Protein-Enriched Foods Surge in Swiss Supermarkets – But Are They Necessary?
Geneva, Switzerland – Swiss supermarkets are seeing a boom in protein-enriched products, from yogurts and pasta to muesli and drinks, prompting questions about weather teh average consumer actually needs the added boost. A recent podcast from RTS.ch’s “Point J” investigates the trend, finding that for most, the answer is likely no.
According to Sidonie Fabbi, a teaching master in nutrition and dietetics at the Haute École de Santé in Geneva, “The general population is not lacking in protein intake.” Official Swiss recommendations currently stand at 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily for adults.
Fabbi explains that protein is readily available in a variety of foods, both animal-based (meat, fish, eggs, dairy) and plant-based (legumes, nuts, cereals). “A healthy person who eats in a balanced way should not need these protein-enriched products,” she stated.
Despite this, retailers Migros and Coop report “continuous growth” in the protein-enhanced food segment.This rise is attributed to the growing fitness culture and the perception of protein as a beneficial nutrient, frequently enough contrasted with the negative portrayal of carbohydrates and lipids.
However, Fabbi emphasizes that source is more critical than quantity. “The problem is not so much the amount of protein as sources. We eat too much meat and not enough proteins that come from the plant kingdom,” she noted.
The “Point J” podcast delves deeper into whether these products offer benefits for specific populations and provides guidance on how consumers can evaluate them.
Listen to the full 14-minute episode, “How much should we eat protein?” on RTS.ch, originally aired yesterday at 5:00 p.m.
The report was compiled by Jessica Vial and the Point J team.
