
A lady in the supermarket asked me today if some yogurts and desserts labeled “high protein” were any good for her. She mentioned that she was trying to cut back on sugar—a topic worthy of discussion on its own.
At the checkout, another woman chimed in, wondering if these products were worth the price. It’s a valid question and one that’s been widely debated on social media.
As a nutritional coach, I often work with clients who struggle to hit their protein goals, track food consistently, or make better choices when eating fast food or processed snacks. So, are these “high-protein” foods a good option?
The Short Answer:
Yes, many of these products are processed, and yes, some of the claims are just marketing—but not all of them. Let me explain.
For clients who find it difficult to meet their protein targets with whole foods, certain high-protein options can help fill the gap, much like a supplement would. However, the real issue lies in the ratio of protein to carbs and fats.
For example, a product might boast 15g of protein but also contain 50g of carbs and 20g of fat. This imbalance could throw off the rest of your daily nutrition targets. In comparison, whole food sources like chicken breast or canned tuna are more protein-dense and have fewer calories from carbs or fats.
The Pros of High-Protein Foods
For some clients, these foods can serve as a useful starting point. Many are portion-controlled, making it easier to avoid overeating. They’re also convenient, requiring no cooking or preparation, which can be a huge advantage for busy individuals.
When these high-protein options are part of a diet that also includes whole foods, they can help clients stay on track with their goals. For instance:
• They make tracking calories and macros simple since they’re pre-portioned and easy to log in apps like MyFitnessPal.
• They offer a convenient way to boost protein intake on busy days.

Short-Term Benefits
In the short term, incorporating these products into a diet can help clients build consistency and feel more in control of their eating habits. Over time, as they get into a routine, they can begin to swap out some of these processed foods for whole food sources of protein.
Long-Term View
From a health perspective, using these products as a stepping stone can be beneficial—especially for clients looking to lose weight or improve their overall health. However, they shouldn’t make up the bulk of a person’s diet.
If a protein dessert, for example, helps someone meet their daily protein target, feel satisfied, and stay on track, I don’t see it as a negative. The key is moderation and balance.
Tips for Choosing High-Protein Foods
• Read the Labels: Pay attention to the ratio of protein to carbs and fats. Look for options where protein outweighs the other macros.
• Plan Ahead: Log your food in advance so you can fit these products into your daily targets without throwing off your overall balance.
• Experiment: Try incorporating these foods into your diet occasionally and see how they work for you.
Recently, I picked up some new “high-protein” products from Aldi and scanned the labels to assess their nutritional value. Are they worth the hype? Well, it depends on your goals and how you use them in your overall diet.



Ultimately, high-protein foods can be a helpful tool, but they work best when combined with whole, nutrient-dense foods.


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