Is Protein Powder Really Worth the Hype?

Pipsqueak1965

I use a scoop sometimes as I tend to not eat enough protein - its not my favoured way of eating, so it helps ...

shaf238

Don't see an issue with it but obviously getting your protein intake through whole foods is always the preferred option.

amorfati601070

For most of the general population its probably a waste of money. Human protein requirements are not that high anyway. Just eat food ffs.

janejellyroll

amorfati601070 wrote: »

For most of the general population its probably a waste of money. Human protein requirements are not that high anyway. Just eat food ffs.

Protein powder is food. Being a powder doesn't magically transform food into non-food.

PAPYRUS3

This video gives you some things to ponder when selecting protein powder (Bobby Parrish)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o31t_6kOoB8&t=352s

wmd1979

amorfati601070 wrote: »

For most of the general population its probably a waste of money. Human protein requirements are not that high anyway. Just eat food ffs.

Minimum protein requirements for the average human might not be that high, but for someone trying to add mass they are going to be much higher. I often have a hard time hitting my protein goals and supplementing with protein powder makes a lot more sense for me than just eating more food. On top of that, its extremely convenient and easier to just make a protein shake instead of grilling another chicken breast and forcing that down. Just because protein powder might not be beneficial to you doesn't mean it serves no purpose, and its pretty ignorant to tell people to just eat more food.

cwolfman13

amorfati601070 wrote: »

For most of the general population its probably a waste of money. Human protein requirements are not that high anyway. Just eat food ffs.

The RDA for protein is a minimum for a more or less sedentary person to avoid protein deficiency. Minimum does not mean optimal and there is plenty of information out there showing that a greater intake of protein is beneficial. Also, protein requirements for active and very active individuals, particularly those engaging in regular strenuous exercise are higher than they are for sedentary individuals as muscle is being broken down with those activities and additional protein helps repair and recover. There is also plenty out there in regards to taking in more protein while dieting being beneficial in preserving muscle mass.

Beyond that, it is food...I use a whey powder which is just a bi-product of cheese making. Little Miss Muffett also ate her curds and whey.

amtyrell

We are all trying to comsume proper nutrients, feel full , and eat delicious stuff.

For some folks protein powders help with that others find them not to work for them. If you want try them and see if they help you meet your goals. Hype or anti hype is less key then do they help you achieve goals

ReenieHJ

IMO? It's over rated and over priced. I'd rather eat extra fish or chicken for the added protein. I bought a canister of it to make 1 specific thing and it still sits in my cupboard. Is there a shelf life for opened protein powder? Does anyone want it? I suppose I could make smoothies from it but not a big smoothie person; again I prefer chewing food. I tried adding a little to certain foods and to me, the higher calories wasn't worth it.

annieu613

As a vegetarian I regularly use plant based protein powders to help me reach my macro goals. I could definitely hit the minimum protein requirements without it, but I am trying to build lean muscle.

Joanna2012B

I don't know about any hype. Personally I use it every day as I typically struggle to get my protein in. I make it a bit thicker with some yogurt and make it like a milkshake.

cwolfman13

ReenieHJ wrote: »

IMO? It's over rated and over priced. I'd rather eat extra fish or chicken for the added protein. I bought a canister of it to make 1 specific thing and it still sits in my cupboard. Is there a shelf life for opened protein powder? Does anyone want it? I suppose I could make smoothies from it but not a big smoothie person; again I prefer chewing food. I tried adding a little to certain foods and to me, the higher calories wasn't worth it.

I understand preferring to chew and eat protein as that is also my preference, but there are times when I need to supplement. As price goes, if you actually take the price per gram of protein and the number of servings in a container, it's actually one of the cheapest sources of protein out there...but yeah, if you're not going to actually use it, it's costly...which could be said for anything.

MlleKelly

I recommend Bowmar Nutrition. Even though heavy metals are not regulated by the FDA, they are very transparent in what is included in their protein (and all their products) and they are DELICIOUS. I'm a vegetarian AND trying to go low-carb (it's killing me!), I have probably one scoop per day either mixed in coffee or with plain Greek yogurt.

But, as others have pointed out, a protein supplement is just that - a supplement. Don't use it to replace "real" sources of protein all day every day. But if you need an extra 20-30 grams here and there, why not?

rainbow198

For me protein powder helps me to reach my protein goals on some days.

I make great tasting protein smoothies (not just water and protein powder) and I add powder to some of my foods such as oatmeal and I make homemade protein bars.