INTRO

That small card at the bottom of your pre-workout powder is there for a reason- to keep your powder dry and ready for use. 

A desiccant card does this by absorbing excess moisture that prevents clumping in addition to making your powder last longer on the counter.

Ever wondered why the card is there?

Surprise. Your pre-workout has a secret ally that fights against moisture and spoiling.

Why Do Pre-Workout Powders Lump?

What are those cards sitting on the bottom of those pre-workout tubs?

Desiccant cards are tiny cards that’ll soak up all the water in them if it reaches in there to keep something fresh in it.

Anything excess that does get left inside when someone opens a container after some time. The arch enemy of those powders you take-the moisture. 

In this sense, the clumping may present the issue of spoilage: 

Those cards preserve your powders from all that get wet and, therefore turn into mush, lumpy stuff so you aren’t made too miserable having to take them out. 

Additionally, it is crucial to highlight that these are only moisture out-keeping cards. These cards are not intended to be consumed; once the product is consumed, the cards can be discarded.

Moisture Absorption

Pre-workout powders are hygroscopic in nature. Once you open the container, moisture from the air will start entering it if the container is not tightly sealed again after opening. This is because the moisture causes the powder particles to clump together due to the sticking nature of moisture.

Hygroscopic Ingredients

Creatine, beta-alanine, and caffeine are hygroscopic. These are common in pre-workouts, which gives us the energy, endurance, and strength we look for. However, because they are hygroscopic, they will tend to clump up if exposed to any level of humidity.

Temperature and Humidity Effects

This develops such high chances of clumping if your pre-workout remains in a humid or warm environment. Ideally, it should be kept in a cool, dry place. When stored in conditions having higher humidity, the particles of the powder bond themselves, creating a thick texture that makes it difficult to mix and measure properly.

Benefits of Desiccant Cards in Pre-Workouts

Moisture Control

Essentially, the desiccant cards act like moisture magnets. By soaking up the excess moisture inside the container, these cards will keep your pre-workout fresh and prevent clumping from happening. It is very useful in humid places or when you tend to leave the container open for a longer time.

With desiccant cards, you are avoiding clumping and extending the shelf life of the product. With moisture being one of the leading causes of product degradation, desiccant cards have ensured that your pre-workout stays effective for longer due to the absence of any moisture.

Better Consistency

Nobody likes clumps, and it’s more than just a matter of convenience. Well mixed pre-workout provides for dosing consistency; this means that in every scoop, you receive the perfect ratio of the ingredients. The use of desiccant cards keeps the dosing consistency; hence you scoop and mix easily each time.

How to Store Pre-Workout Powders Correctly

The desiccant card isn’t the only brain-based element; storage is pretty smart too. Here is how you can make certain your pre-workout powder always remains fresh and ready for use.

Optimal Storage 

Keep your pre-workout in a cool and dry location, out of sunlight and moisture sources such as sinks or windows.

Do and Don’t with Desiccant Cards  

Always keep it in the pail till you have depleted it with your last scoop of the pre-workout mixture. Make sure not to swallow this by mistake-it’s n’t for this purpose.

When to Upgrade Your Pre-Workout Powder

It is time when the scoopable powder product becomes too lumpy, when the colour is changed off-flavor becomes a problem to avoid using any more, thus time has come to ditch even when there is powdered stuff inside the container or pouch.

FAQs

Are desiccant cards safe in case of ingestive behavior?

No, do not consume the desiccant cards. If you happen to ingest one by mistake, consult a doctor because they are for drying purposes only.

Can I throw the card at the bottom of the canister?

While it causes no damage, it is advisable to leave the desiccant card in the canister since this ensures your powder stays smooth and lump-free for a longer time.

What do I do if my pre-workout stays lumpy even with the card?

Store it in a cooler, drier place. If it is still clumping, you may be able to break it up with a spoon, but clumping doesn’t matter to its efficacy.

Is it normal for pre-workout powders to clump over time?

Yes, because of the hygroscopic ingredients in pre-workouts. Desiccant cards minimize this, but they cannot get rid of it entirely.

How long can pre-workout powders stay fresh if stored properly?

With good storage practices and desiccant cards, the pre-workout powders can remain fresh for months, but it is always best to check the date on the container.

Conclusion

Those little desiccant cards at the bottom of your pre-workout container might not seem like much, but they do a lot for keeping your pre-workout fresh, clump-free, and effective. A little understanding of why it’s there and a simple step to store your supplement properly will ensure that that scoop is as good as the first.