active ingredients in Kratom, the alkaloids, can break down and lose their effectiveness over time.
The biggest threats to your Kratom supply are: purchasing subpar products, and exposure to sunlight, heat, moisture, or contaminants.
If you suspect tampering or degradation of your Kratom product strength – toss that Kratom! Kratom powder that’s top-of-the-line (yet affordable) is easy to procure these days. Value Plus Green Kratom, White, or Red is a good place to start if you have to replace a large Kratom supply.
Kats Botanicals is recognized as a clean vendor by the American Kratom Association. We’ve been providing excellence in Kratom care since 2016. If you have a question, we’re always happy to help spread the word about tips and tricks you can use to get the most out of every Kratom serving.
