Be careful about protein content in foods

In a market check, the Food Clarity Project examines 59 products such as muesli, bread and cheese that advertise their protein content.

More appearance than reality when it comes to protein content

Protein has a positive image: But 20 of 59 products examined contain too much salt or too much fat. Some contain no more protein than comparable products without protein advertising. And 86 percent of 59 products in the market check were more expensive than comparable foods without protein advertising.

Higher protein content: a booming segment in the supermarket

Cheese with a “high protein content”, a “vegetarian snack” or peanut butter as a “protein source”: the market for protein products is booming. A market check by the Food Clarity portal now shows: Some products that advertise their high protein content are not higher in protein than comparable foods without such advertising. At the same time, they are often more expensive than comparable products. The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations (vzbv) is calling for consumers to be better protected against such tricks.   

“The protein supply in Germany is completely sufficient and for most people there is no health benefit from consuming specialty protein products. Nevertheless, the market for often expensive protein products is booming. In fact, cheese or legumes that are explicitly advertised for their protein content are often no higher in protein than the conventional products next to them,” says Stephanie Wetzel, coordinator of the vzbv’s food clarity project.

Wide range of products with higher protein content

The range of products that advertise “protein” or “protein” is constantly growing. This not only appeals to athletes, but also to active and health-conscious people. This is also noticeable in consumer reports and questions to thesmittelklarheit.de portal. The project has therefore started a market check. In the market check, 59 protein products and 57 comparison products from relevant German retail chains were examined.

Results of the market check

The main results at a glance:

Catalog of demands of the vzbv

The vzbv therefore demands:

The Food Clarity Project

The consumer portal www.lebensmittelklarheit.de went online on July 20, 2011. The portal's offer is a joint project of the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations. V. (vzbv) with the consumer advice centers. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture based on a resolution of the German Bundestag.

Conclusion

There is a wide range of foods that advertise their protein content. According to a study by the Food Clarity Project, consumers should be very careful here. The higher protein content is often accompanied by a higher salt or fat content. In comparison, some foods contain no more protein at all. And very often, products that claim to have a higher protein content are significantly more expensive than products with comparable protein content. The Federal Association of Consumer Organizations is calling for better protection for consumers and is drawing up a list of demands on how such products should be labeled in the future.

Source: Federal Association of Consumer Organizations

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