Researchers have revealed concerning findings regarding packaged food products with protein claims. An extensive study of 4,325 processed foods in a Spanish food database, BADALI, shows that a significant portion of these items might not be as healthy as consumers believe. The study highlights that people may rely too heavily on packaging claims, which can be misleading, urging consumers to scrutinize nutrition labels more closely.
The investigation into these processed foods uncovered that approximately one-fifth contained sweeteners, while around one-quarter were high in free sugar or saturated fat. Alarmingly, over half of the tested products possessed elevated fat or sodium levels. Among these, plant-based meat analogues were most likely to feature protein claims, with nearly 70% doing so. A total of 561 items, or 13% of the examined products, boasted protein claims. However, a staggering 90.8% of those with protein claims received a "less healthy" classification.
The study's findings suggest that foods marketed with protein claims, such as milk and dairy drinks, often mislead consumers regarding their health benefits. Milk and dairy drinks with protein claims were labeled less healthy over 61% of the time compared to only 22% for those without such claims. Furthermore, more than half of these high-protein claim products were high in sodium or fat content, while about a quarter contained high free sugar or saturated fat levels.
“I agree with the researchers that most people trust the labelling and have no time to research further.” – Jonathan Jennings, MS, MD
The study implies that processed foods with protein claims may not be the healthiest choice. The researchers stress the importance of evaluating food based on complete nutritional information rather than simply relying on packaging statements. Jonathan Jennings, MS, MD, remarks on the general public's tendency to trust labels without delving deeper into their meanings.
“For those people who have time to research they may lack the technical expertise to accurately interpret the labeling […]” – Jonathan Jennings, MS, MD
Chelsea Johnson, MS, RD, LD, echoes similar concerns about processed foods and the need for proper dietary choices.
“We already know that processed foods aren’t good for you and should be limited in your diet […]” – Chelsea Johnson, MS, RD, LD
Johnson further explains the trade-offs involved in formulating processed foods.
“It’s just not the case. Whenever sugar is taken away or something that could be gritty (like protein) is added, there have to be more preservatives put in to make a food have the right consistency and palatability.” – Chelsea Johnson, MS, RD, LD
The study also underscores the importance of selecting whole foods over processed options. Johnson recommends opting for natural snacks rather than sugar-laden alternatives.
“[Y]ou want to look for whole foods as much as possible. Instead of a sugary granola bar with added protein, have a trail mix of different nuts that don’t have any added sugar or salt.” – Chelsea Johnson, MS, RD, LD
The researchers acknowledge a limitation in their study: reliance on the BADALI database may not fully capture global dietary patterns or product formulations. However, they emphasize the critical need for consumer education regarding nutrition choices.
“Potential clinical implications would be ensuring proper education regarding nutrition choices, [and people] choosing to carefully evaluate foods based on the whole nutrition label/facts instead of just relying on the package claims.” – Chelsea Johnson, MS, RD, LD
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