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

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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

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