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Why is the US currently obsessed with protein? (feddit.org)

submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) by ki4jgt@feddit.org to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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Every food commercial, advertisement, and packaging in the US is currently protein obsessed. I just bought 3 burritos, and the most noticeable thing on the entire package is its protein content. TV commercials about waffles are advertising that they have X amount of protein per serving. The products in my jobsite's vending machine have protein all over every package.

Did America have a protein thing recently?

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[-] lemmelemmy@feddit.org 1 points 1 minute ago

This might need confirming so take it with a grain of salt

I heard because GLP-1 treatments got super cheap in US lately everyone is getting slimmer. So slimming doesn’t seem as a luxury anymore. And because meat quality went down massively and expensive - protein is the new luxury and “bulking up” is the new trend rather than slimming.

Typical American market manipulation.

[-] Blackmist@feddit.uk 6 points 2 hours ago

I noticed that during the big egg "crisis" where eggs went up to the price we normally pay in the UK. Turns out they were gobbling them up like fucking Gaston for "protein". I get through maybe half a dozen in a particularly eggy week...

No mention of fibre though. Their arses must be split asunder.

[-] mirshafie@europe.pub 1 points 11 minutes ago

They don't eat real fiber. They gobble up all of the sterculia gum which, coincidentally, is now also not available for people who need it for medical reasons worldwide.

[-] corruptmagician@lemmy.world 1 points 30 minutes ago

Some of us just like deviled eggs.

[-] devedeset@lemmy.zip 3 points 1 hour ago

I'm sure some people are chugging eggs for protein but it isn't the norm and that is not at all what led to eggs being more expensive in the US. It was bird flu outbreaks combined with new regulations in some states coming into effect. In my state everything now has to be "cage free" which came into effect right around the whole egg price spike, but from what I can tell the price spike was mostly due to bird flu

[-] mirshafie@europe.pub 1 points 8 minutes ago* (last edited 7 minutes ago)

Bird flu is not over either. I usually only buy eggs from hens that can go outside, but for a few years hens weren't allowed outside because of bird flu.

[-] drolex@sopuli.xyz 3 points 2 hours ago

I buy PROTEIN-packed twinkies to grow humongous MUSCLES so my mom knows that I have SEX with many ladies and I want everyone to rest assured that I am a big HETEROSEXUAL man in my Thunderfalconcougarbird

[-] eyekaytee@lemmy.world 2 points 2 hours ago

Why is this place so mentally ill?

[-] Raiderkev@lemmy.world 7 points 3 hours ago

Ozempic. People on it can't handle sugars and carbs as well.

[-] you_are_dust@lemmy.world 4 points 1 hour ago

I think this is the correct answer. A shocking amount of people are on these weight loss drugs. When you are on these medications, you're given guidelines for a high protein diet. Because these drugs make you lose weight pretty fast. I know several people taking these medications and it's buy everything high protein because the drugs make you not want to eat at all so you need as much protein as possible when you do.

[-] Tollana1234567@lemmy.today 4 points 4 hours ago

i think its the anti fat messaging, and sugar messaging going on.

[-] edgyspazkid@lemmy.wtf 2 points 3 hours ago

In Poland we also have this. A lot of products of have a huge infromarion how much protein it has or comercials in big cities with a new prootein products

[-] finallymadeanaccount@lemmy.world 4 points 7 hours ago

Because every time they try to eat something, it's recalled.

[-] socsa@piefed.social 19 points 14 hours ago

Influencer slop. That's literally it.

[-] Soleos@lemmy.world 8 points 14 hours ago* (last edited 13 hours ago)

This thread rightly points out all the excesses of capital-fueled social trends.

Less mentioned is that a higher protein breakfast ~20-30g vs traditional carb-heavy breakfast is actually helpful for more stable morning energy (less sugar crash), cognitive clarity, and reduced snack cravings especially later in the day. Search any of your reputable health sources and you'll likely find something to that effect. I don't believe it's particularly disputed at this point.

[-] BeliefsOnTrain@lemmy.world 1 points 3 hours ago

Wait, what about morning pasta, I feel they work fine for me. Should I switch to morning sausages?

[-] fyzzlefry@retrolemmy.com 1 points 8 hours ago

Is it because of less carb or high protein? If I eat veggies do I get the same result?

[-] ricecake@sh.itjust.works 2 points 4 hours ago

Mostly no, but the mostly is because most vegetables aren't as high in protein. If you eat protein rich vegetables the effect holds.
Some starches and fiber also have the effect, since metabolism is complicated. I believe potato is quite high on the satiety index, as are apples.

Basically it's that your body just absorbs sugar and doesn't spend time on it, so it doesn't satisfy you. Carbs are pretty quick, but depending on the fiber content it can more than make up for it. Your body cherishes fat so it tries to get you to drink it. Protein is useful calories that take a lot of work to rip up, and they occupy space.

An apple and a bowl of lentil curry will fill you up.

[-] Soleos@lemmy.world 1 points 5 hours ago

Protein takes longer to metabolize into energy than carbs, hence you don't crash like with carbs. Starchy veggies give you carbs, low-carb veggies don't have protein or carbs so you'll just be extra tired.

[-] captainlezbian@lemmy.world 17 points 17 hours ago

A lot of Americans have been convinced lack of protein is why they keep gaining weight and aren't muscular. Testosterone is in a similar position. These can be concerns for people who are low in them, or for people struggling at high levels of fitness. But it's largely just influence from diet influencers repeating gym bro advice.

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this post was submitted on 27 Aug 2026

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