High Protein?… Check Again.
Because not all “protein-packed” claims are what they seem.
These days, you can’t walk two scrolls on Instagram without seeing a bar, cookie, or drink labeled “HIGH PROTEIN!” It’s on breakfast cereals. It’s on pasta. Heck, even water’s trying to get in on the protein game.
But here's the deal: A lot of these so-called “protein-rich” products? They're faking it.
Just because something contains protein… doesn’t mean it’s a good source of protein.
Enter: Protein Washing.
Think of it like greenwashing — but instead of pretending to be eco-friendly, brands slap “high protein” on the pack to ride the health wave. The truth? Many of them barely have 3–5 grams of protein per serving. That’s less than a single boiled egg.
Let’s talk about those protein chips, shall we? They might have 3-4 grams of protein per serve (yep, barely anything), but guess what else they’re loaded with? Sodium. Lots of it. To "entice your taste buds,” as they’ll say — but it’s really just salt dressed up as flavor. So while you think you’re snacking smart, you're mostly eating a salty chip with a side of marketing. Funnily enough, there will be more grams of carbs than protein per serve in a 'Protein snack', how does any of this make sense?
Here’s the Problem: The Health Halo.
Slap “high protein” on a product and suddenly it feels like a guilt-free buy. But often, that shiny label is hiding what actually matters:
- High carbs
- Saturated fats
- Artificial junk
It’s a classic bait-and-switch. The word protein distracts you from reading the rest of the label — and boom, you're trapped under the health halo.
So What Should You Watch For?
- Read beyond the front: “High-protein” should mean at least 10–20g per serving if it’s meant to support muscle health.
- Beware the halo.Just because it says “protein” doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Some of these snacks are loaded with sugar, artificial junk, or have poor overall macros.
- “High protein” ≠ always useful protein. Quantity and quality matter. Look for complete sources like whey, pea + rice, or soy.
Bottom line? Don’t get fooled by big words and bold fonts. Ask better questions. Because your health deserves more than a marketing gimmick.
