Protein is not a trend

Welcome back to another episode of The Curious Consumer! Today we’re talking about the hottest topic right now…..PROTEIN. Let’s get one thing straight: protein isn’t just a trend. It’s a fundamental part of our nutrition, and it’s been essential long before it started trending on social media. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or just someone trying to eat a little healthier, protein plays a crucial role in how our bodies function and feel. In this episode you’ll learn about: 🧬 What protein actually is (and why it matters) 📜 The history of protein, from its 19th-century discovery to today 🍫 The first protein bars and early protein products 💪 How bodybuilding and diet culture shaped the protein industry 🏪 Big brand acquisitions and current market trends 🔮 Insights on the future of protein in our daily diets Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts with us! TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Protein Craze 00:35 The Ubiquity of Protein in Modern Products 03:28 Historical Context of Protein 08:56 The Rise of Protein Isolates 12:37 Bodybuilding and Protein Supplements 17:30 Fitness Boom and Protein Products 19:57 Nostalgia for Early Protein Bars 21:29 Evolution of Protein Bars in the 2000s 22:07 The Rise of Protein as a Hero Ingredient 22:39 Major Acquisitions in the Protein Market 23:42 Iconic Brands and Candy Replacements 24:35 Diet Culture and Protein Messaging 25:18 Quest and Halo Top Era 26:44 The Proteinization of Foods 32:02 Big Bets in the Late 2010s 36:58 The Role of GLP-1 in the Protein Boom 38:46 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two 🎧 Love the show? Subscribe to The Curious Consumer wherever you get your podcasts! New episodes drop every week 📧 Get the inside scoop Subscribe to Express Checkout, our newsletter packed with consumer insights, trends, and exclusive content straight to your inbox. Sign up at expresscheckout.co 📱 Let’s connect! Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, quick tips, and more: * Instagram: @expresscheckout 💬 Join the conversation Have a product you’re curious about? DM us your questions or drop them in the comments—your topic could be featured in our next episode! ⭐ Help us grow If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps other curious consumers find us! 🎯 Got a minute? Share this episode with a friend who’s always reaching for that energy drink. They might learn something that surprises them! Get full access to Express Checkout at www.expresscheckout.co/subscribe