Protein Intake: Are Food Trends Making Us Confused?

Protein-maxxing is having a moment. New research from AEG suggests that one in two Brits have increased their protein intake in the past year, making it the most widely adopted recent nutrition trend. But as social media drives the boom, many people are struggling to see through the noise.

The trend in numbers

According to the same research, 39% named protein-maxxing as the trend they had adopted, and 65% said the volume of food trends is confusing and conflicting. TikTok searches for high protein ideas have also surged.

What a dietitian says

Imogen Wolsey, a dietitian at Symprove, explains that social media has made nutrition information more accessible, but it makes it easy to turn a single nutrient into a trend. Our overall dietary pattern and the variety of foods we eat matter far more than any one buzzword.

Do you need more protein?

Protein is essential for growth, repair and maintenance, and it supports muscle health. It can also help you feel full. But more is not necessarily better. How much you need depends on your age, body size and activity level.

Easy ways to eat more variety

• Add beans or lentils to a pasta sauce.
• Sprinkle nuts and seeds on breakfast.
• Include eggs, fish, tofu or lean meat in main meals.
• Cook from scratch where you can, so you control what goes in.

What about fibre?

Fibre is the next big buzzword. Most people in the UK are not reaching the recommended 30g a day, so wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds are a positive goal for many of us.

Keep it simple

You do not need shakes, bars or ready meals to eat well. Build balanced meals around whole foods, and if you have specific health needs, speak to a registered dietitian or your GP.

Looking for more? Read our guides to an autumn wellbeing reset, spending time in nature, or head back to the Brew and Browse home page.