Consumers take protein intake to the next level
Interest in increasing the amount of the nutrient consumed each day has producers delivering boosted bites.
A few weeks ago, one of my LinkedIn contacts (who shall remain anonymous) whined that producers firms were packing too much protein in foods. “Stop the madness!” they declared. “Enough is enough!”
They might not be alone in bemoaning the protein onslaught, but they’re likely outnumbered. Consumers can’t get enough of the nutrient, and many bakery and snack producers are delivering. Higher-than-average levels can be found in items like Superpretzel’s protein-packed twists, tortilla chips and other snacks from Simply Protein, and more.
How much protein should we all be getting, anyway? The answer is, frustratingly, “It depends.” Experts from the Mayo Clinic suggest that protein should account for anywhere from 10% to 35% of your daily intake; assuming you gobble about 2,000 calories a day, that means you should eat anywhere from about 50 g of protein a day, to 175 g (that’s a really broad range, Mayo).
The just-issued new Dietary Guidelines under the new administration are not yet clear on protein. However, the previous USDA guidelines suggest adults get about 6-oz (170 g) each day—give or take a bit, depending on age and other factors. For example, highly active folks need more to support their muscle health and keep their energy up. Fans of the romantic drama Heated Rivalry know that leads Shane and Ilya as pro hockey players need a high level of protein. They fuel up with smoothies, lean meats, and (most famously) boosted tuna melts. When star Connor Storrie visited the Today Show set, staff whipped up a version of the open-faced sandwich; depending on the precise ingredients used, the dish could pack up to 70 g of protein per two-slice serving, a decent amount to help keep up energy for activities on and off the ice (ahem).
Image Courtesy: Krissy Downey / TODAYAs a woman over 50 who’s pretty active and also living with diabetes, I need more protein than the average American. However, with a diminished appetite from the drugs I take, I don’t always feel like eating much, I appreciate the protein-boosted bars and bites that help me keep my energy and muscle mass up.
What’s your take on protein intake? I’d love to hear about your personal levels, and what your company is doing to fuel consumers’ need for more. Drop a line at spinnerj@bnpmedia.com and let’s talk.
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