A study published in Nutrients has raised concerns about the health impact of processed high-protein foods. Despite their protein content, these foods often contain high levels of sodium, saturated fat, and free sugars—ingredients that can negatively affect health.
Getting enough protein is crucial for maintaining proper bodily functions, and there has been a surge in the popularity of high-protein foods in recent years. Products labeled as high-protein are often perceived as healthier than regular foods, leading many consumers to reach for them more frequently. However, a new study evaluating the nutritional content of some high-protein processed foods suggests that despite their protein claims, these products may not always be the best choice.
The research team examined 4,325 processed foods from the Spanish food database BADALI between June 2022 and March 2024. These products were readily available in Spanish supermarkets and included nutritional information on their packaging. The foods were categorized into 12 types: energy bars, breakfast cereals, crackers, dairy products, and plant-based meats. Products labeled with protein in the main image on their packaging or the supermarket website were classified as high-protein foods.
The study revealed that 13% of the foods analyzed (561 items) were classified as high-protein. Plant-based meats had the highest proportion of high-protein products, with around 70% claiming the protein. Additionally, about 60% of the high-protein foods contained added protein.
However, the research team’s consideration of other nutrients, including fat, raised a genuine concern. While high-protein foods differed from regular foods in sugar, carbohydrates, total fat, and saturated fat content, there was no significant difference in sodium, calories, or dietary fiber content.
While high-protein foods often boast lower sugar and carbohydrate levels, they can have trade-offs in other areas. For instance, while high-protein energy bars may contain less sugar and carbs, they often have higher saturated fat levels than regular energy bars. Similarly, while high-protein milk alternatives may be lower in carbs and sugar, they can pack more total fat.
To assess the overall health quality of these products, the research team employed a nutrient profile model developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This model evaluates key ingredients such as sodium, fats, and free sugars to help determine whether a product is healthy or unhealthy.
As a result, 90.8% of the high-protein foods were rated as less healthy. About ods contained artificial sweeteners; approximately 25% had high free sugars or saturated fats levels, and more than 50% had high fat or sodium.
In comparison, only 77.7% of non-high-protein foods (those not marketed as high-protein) were rated less healthy.
The study also revealed important differences in food type. For example, more than 61% of high-protein milk and dairy products were rated less healthy, while only 22% of regular (non-high-protein) milk and dairy products received the same less healthy rating.
Nutrition experts have long warned that processed foods are not inherently healthy. They caution against misinterpreting high-protein processed foods as health foods because they contain added protein. Experts explain that when manufacturers remove sugar or add protein, they may compensate by adding more preservatives and other additives to maintain flavor and texture.
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