As part of my research for this piece, I went into the supermarket to count the number of products with “high protein” on their packaging – a few aisles in, I realised the scale of the task ahead of me.
I wasn’t looking for wholefoods naturally high in protein, but rather foods that have been engineered to have a higher protein total. By the end, I’d accrued an extensive list including crisps, cereal, cheese, chocolate bars, yoghurt, noodles, bread, ready meals, milkshakes, pasta and pizza – a food that, while not a bastion of health, is pretty high in protein anyway.
Branding is designed to encourage purchases, and the healthy connotations associated with the phrase “high protein” serve as additional motivation to part with your cash. Protein helps build and repair bodily tissues such as muscle, while also supporting other important processes such as hormone regulation and immune function. These benefits have been well-publicised in recent years, and as a result, many people want more of it.
But are these high-protein products really necessary?
