A survey of high-protein puddings and mousses
- Project start date: 1 February 2025
- Project status: Completed
- Project type: Nutrition
- Discipline: Food reviews
- Author/s: Safefood internal research group
Research objective
- Explore people’s attitudes, perceptions, behaviours, and awareness in relation to high-protein puddings and mousses on the island of Ireland.
- Analyse the nutritional content, and ingredients of a selection of these products.
- Review the health, nutrition and marketing claims of a selection of high-protein and standard puddings and mousses available on the island of Ireland.
- Assess scientific literature published between January 2020 and February 2025 on the health effects of high-protein diets.
Outputs
Research report
- Title: A survey of high-protein puddings and mousses
- Date: 9 June 2026
- Summary: High-protein diets have become increasingly popular across the island of Ireland, leading to growth in convenient high-protein snack products. Building on Safefood’s 2019 review of high-protein snacks, this report focuses on high-protein puddings and mousses and examines their nutritional profile, marketing and public perceptions.
- Findings:
60% of people on the island of Ireland reported that they have consumed high-protein puddings and mousses. Consumption was highest among younger people (aged 16-24), particularly those who described themselves as being very active.
The main motivations for choosing these products were:
- to increase protein intake (45%)
- enjoyment of the taste (35%)
- perception that they are healthy (29%)
- as an alternative to a regular dessert (23%).
The product survey found that high-protein puddings and mousses had lower mean levels of energy, total fat, saturated fat and sugar than regular varieties, and a higher mean protein content.
All high-protein puddings and mousses surveyed met the European Food Safety Authority definition of “high-protein”, which requires that at least 20% of a product’s energy comes from protein. In these products, protein contributed to around half (49.7%) of total energy and was mainly sourced from dairy ingredients such as milk protein powder and skimmed milk.
Marketing often highlighted nutrition and performance benefits to position these products as healthy choices. Some brands combined indulgent dessert branding with fitness-focused messaging to widen their appeal.
Higher protein intakes may offer benefits, particularly for older adults and when combined with physical activity. These benefits can include supporting muscle maintenance, bone health, weight management and feelings of fullness. However, long-term high-protein diets may raise concerns for kidney health, especially among people with existing risk factors.
- Recommendations:
- Although high-protein puddings and mousses are often lower in sugar and fat than traditional versions, they should be consumed occasionally rather than as everyday snacks. Most adults on the island of Ireland already meet their protein needs through their usual diet.
- A balanced diet based on whole food sources of protein remains the most beneficial and sustainable way to meet daily protein requirements and support long-term health.
You can download the full report below.
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