By Brian Maslach
As effective as Beta Red is for improving performance, it does have one weak spot: when exposed to moisture, the powder can turn into a solid Beta Red brick!
This happens because the nitrate-rich, freeze-dried beet juice powder we use is high in hydrophilic nitrogenous pigments called betacyanins and betaxanthins. These compounds contain free hydrophilic functional groups that readily form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, causing the powder to absorb moisture from its environment. In simple terms, Beta Red loves H₂O so much that it will even pull water molecules from the air.
Keep your Beta Red dry to maintain its free flowing state!
While this property helps Beta Red dissolve quickly when mixed, it’s not ideal for storage—especially in high-humidity environments.
If you live in a humid climate, or store Beta Red near moisture sources such as above a stove or kettle, it’s important to press out as much air as possible and fully reseal the pouch between uses. This can be tricky if powder gets caught in the pouch’s seal. For that reason, I recommend placing the entire Beta Red pouch inside a large, resealable Ziploc bag—ideally the 2-gallon size—for extra protection. I've also used a vacuum seal coffee bean storage canister, but prefer the simplicity of a Ziploc bag when it comes to traveling with my Beta Red.
It's also a good idea to keep Beta Red in a cool location, ideally below 70°F (21°C), to protect nutrients. While room temperature is often fine, cooler is better; avoid the fridge or freezer unless properly vacuum-sealed to prevent condensation.
Please let me know if you try, or have tried, other storage alternatives to keep your Beta Red fresh and dry.