PROTEIN IS HAVING A MOMENT. AND IT'S NOT JUST AT THE GYM.
Protein yoghurts. Protein cereals. Protein bars. Protein-ready meals. Take a walk around your local supermarket, and you'll notice one word popping up just about everywhere.
PROTEIN.
Once associated mainly with bodybuilders, gym shakes and fitness fanatics, protein has officially made its way into the everyday shopping basket, but why is everything suddenly labelled high-protein? And is more protein always better?
Let's get into it.
Why Are High-Protein Foods Suddenly Everywhere?
It's not just your imagination. The UK's appetite for protein is growing.
According to NielsenIQ, sales of protein-focused foods increased by 9.6% over a 26-week period, significantly outperforming overall grocery growth.
And supermarkets are paying attention.
From protein-packed breakfasts to high-protein ready meals, retailers are expanding their ranges to meet growing demand. Sainsbury's has even reported a 57% year-on-year increase in online searches for high-protein products. Clearly, shoppers aren't just picking up protein products by accident. They're actively looking for them.
Protein Isn't Just for Bodybuilders Anymore
Remember when protein meant a giant tub of powder and a shaker bottle? Those days are long gone.
Today, people are thinking about protein for all sorts of reasons, from supporting an active lifestyle to maintaining muscle as they get older, and there's good reason for that. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, making it an essential part of a balanced diet. But you don't need to spend five days a week in the gym to benefit from eating enough of it. Protein is something everybody needs.
From Protein Shakes to Protein Snacks
One of the biggest changes in supermarkets is the sheer variety of protein-containing foods now available.
It's no longer just shakes and bars. You'll find protein claims on everything from yoghurts and cereals to wraps, ready meals and savoury snacks, and that makes sense. Busy lifestyles mean people want convenient foods that fit around work, commuting, workouts and everything in between.
At The Curators, we think snacks should be part of that conversation too, because why should getting some protein into your day mean giving up your favourite crunchy snacks?
Our range includes lentil-based Protein Chips, crunchy Pork Puffs, Biltong and Cheesies made from cheese.
Different snacks. Different flavours. One thing in common.
BIG CRUNCH. BIG FLAVOUR.
Does High-Protein Automatically Mean Healthy?
Here's where things get interesting.
Just because a product has HIGH PROTEIN written across the packaging doesn't automatically make it the best choice for everyone.
In the UK, foods must meet specific requirements to carry protein nutrition claims.
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Source of protein: At least 12% of the food's energy must come from protein.
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High protein: At least 20% of the food's energy must come from protein.
But protein is only one part of the nutritional picture.
It's still worth checking calories, saturated fat, salt, ingredients and portion sizes to understand what you're eating. A protein label can be useful. It just shouldn't be the only thing you look at.
Are We Becoming Too Obsessed With Protein?
With protein appearing on everything from breakfast cereals to desserts, it's fair to ask whether we've taken things a little too far.
The truth is, most adults can meet their protein needs through a varied, balanced diet and while people who exercise regularly may have different requirements, eating more protein than you need isn't automatically better.
The key is finding a balance that works for your lifestyle. That means enjoying a variety of foods, choosing protein sources that suit your needs, and not getting too distracted by the latest food trend. After all, food should still taste good.
High-Protein Snacks That Don't Compromise on Crunch
We're all for making more informed food choices, but we're also firm believers that snacks should be something you actually look forward to eating. Whether it's our lentil-based Protein Chips, crunchy Cheesies, Biltong or Pork Puffs, The Curators is all about bringing big flavour to everyday snacking.
Perfect for the office snack drawer, your gym bag or that all-important Friday night on the sofa, because protein might be having its moment, but great-tasting snacks never go out of style.
Is the Protein Trend Here to Stay?
From dedicated high-protein supermarket ranges to more protein-conscious shoppers, it's clear that protein has moved well beyond the sports nutrition aisle and while food trends will come and go, the growing interest in understanding what's in our food is no bad thing.
Our advice? Read the labels. Find what works for you. And don't forget to enjoy what you're eating.
PROTEIN MIGHT BE EVERYWHERE. BUT BORING SNACKS DON'T HAVE TO BE.
SNACKS THAT GET YOU MOVING.
