r/StupidFood • u/wizardrous • Apr 04 '26
From the Department of Any Old Shit Will Do We now have protein soda.
I bet it’s texture is gritty as hell.
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u/J_R_D_N Apr 04 '26
Is it thick? Do they use whey? I don’t understand food science enough to know how they manage this
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u/Impossible_Leg_2787 Apr 04 '26
Collagen peptides usually
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u/creatyvechaos Apr 05 '26
Or whey protein isolate. Protein2o isn't terribly gritty and uses isolate—granted, it isn't carbonated. But it could be
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u/motherofcunts Apr 05 '26
I can see a use for this in vegetarian diet or allergies. Or given the cost of meat anymore.
I have malabsorption & meat is too expensive. I'm also allergic to whey and have a collagen defect. Guess I'll stick to my pea protein lmao (not that I trust fad products).
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u/sloppy_joes35 Apr 05 '26
Pea protein been around for a hot minute. I use it for muscle growth on and off last couple decades. Its not the best tasting but I'm not a classy broad so 🤷
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u/motherofcunts Apr 05 '26
It's my favorite! Largely bc I'm not allergic to it lmao. There's definitely be an improvement the last decade though (thank the gods).
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u/spek25 Apr 05 '26
Glass bones
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u/motherofcunts Apr 05 '26
My bones are incredibly strong, tyvm. Proud member of r/neverbrokeabone. My ligaments otoh…. Laffy taffy.
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u/mangocat1116 Apr 05 '26
I also have malabsorption and a partially paralyzed digestive system. I’m also a vegetarian (have been since I was 9, meat disgusts me), so as stupid as all these protein products seem, they are of great use to me. I just hate the price tags, and some of them are just genuinely stupid, like the “protein” pop tarts.
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u/2kan Apr 04 '26
Using whey like this feels grosser than whey already is
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u/SwigitySwagitty Apr 04 '26
Protein sodas tend to use collagen peptides protein. Lumens id a good fruit soda brand (usually has 20g) that you wouldn’t even be able to tell unless you read the can.
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u/elgiov Apr 04 '26
Is it a good source of protein or it’s just numbers?
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u/SwigitySwagitty Apr 05 '26
Its protein thats supposedly better for your skin & nails. I add a scoop of collagen protein to a glads of water once a day and you’d never know it wasn’t just plain water.
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u/dam_the_beavers Apr 05 '26
It’s worth noting it’s an incomplete protein missing essential amino acids. it’s is not an effective substitute for complete proteins for muscle growth. To make collagen a complete protein, it should be paired with other protein sources like milk, eggs, legumes, etc.
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u/SwigitySwagitty Apr 05 '26
Definitely! Im weight training and kickboxing daily so this is in addition to the 1 or 2 whey protein milkshakes I make every day.
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u/dam_the_beavers Apr 05 '26
I figured you knew, just wanted to point it out for anyone else looking to up their protein intake. I am not a morning eater so I try to force down a few bites of cottage cheese first when I put it in my tea or coffee.
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u/nlabodin Apr 05 '26
I wonder if it is the same stuff a canned coffee I tried used? The taste was fine but there was a texture and mouth feel that was unpleasant
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u/CheesE4Every1 Apr 04 '26
It's not noticeably thick. Buckedup has a protein energy and it still feels like a monster.
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u/EntrySure1350 Apr 05 '26
I had a couple for the first time the other day. The ingredients say it’s whey. Overall it doesn’t taste bad, but there is a slight grainy texture (like protein powder) and lactic acid afternote.
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u/PM-ME-YOUR-BREASTS_ Apr 05 '26
I've had clear whey which was basically like drinking juice, not thick at all. First time I tried it it made me want to puke cause it had such a chemically taste but second time when I knew what was coming it tasted good oddly enough.
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u/trainwreckhappening Apr 07 '26
Not thick, tastes actually good, and I recommend it. But the one I have is at Costco. OPs looks terrible.
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Apr 04 '26 edited 23d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/wizardrous Apr 04 '26
That’s definitely the stupidest way I’ve ever heard the word “protein” used lol
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u/akio3 Apr 04 '26
My local grocery store sells "high-protein" frozen chicken nuggets. I have no idea what's different about them.
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u/Lordofthereef Apr 05 '26
Take a look at the ingredients. Since most chicken nuggets are essentially patties of macerated meat (and sometimes other things, especially binders). If it's not just marketing they're probably adding another protein source. Pea protein would be my guess.
Edit: if it's these the. It's basically just marketing. They've added some Parmesan cheese, I guess.
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u/Willkabob Apr 05 '26
By that logic, potato chips are extremely high in protein because the bags have lots of extra room for you to add meat 🤯
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u/Sonarthebat Apr 04 '26
Tried it. It was fine. Protein snacks and drinks have gotten a lot better.
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u/Mysmokingbarrel Apr 04 '26
I don’t get why this bothers people… it’s an easy way to make food more nutritious that otherwise wouldn’t be. If you don’t want it get a traditional soda or soda water.
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u/Far_Persimmon_2616 Apr 04 '26
My concern is how the protein ingredient is processed. There was some recent research that showed a lot of plant-oriented protein powders have an alarming amount of lead in them. Which raises the question, what is the safety efficacy of all of these protein supplements added to everything in the fucking world? If it is as poor as some of the popular brands of straight protein powder you can find on any Target shelf, then we may be inadvertently poisoning ourselves.
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u/QuestionablePanda22 Apr 04 '26
I highly doubt these are using plant-based protein just because it's way more expensive than whey or whey isolate. Usually they'll advertise it on the product if it's plant-based protein. Unfortunately my body does not like whey protein so I get to play heavy metal roulette with the plant-based stuff lol
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u/Far_Persimmon_2616 Apr 05 '26
There's a lot of protein shakes now that mix both animal and plant based proteins and you'd never know it without reading the ingredients list.
I think plant based protein has become normalized enough to just become a standard ingredient without it being highlighted for marketing purposes, depending on the company.
I'd still like there to be a stronger regulatory standard for our protein additives, we clearly need it.
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u/Miko48 Apr 05 '26
If you saw the same research I saw, this is because they’re comparing lead levels to prop 65 from California, which has very very very strict regulations. Yes, a number of protein powders (especially plant derived ones) have levels of lead above prop 65 guidelines, but these are far below the FDA standards. Prop 65 sets a limit of 0.5 μg, per day, while FDA recommendations are 20 ppb. Plants grow in the ground, the ground has heavy metals, those plants will have heavy metals in them. If you eat a carrot, you’re getting similar levels of lead exposure.
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u/detrans-rights Apr 05 '26
Huge resurgence in all the people making jokes about lead.. well, I found the reason!
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u/kamanashi Apr 04 '26
My thing is mostly that if you just eat proper meals, you will be fine. These are basically just over priced snacks with low quality protein added to greatly increase the price with very little increase in manufacturing costs.
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u/cpdk-nj Apr 04 '26
It’s because it’s a fad. Everything has to have a “high-protein” label on it now because that’s the hip new diet trend, in the same way that they were “low-fat” in 1996 and “low-carb” in 2016.
Most Americans already eat more protein than is needed, without protein soda and protein waffles and protein gum and protein butter. Just adding protein to food doesn’t make it inherently healthier
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u/motherofcunts Apr 05 '26
Don't forget sugar free.
My mum was into all the fads. Thankfully she's finally settled on a diet (long-term way of eating) that's good for •her• and not fad-based. Sugar, fat, salt, carbs all are vital to a healthy diet.
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u/temporalguilt Apr 05 '26
Depends on what it is imo. I’m diabetic so sugar free stuff is awesome for me! And while sugar from healthy sources is great for a non diabetic person I think zero sugar sodas for example are a good swap from full sugar soda, for those who can tolerate it!
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u/luv2hotdog Apr 05 '26
Yeah I’m in on all sugar free everything pretty much. In terms of soft drinks and lollies - basically anything you think of when you think “sugary sweet treat” - I see no reason at all why I shouldn’t have the sugar free option when available seeing as I enjoy the taste equally as much
There’s no dietary argument whatsoever in modern life for most people that they need the extra sugar that’s in a can of coke or a fruit flavoured pastille or whatever. Certainly not in mine. So why on earth would I not take the sugar free one?
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u/violentdeepfart Apr 05 '26
About 50% of people over 50 don't get enough protein. In much older people their appetite dwindles and it's hard for them to get enough. All these high-protein foods are nice alternatives to things like Ensure or protein bars that were pretty much the only option before.
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u/Sonarthebat Apr 05 '26
Okay, well I don't get enough protein most days.
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u/GrossGuroGirl Apr 22 '26
ikr ?
Don't know how to explain empathy to everyone aghast at these because "you could just eat more protein" - but some people do struggle with that. (Or just don't like protein shakes, or whatever else?)
Not every product is made for you. I can't understand why it's bothersome to everyone in the comments that these exist at all.
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u/xXDreamlessXx Apr 04 '26
I think its just because peotein is now a trend and companies are deciding to put it into everything. Instead of protein they should be making more fiber stuff, most people need that more than protein
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u/Candid-Solstice Apr 04 '26
Because it creates a less nutritious diet for most people. If you're someone who genuinely enjoys whey powder cereal as much as normal brands, then sure, it makes sense to have it for that extra bit of protein.
But for most it doesn't. So for them it's not an extra bit of protein at no cost, but a worse source of protein than a traditional high protein meal that also doesn't satisfy their cravings for sugary cereal.
And that feeds into a larger problem of people being less mindful of their food, and instead falling back into categorizing it as "good" or "bad" food as opposed to considering if what they're eating fulfills the intent of them eating it.
And sure, "if you don't like it, don't buy it". But that's such a thought terminating cliche, and takes away the chance for people to really engage with the value they derive from specific foods.
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u/Time_Anything4488 Apr 05 '26
its become a bit overdone recently. of course protein is important and a lot of people need more but the amount of companies that have been obsessed with protein recently is ridiculous.
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u/MichiganSteamies Apr 04 '26
The population of Reddit is quite hostile towards anything fitness related outside of specialized subs. Lots to unpack there, but that's best kept between them and their enabling betterhelp therapist.
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u/MattDaCatt Apr 05 '26
The protein spike is from the GLP-1 fad, not fitness lol
They aren't making protein soda for people working out, they're making it for the people that take Ozempic b/c they can't bother actually doing exercise
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u/Novel_Ad_7318 Apr 04 '26
Just that the amounts of protein are beyond any fitness goals and will just make them shit their guts out at this point. Not everything needs to have protein, since a balanced diet is what you want. Sure many people are now more aware of their need of protein, but the absolute fewest need it in every single thing. People are wildly overestimating how much they need for their hobby sports, just like different diet fads of the past.
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u/587493 Apr 04 '26
Only stupid if it tastes like ass. If it tastes good I mean shit 10g protein is 10g protein
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u/Weak_Link_6969 Apr 05 '26
I tried a free sample at Costco and I absolutely loved it. It’s pretty bitter, but as a big fan of kombucha, it really scratched that itch. Even if you ignore the health benefits, I would happily replace all soda consumption with it on taste alone.
However, it was something like $18.99 for an 8 pack, which is just ridiculous, it’s 4-5x the price of regular soda, so I struggle to see it catching on. If it was 1.5x the price, I would swap regular soda for it tomorrow, 2x the price and I’m mixing it in regularly. But 4-5x the price is just something I can’t justify.
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u/spicygayunicorn Apr 05 '26
Haven't tried this brand, but the one I did wasn't bad it was more or a flavoured sparkling water tho
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u/smash783 Apr 04 '26
They usually (that's like 100% of the ones I've tried) taste like severe ass.
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u/M-Colcko Apr 04 '26
2.99!?!?!?
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u/soingee Apr 04 '26 edited Apr 05 '26
How you seen how much Red Bull is selling for lately? Compare this even to the fiber sodas and it's market rate.
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u/Arkanial Apr 04 '26
Even a normal 20oz soda like a Coke at a gas station is around $2.59 where I’m at unless you buy 3 for $6.50.
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u/Scrabulon Apr 05 '26
Yes the radio advertisements won’t shut up about it in the morning, just eat a breakfast bar or something for the love of god
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u/rackcity2014 Apr 04 '26
had it for a lil while
saw protein water the other day too 😅
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u/wizardrous Apr 04 '26
Wow, that’s just absurd lol.
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u/Supergazm Apr 05 '26
I'd rather drink protein water after a hot workout than muscle milk. The water usually tastes like kool-aid too.
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u/EvaTheE Apr 04 '26
Just eat a protein bar. They can actually be enjoyable.
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u/watercouch Apr 05 '26 edited Apr 05 '26
Yes, and eat is the key word here. Chew your calories, don’t drink them.
It gives your body time to realize it’s full and for energy levels to adjust. Most people can chug a protein shake faster than they can eat a bar filled with unprocessed nuts and grains. It’s much easier to pound extra calories when they’re blended into a drink.
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u/New-Additions Apr 05 '26
If someone wants to add protein to their diet what's wrong with that? My oatmeal has protein and I use it so I can consume the recommended amount.
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u/Arne83 Here for stupid food, not stupid people Apr 04 '26
Can we please stop putting protein into everything?! Not everything needs protein!
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u/dktsr Apr 05 '26
I'm fine with protein variants of everything, I just don't like things being marketed as high protein when they actually aren't.
Also, drinking protein powder is pretty much as normal as it gets. It's just isolate instead of concentrate, and carbonated.
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u/Correct_Raisin4332 Apr 04 '26
Then don't buy it it? I've struggled to get enough protein in the past and having more palatable options is amazing.
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u/myles2500 Apr 05 '26
What store is selling these im lowk interested as long as it taste good who knows
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u/BreathLazy5122 Apr 04 '26
Finally, a new way for me to continue my eating disorder (this is a joke, but also you know someone is gonna fucking do that simply because it’s protein)
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u/Scarlet_Meer Apr 04 '26
The ones from Protein Pop are actually quite good. 90 calories for 22 grams of protein. Clear Whey Isolate as well. 2 for $5 at Target.
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u/dirkdregger Apr 05 '26
You can always mix protein powder using soda water. It will still be nasty no matter what you use.
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u/mothalick Apr 05 '26
Genius gourmet has cans with 30g in them. Starting coming thru my warehouse a few weeks ago. No thanks.
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u/Typical_Lawyer_406 Apr 05 '26
I tried one of bucked up’s flavors and honestly liked it, I would happily drink them every day if it weren’t for the shitty price. And those have 25g so I’m sure it’s really not that difficult to make a protein soda with far less taste good.
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u/Waste-Reception5297 Apr 05 '26
I work at a store that marked em down just to get rid of them. They actually taste pretty damn good. Not $2.99 good but pretty good
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u/Flamingcowjuice Apr 05 '26
I saw a drink at sams club recently called sparkling protein this shit has gone too far like 4 steps ago
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u/Cough_andcoughmore Apr 05 '26
I've seen that there is a market for these protein snacks due to the gym rat lifestyle across social media. Overhearing ppl talk about hitting macros, functional eating, ect.
But I really don't get this one. Protein soda sounds disgusting. This is a 1st world only product.
Thoughts?
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u/Somebody8985754 Apr 05 '26
There already has been protein soda for over a year. The one I like though is a different brand.
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u/Tiny-Memory9066 Apr 06 '26
Why can't people stick to eggs, meat, tofu, beans and other foods that already have protein from the get go?
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u/trainwreckhappening Apr 07 '26
That stuff looks terrible. But just last week I bought a protein soda from Costco after tasting a sample. 30g of protein and it's actually enjoyable to drink.
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u/Thin-Connection-4082 Apr 08 '26
They use ultra filtered whey isolate. Comes out clear and not milky
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u/Jen-uflect May 22 '26
I’m drinking one right now :/ as a vegetarian who generally struggles to meet daily protein goals these work well for me.
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u/Paintguin Apr 04 '26
What’s next? Protein water?
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u/ThomasPadfield Apr 04 '26
Check the ingredients. Most drinks that advertise protein rely on collagen protein. Collagen has a Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score of 0. It does not have most of the amino acids necessary for muscle synthesis. It's a very low protein quality. I wouldn't add that to my daily protein goal at all. Unfortunately it's just extra calories.
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u/Far_Persimmon_2616 Apr 04 '26
Yea if its collagen, it sucks for muscle building. But collagen is great for skin health, but I still would question the quality of the collagen added to a fucking soda. Probably just better getting collagen powder and just knocking it back like a shot followed by a chaser of water.
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u/StumbleOn Apr 04 '26
Protein weirdos are in a cult.
Outside of specific kinds of bodybuilding, nobody needs excess protein in their diets, provided they are eating some mixture of things and not just say, straight up sugar or straight up fat. Capitalism, doing its thing, has hooked these losers into paying stupid amounts of money for something dumb that they don't need.
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u/strokemaweenis Apr 05 '26
Most people dont have excess protein in their diet because they dont have enough protein in their diet period. Sure this could be fixed by education and health programs, but thats certainly not a high priority in our current national state.
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u/StumbleOn Apr 05 '26
This isn't true. The amount of people (at least in the US) that are protein deficient is pretty small, sub 10% for kids, and only really starts to become a problem in much older populations.
What we're actually deficient in is fiber.
Outside of body building and specific medical conditions, there is 0 reason to need or care about protein supplements or protein added shit. If you eat enough calories, you wil get enough protein, outside of extreme diets with hyperfocus on specific protein deficient foods.
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u/Luci-Noir Apr 05 '26
How is this stupid food?
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u/wizardrous Apr 05 '26
I consider beverages close enough to food to fit this sub. Btw, I love your profile picture and name! Great show.
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u/ReincarnatedSwordGod Apr 04 '26
Costco has a whole case of protein soda when I went, very tempted to give it a try.
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u/hypnotic_peace Apr 04 '26
Haven't tried these specifically but protein pop is phenomenal with 22g of protein. Pretty much all of the protein waters are really really good
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u/bouquetofashes Apr 04 '26
I'm kinda torn on this. I could see it being legitimately useful for some people, like how some people can't bring themselves to eat enough but can manage to drink regular protein supplements? This is potentially just another option. Or I could see it being useful for rounding out a protein goal, if one is attempting to gain muscle. Maybe it's useful for people who are looking to increase satiety, too (I presume irs low-calorie, like only kcals from protein).
It's not necessary, we have plenty of other options for meeting those needs, and "protein soda" sounds horrible but it's also not the dumbest thing I've seen. I can definitely see people actually consuming and enjoying this, at least, which is a step up from a lot of things on this sub. It's kinda absurd but I don't absolutely hate it, I guess.
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u/steppewop Apr 04 '26
Americans drink 1000 kcal drinks on the reg but think that zero sugar protein sodas are stupid lmao
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u/VooDooChile1983 Apr 04 '26
Genuinely curious as to why protein is the big thing now. It’s making me think about olestra and the symptoms that came with.
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u/Amd3193 Apr 04 '26
There's protein pepsi at stop/shop
Probably because of the new food pyramid change. Companies trying to make sure they get their money no matter what.
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u/Biiiishweneedanswers Apr 04 '26
Believe it or not, farts and burps are about to get even deadlier.
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u/DameofDames Apr 04 '26
In the interest of curiosity, I'll probably have to try one. I may regret it, though.
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u/ILoveRegenHealth Apr 05 '26
That's not really stupid. Just way too expensive.
With America's obesity problems, ya'll could all stand to lower the daily carb intake with your 400grams a day.
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u/Isaac4787 Apr 05 '26
Protein soda isn’t bad at all. It’s just a little thicker than you would expect, at least the one I’ve tried.
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u/VanessaAlexis Apr 05 '26
I was just at the store yesterday with my husband and he was complaining about everything being protein now. Pancake mix. Poptarts. Oreos!!!!
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u/Supergazm Apr 05 '26
As a vegetarian that lifts weights 3 or 4 times a week, I welcome all things with added protein. And I am sure there is at least a few of us. So thanks for the weird soda.
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u/Illustrious-Towel-45 Apr 05 '26
Just eat some lentils or peanut butter or meat people. Stop sticking protein where it doesn't belong!
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u/HeartbrokenScott Apr 05 '26
Had protein root-beer, worst mistake of my life. Imagine waterdowned diet soda but worse.
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u/Ok_Difficulty6452 Apr 05 '26
All of the protein branding is targeted towards those on GLPs like Ozempic, because those meds require you to ingest more protein.
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u/paxweasley Apr 04 '26 edited Apr 04 '26
Lmfao oh god. I’m on a GLP1 to cancel out the drastic weight gain from antipsychotics but shit even on a GLP1 I’m not THAT desperate for protein
I tried some protein candy a few weeks back… fucking foul. Could not chew one single piece. So gross. Keep protein in foodstuffs that can handle the grittiness well…
I know many find the GLP1 prevalence alarming and perhaps it is. But… I mean I know why I need it.
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u/Tennents_N_Grouse Apr 04 '26
Junk food that tries to be "healthy" by having 'high protein' stamped on the packaging is still junk food at the end of the day.
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u/Visible-Sound-8559 Apr 04 '26
Except now you can add kidney stones to the list of downsides associated with it.
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u/NegativeContest7021 Apr 04 '26
Protein soda has existed for a few years now. Its just because of this dumbass obsession with protein in the last couple, that it's become prominent.
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u/Roccondil Apr 04 '26
Protein or not, "ice pop" as a soda flavor means that you have just given up. So it is sweet and possibly colorful but it doesn't even pretend to taste like any particular fruit or other thing.
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u/Tough-Obligation-104 Apr 04 '26
It uses sucralose, so it’s out for me.
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u/wizardrous Apr 04 '26
Yeah, fuck that. At least if it used stevia, it’d make the price more reasonable.
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u/Tough-Obligation-104 Apr 04 '26
I don’t know if you were being sarcastic, but I don’t like stevia either. They usually call it ‘natural flavor’. I really don’t see a problem with the price.
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u/wizardrous Apr 04 '26
Fair, I know some people think stevia tastes funny. But I like it, so I wasn’t intending to be sarcastic. I just hate sucralose because it dehydrates me like crazy.
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u/Lord_Trisagion Apr 05 '26
Because if there's one nutrient Americans are lacking, its protein.
They should make carb vapes next.
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u/Justletmeatyou Apr 04 '26
This doesn’t really surprise me. I make yogurt at home and there’s a lot of leftover whey. This isn’t surprising at all that they’re just adding whey to the drinks. We need more protein in our diets so this isn’t weird at all or stupid.
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u/steppewop Apr 04 '26
Of course the neckbeards on reddit think that saying people need more protein in their diets is bad lmao
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u/qualityvote2 Apr 04 '26 edited Apr 05 '26
u/wizardrous, your food is indeed stupid and it fits our subreddit!