Protein -rich snacks in trend: is the hype healthy or dangerous?

Protein -rich snacks in trend: is the hype healthy or dangerous?

Peine, Deutschland - More and more people are relying on protein -rich snacks and food that can now be found regularly on the shelves of supermarkets. Whether crepes, pasta or pizza - the selection grows rapidly. According to a report by BBC Afrique , prominent personalities such as Khloe Kardashian and ZAC EFRON boosted marketing for these products. The trend is also evident in the sales figures: In the first months of 2025, 8.3 % of the newly introduced food was already protein -rich, compared to 6.1 % in 2024 and 4.6 % in 2023.

Kiti Sininen of Mintel points out that many products that are marketed as a protein kingdom actually contain considerable amounts of natural protein. However, a personal trainer, Ethan Smith, advises that proteins prefer to be obtained from entire food instead of using heavily processed snacks. In order to be considered protein -rich, products must pull at least 12 % of their energy out of proteins. The advantages of a protein -rich diet are well known: from muscle building to sporting performance to support during pregnancy.

on protein consumption

like Dr. Paul Morgan emphasizes that 1.6 g protein per kg body weight is ideal for building muscle, while 1.2 g are useful for general health. However, there are also critical voices, especially with regard to ultra-processed protein-rich foods. Excessive consumption can lead to undesirable weight gain because excess calories are stored as fat. An example of this are the Nature Valley protein bars, which with 489 kcal per 100 g contain only slightly fewer calories than Cadbury brunch bar with 485 kcal.

The pricing also shows differences: Tesco Protein-Penne costs £ 4.80 per kg, while the normal penne only requires £ 1.29 per kg. This raises the question of whether protein -rich products are actually a sensible addition to your own diet. Experts advise you to use them in a targeted manner, especially if additional protein is needed, but not as the main component of nutrition.

The dark side of the processed foods

But not only the protein -rich food has its pitfalls. A current report by The conversation Negative effects on health, including diseases such as heart diseases, type 2 diabetes and obesity. These products are often rich in fats, sugar and salt, while they hardly offer fiber, vitamins or minerals.

The national consumption study II shows that around 50 % of the energy consumption of German adults has come from heavily processed food since the early 2000s. This could be a reason for the increasing mortality rate among the population, which further increases concern about the health effects.

A look into the future

The ability to eat healthy and the quality of the food we consume are crucial for public health. According to reports, more understanding of the dangerous elements of ultra-processed foods must be created in order to improve the safety and nutrition of these products, especially for endangered sections of the population.

in a world in which the trend towards protein -rich foods continues, the challenge of ensuring a balanced diet that preserves both nutrients and natural taste. A conscious handling of food could be the key to better well -being.

While we are waiting for the next trend on the shelves of the supermarkets, the question remains open: How can we improve our diet without relying on highly processed options? A healthy middle ground could be the key to success.