Keto Sticks: How Long Do They Last?

Keto sticks are a popular way for people on the keto diet to check if they are in ketosis. They are cheap and easy to use, but they are not very accurate, especially if you have been on the keto diet for a long time. So, how long do they last? Well, it depends on a few factors. Firstly, keto sticks have an expiration date, which is usually about two years from the manufacturing date. However, this date refers only to an unopened bottle. Once opened, keto sticks will last between one to four months. They are sensitive to air, humidity, and temperature, so it's important to store them in a cool, dry place and keep the lid on tight.

Keto sticks expire within a few months of opening

Keto sticks are a convenient and affordable way to test whether your body is in a state of ketosis, which is the goal for those on the keto diet. However, it's important to note that keto sticks do have a limited shelf life and will expire within a few months of opening.

The expiry date on a new, sealed bottle of keto sticks is typically about two years from the manufacturing date. However, this date becomes irrelevant once the bottle is opened, as exposure to air, humidity, and temperature fluctuations will cause the sticks to deteriorate. In general, keto sticks will last between one to four months after opening if stored correctly.

To maximise the lifespan of your keto sticks, it's important to keep the lid on tight and store them in a cool, dark, dry place away from humidity and extreme temperatures. Additionally, try to use the sticks within a few hours of opening the bottle, as they can start to lose effectiveness quite quickly.

It's worth noting that keto sticks may not provide accurate results if you've been on the keto diet for a long time. This is because your body becomes more efficient at creating and utilising ketones, so there may be fewer ketones present in your urine for the sticks to detect. In this case, blood keto strips or a breath meter may provide a more accurate measurement of ketone levels.

They last longer if stored in a cool, dry place

Keto strips typically last for 3-6 months after opening. However, they can be made to last longer by storing them in a cool, dry place. Humidity can cause havoc on the strips, so it is best to avoid storing them in humid places like the bathroom. Instead, keep them in a sealed container in a cool, dry location such as a cupboard or pantry. Additionally, ensure that the lid is tightly closed after each use to minimise air exposure.

The expiry date on the bottle refers only to an unopened bottle. Once opened, the strips will begin to degrade, and the expiry date is no longer valid. The speed of degradation depends on how well the strips are stored and how often the bottle is opened.

To further prolong the life of the keto strips, consider the frequency of use. The more frequently the bottle is opened, the faster the strips will expire. So, if you are testing multiple times a day, consider purchasing a new bottle to ensure accuracy.

Additionally, the keto strips should be used consistently. If you are testing at specific times of the day, such as in the morning or after a meal, try to stick to those times for the most accurate comparison.

By storing the keto strips in a cool, dry place, you can effectively slow down the degradation process and ensure that they last longer than the typical 3-6 month period.

They are cheap and easy to use

Keto sticks are a cheap and convenient way to find out if you're in ketosis. You can buy urine strip kits over the counter at your local pharmacy or supermarket, as well as online. They are relatively inexpensive and can contain anywhere from 50 to several hundred strips. The strips typically expire within three to six months after opening, so it's important to keep in mind how often you intend to use them.

Keto sticks are very easy to use. First, wash your hands, then take a urine sample in a small container. Next, immerse the absorbent end of the strip into the sample for a few seconds, then remove it and wait for the amount of time outlined on the package for the strip to change colour. Finally, compare the strip with the colour chart on the packaging. The darker the colour, the higher your ketone levels.

The biggest advantage of measuring ketosis with urine sticks is that they are incredibly cheap and typically very easy to find. The best way to purchase them is to order them online. However, it's worth noting that they are not as accurate as blood ketone meters, especially if you've been in ketosis for a long time or if you're dehydrated.

They are not very accurate, especially after long-term keto

While keto sticks are a good tool to measure whether you're in ketosis during the first few weeks of starting the keto diet, they are not very accurate, especially after long-term keto. This is because, as your body gets deeper into ketosis, it adapts to using ketones for fuel and becomes more optimized in producing them, leaving less unused.

As a result, if you've been in a keto-adapted state for many months, a keto stick may indicate that your urine contains only trace amounts of ketones, if any. This can mislead people into thinking they're no longer in ketosis, which may not be the case. In addition, the keto sticks can also give varying results based on your hydration. If you're properly hydrated, the sticks will often read a much lighter colour than if you were dehydrated.

Therefore, if you've followed a ketogenic diet for several months and want a more accurate picture of your ketone levels, blood keto strips are a more suitable option. While they are more expensive and invasive, they are the most accurate way to confirm that you're in ketosis, especially after being on keto for a long time.

There are other ways to test for ketosis

Blood Testing

Blood testing is the gold standard for testing ketone levels. It is the most accurate way to confirm that you are in ketosis, especially if you have been doing keto for a while. This method measures blood ketone levels of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the most abundant ketone body.

However, blood testing is more expensive and invasive than other methods. It requires you to prick your finger with a lancet to get a small blood sample, which is then placed on a test strip attached to a blood ketone meter.

Breath Testing

Breath testing is another way to test for ketosis. This method uses a handheld device called a breath meter or analyzer, which measures acetone (Ace), the third and least abundant ketone released via your breath.

Breath testing is affordable, but less accurate than blood testing. It is a good option for those new to keto who want a non-invasive and convenient way to test.

Lab Testing

Lab testing is the most expensive and highly accurate way to measure ketones in your serum or plasma (from your venous blood sample). However, this method is not practical for keto dieters as it requires visiting a lab or doctor's office.

Urine Testing

Urine testing is a non-invasive and convenient method to test for ketosis. It is also affordable, with urine strips available for purchase over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as online.

Urine strips are a good tool to measure ketosis during the first few weeks of starting a keto diet. However, as your body adapts to using ketones for fuel, it becomes more optimized in producing them, resulting in fewer ketones being excreted in the urine. Therefore, urine strips may not be accurate for long-term ketosis testing.

It is important to note that the accuracy of urine testing can be affected by hydration levels and the subjective interpretation of the colour change on the strip. Additionally, the strips have a short shelf life and are sensitive to air and humidity, so they should be used within 30 to 90 days of opening.

Frequently asked questions