I am often asked what I think about protein shakes, bars, puddings, chips, sticks, quark, etc.
Therefore, I would like to shed some light on the subject with this article so that you can understand what these products are all about.
These products are now available at every Migros, Coop, Lidl, Aldi, and various online shops. One of the most popular brands you may be familiar with is Chiefs, but there are also many supermarket own brands.

But who really needs them and do they make us muscular?
Protein-enriched foods aren't automatically healthier. It's worth checking the label to fully assess the product. How much sugar does it contain? What's the fat content and how many calories?
High protein doesn't necessarily mean low fat and low sugar. Since many products are dairy products that are fortified with protein, you have to keep in mind that these typically contain 4g of sugar per 100g (more on that in another article). So, once you've analyzed the product and found it to be good, you now need to know if it's suitable for you. You should estimate a daily protein requirement of about 2g per kilogram of body weight. For a 65kg woman, that would be about 130g.
Vegans and vegetarians in particular have a harder time meeting this requirement and are therefore happy to be able to meet it with protein-rich foods. Athletes, the sick, and the elderly also have increased needs. Protein is particularly important for wound healing and is therefore still administered in hospitals. At the time, I had a family member in the hospital who told me that her nutritionist recommended Chiefs products because they are tasty, unlike most of the products administered in hospitals (like Fresurbin), which are usually not very tasty.

Since we all need protein every day, it's something we all need. However, those who can meet their needs through legumes, eggs, dairy products, fish, and meat aren't dependent on it. However, for people who really like sweets, it's worth turning to these products because they often have better nutritional values.
Protein alone doesn't make us muscular. For that to happen, we first need to complete a workout that stimulates muscle growth, followed by a sufficient intake of protein and carbohydrates. However, visible muscle growth in women takes a very long time and cannot be stimulated with protein products alone.
However, if you already have a lot of muscle mass and would rather reduce it a bit (this can be tested with a caliper measurement), you should not set your protein content too high.

Are protein-containing foods dangerous for children?
No, not at all. They contain protein like a piece of chicken and are therefore completely safe.
Finally, I'd like to mention that these products are by no means just for athletes; your grandparents will also benefit greatly from them. They can maintain their muscle mass, experience good wound healing, and provide sufficient building blocks for new cells.

I hope I was able to help you with this article and clarify any questions you may have.

von Laura Müdespacher