Why you need to go easy with all that protein-snacking

From popcorn to beer, the protein hype is real, but experts warn against over-consuming these 'fortified' foods

- Shrenik Avlani

Protein mania moved beyond the gyms and fitness world a long time ago. Today, everyone, irrespective of whether they workout or not, talks about protein. It is a favourite conversation starter in social situations and even children aren't safe anymore as parents invariably ask their young ones, "What protein did you eat?"

With healthy snacks—from protein chips and protein lassi to protein ice cream and protein popcorn—all around us, snacking for comfort or joy is frowned upon. But if that wasn't enough, a protein beer, believe it or not, has just been launched. Yes, a nutrition company has actually made a beer with 5 grams of protein and 0.5 percent of alcohol per can. This shows how irrational our current focus on protein has become.

"In many ways, protein has gone from being a fundamental nutrient to a trendy product. While awareness about protein is important, the marketing has blurred the line between genuine health needs and consumerism. Not every snack needs to be "protein-fortified" to be considered healthy," says Pooja Udeshi, a sports nutrition consultant at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.