A survey of high-protein snack foods
High-protein diets have become increasingly popular on the island of Ireland.
ISBN: 978-1-905767-94-6
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Introduction
High-protein diets have become increasingly popular on the island of Ireland; between 2015 and 2017, there was a 2% increase in consumers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland who reported following high-protein diets. Consumers report high-protein diets as being beneficial for sustaining a healthy lifestyle, ensuring adequate protein intakes, enhancing muscle function, supporting bone health, managing weight, increasing energy and contributing to satiety (satisfaction of hunger) which may explain the increasing popularity of high-protein diets.
Mintel’s Global New Products Database, cited by Board Bia, stated that between 2012 and 2016 there was a 498% increase in the number of foods making “high-protein” claims in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Given that people are consuming these products for health and nutrition reasons it is important to investigate the benefits of consuming extra dietary protein.
Objectives
The specific objectives of this research were to:
- Investigate the protein intakes of adults on the island of Ireland.
- Understand consumers’ views of high-protein bars.
- Sample a selection of snack food products labelled “high protein” that are sold on the island of Ireland and review their nutritional content.
- Undertake a literature review to identify the health outcomes associated with high-protein diet.
