Starbucks just announced a new line of protein-boosted lattes — part of the booming trend of countless foods, drinks, and snacks like popcorn, pizza, donuts, and even ice cream – now offering added protein in their products. But how much protein do we really need, and what should those protein sources be? Protein is the latest trend in nutrition, but is there any nutritional value in these products? Many are not that healthy to begin with, and adding protein makes them more alluring with the illusion that they are.
Protein is a vital macronutrient essential for building and preserving muscle mass. It provides the fundamental building blocks the body uses to grow new cells, repair damaged tissues, and maintain the health of all our muscle, skin, and bones. Protein supports immune function and provides the essential enzymes to catalyze metabolism and hormone production. But your optimal protein intake depends on your weight, age, and level of physical activity. Do you want to lose weight or build muscle mass?
You can calculate how much protein you need HERE, but for myself at 125 lbs. and active, the recommended amount is about 68g./day. Say I don’t eat that in a meal, I might want to grab a protein snack on the go. “But not all protein-boosted products are created equal”, says Jamie Lee McIntyre, Nutrition Communications Consultant at Jamie Lee RDN. “Some trendy drinks or snacks use added protein as an appealing front of pack label, but may also be loaded with added sugars, saturated fat, or other unnecessary additives.” Read More
