Summary
High-protein snacks are popular in grocery stores, with many products labeled as "high-protein." However, some products might not be as beneficial as they seem because they still contain lots of sugar. To check if these snacks are worth eating, you can calculate how much of the food's total calories come from protein.
Key Facts
- Protein is a nutrient needed for building and repairing muscles and supports the immune system.
- High-protein snacks have become common in stores, including products like chips and candy.
- Some snack packages highlight their protein content but might also have a lot of sugar.
- The protein-snacks market is expected to grow significantly, from $50 billion in 2024 to $101 billion by 2032.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) controls marketing claims on food, but "high-protein" labels are often used to suggest healthiness.
- To evaluate a snack's protein value, multiply the grams of protein by 4 (calories per gram), and divide this number by the total calories to find the protein percentage of total calories.
- For example, a snack with 20 grams of protein and 200 total calories means 40% of its calories come from protein.
