Avoiding the Marketing Hype Around Protein: What You Really Need to Know
The protein industry is booming, and with that comes an overwhelming amount of marketing designed to make you think you need more protein—more shakes, more bars, more snacks labeled “high protein.” But the truth is, most of these products are just highly processed foods with added whey protein or other protein isolates, and they are not the healthiest way to get your protein.
“High Protein” on a Label Usually Means Highly Processed
If a food product is loudly advertising its protein content, chances are it’s loaded with processed ingredients to boost the numbers. Most of the time, that means whey protein, soy protein isolate, or other protein concentrates that don’t exist in nature. While they may increase the protein content on the label, they also come with insulin-spiking effects and unnecessary additives.
Protein bars, for example, often contain a long list of ingredients, including artificial sweeteners and fillers—all of which can cause digestive issues. Just because something is labeled as “high protein” doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
If You Must Have a Protein Bar… Keep It Simple
Most protein bars on the market are just glorified candy bars with added protein powder. If you must grab a protein bar, look for one with minimal, real food ingredients.
One option that comes to mind is RX Bars, which use egg whites and nuts as the protein sources. However, some flavors contain added sugar, so you still need to check the label and be mindful of what you’re choosing.
The Best High-Protein Foods Don’t Need a Label
The real high-protein foods you should be eating don’t come in flashy packaging with protein claims. They’re just food.
If you want high-quality protein, focus on:
- Meat
- Chicken
- Fish
- Eggs
- Tofu or edamame
- Nuts and seeds
These whole food sources give you everything you need—without unnecessary additives, insulin-spiking ingredients, or gimmicky marketing. When you eat real food, you don’t need to obsess over protein content because you’re getting all the protein your body needs naturally.
