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Don't fall for the protein snack con: Why seniors need more protein, but not from overpriced packets

Health & Wellness

Don't fall for the protein snack con: Why seniors need more protein, but not from overpriced packets

Screenshot 2025-09-19 at 15.06.35.png Don't fall for the protein snack con: Why seniors need more protein, but not from overpriced packets
Australian seniors over 70 need 20% more protein than younger adults, but those expensive protein snacks are the worst way to get it. Image source: Life Happens / Youtube.

Those colourful packets promising extra protein are everywhere you look in Woolworths and Coles these days.



Protein muesli bars, protein porridge, protein ice cream—if it exists, someone's added protein to it and slapped a premium price tag on top.





But here's the catch: while you actually do need more protein as you get older, these fancy packets are probably the worst way to get it.




Why seniors really do need more protein



Before we dive into why those expensive protein snacks are a waste of money, let's get one thing straight—older Australians genuinely need about 20 per cent more protein than younger adults. This isn't marketing nonsense; it's backed by solid research.




As we age, we become more 'anabolic resistant' - basically, our muscles need us to speak louder (with more protein) for them to hear us and grow.



Current evidence suggests seniors need at least 1.2g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily to maintain optimal muscle function, compared to the standard 0.8g recommended for younger adults.




'As we get older, we move less, and we eat less, and if we are not paying attention to our activity level and protein consumption, we can become frail'

Dr. Oppezzo, Stanford University



The stakes are higher for us too. Sarcopenia—the gradual loss of muscle with ageing—robs older adults of their independence and leads to a poor quality of life. Muscle loss can start as early as 40, and inadequate protein intake increases the risk of falls and bone fractures.









The protein snack scam exposed



Now, here's where nutritionist Jaime Rose Chambers drops some truth bombs that'll save your wallet and your health. Those protein versions of everyday snacks? They're mostly marketing magic with minimal nutritional benefit.



Take the examples from the original investigation: Carman's protein bars contain just 6g more protein than regular bars, but cost 78 per cent more per 100g. Uncle Tobys protein oats offer only 5g extra protein while costing 25 per cent more.




Quick maths for smart shoppers


To work out if a protein product offers good value, divide the price per serve by the grams of protein. The higher the number, the better the value. A $5 serve of protein chips with 13g protein gives you 0.38 value, while a $3 serve of chicken breast with 45g protein gives you 0.6 value—nearly double!




'I'd say in most cases the cost isn't worth it,' Chambers explains. 'There is better protein quality at a reasonable cost by choosing foods like canned beans, tofu, lean poultry, seafood, eggs and low fat dairy products.'









The psychology behind protein marketing



Consumer behaviour specialist Associate Professor Sameer Deshpande from Griffith University explains why we're falling for this expensive protein trend. 'Psychologically, the labelling of the product enhances the perception of the product and the value we associate with it,' he says.



We're more health-conscious than ever, and many of us want to improve our health through small changes—even if it means spending extra. Protein has become trendy on social media, making it even more appealing.



Smart protein strategies for seniors



Since seniors do need more protein, here's how to get it without breaking the bank:









The 25-gram rule: Research suggests seniors need about 30g of protein per meal for a 75kg person, spread across three meals daily. This helps with muscle protein synthesis throughout the day.



Budget-friendly champions:





  • Eggs (about 6g protein each, roughly 50c per egg)
  • Canned tuna (25g protein per can, around $2)
  • Greek yoghurt (15-20g protein per 200g serve, under $2)
  • Cottage cheese (14g protein per half cup, about $1.50)
  • Lentils (18g protein per cooked cup, around 60c)



What seniors should actually focus on



Rather than falling for expensive protein marketing, spread your protein across 2-3 meals daily to improve muscle protein synthesis. It's also crucial to complement protein intake with exercise to avoid muscle wasting—think walking and resistance exercises.










Smart senior protein strategy



  • Calculate your needs: multiply your weight in kg by 1.2 for daily protein grams

  • Aim for 25-30g protein per meal across three meals

  • Choose whole foods over processed protein snacks

  • Include resistance exercise to maximise protein benefits

  • Check with your doctor if you have kidney issues before increasing intake




For those with chewing difficulties, softer options like Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, and protein smoothies made with milk can be excellent choices.



The bottom line for savvy seniors



Yes, you need more protein than younger people. No, you don't need to pay premium prices for fancy packets to get it. Most Australians already get plenty of protein from regular foods, and with a few smart swaps, you can easily meet your higher senior protein needs without the marketing markup.



The next time you're tempted by those shiny protein packets, remember: your muscles will thank you more for a tin of tuna and some eggs than they will for an overpriced protein bar with a fancy label.



Have you noticed the protein marketing everywhere lately? What are your go-to affordable protein sources? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear about your favourite budget-friendly protein discoveries!




  • Original Article


    https://coach.nine.com.au/diet/prot...versions/f9a61ad1-6074-4807-8087-f347d3bcdccd





  • Healthy eating over 60 | healthdirect

    Cited text: Men and women aged over 70 need about 20 per cent more protein than younger adults.


    Excerpt: older Australians genuinely need about 20 per cent more protein than younger adults



    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthy-eating-over-60





  • Protein Needs for Adults 50+ | Healthful Nutrition

    Cited text: “This becomes more important as we age because we become more anabolic resistant. Anabolic resistance is basically a reduced stimulation of muscle pro...


    Excerpt: As we age, we become more 'anabolic resistant' - basically, our muscles need us to speak louder (with more protein) for them to hear us and grow



    https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/01/23/protein-needs-for-adults-50/





  • Protein Requirements and Recommendations for Older People: A Review—PMC

    Cited text: The current body of evidence indicates that a dietary protein intake of at least 1.2 g/kg/day is required to maintain optimal muscle function in older...


    Excerpt: Current evidence suggests seniors need at least 1.2g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily to maintain optimal muscle function



    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4555150/





  • Protein Requirements for Older Adults—The Geriatric Dietitian

    Cited text: Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle with aging. It robs older adults of their independence and leads to a poor quality of life.


    Excerpt: Sarcopenia—the gradual loss of muscle with ageing—robs older adults of their independence and leads to a poor quality of life



    https://thegeriatricdietitian.com/protein-requirements-for-older-adults/





  • Older Adults Need More Protein

    Cited text: The loss of muscle mass may start as early as at the age of 40. Loss in muscle mass increases the risk of falls and bone fractures which would impact ...


    Excerpt: Muscle loss can start as early as 40, and inadequate protein intake increases the risk of falls and bone fractures



    https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/seniors-need-more-protein





  • Protein Needs for Adults 50+ | Healthful Nutrition

    Cited text: Eating 20 grams of protein per meal might be enough if you’re 25 years old, but for those aged 50 or above, Dr. Oppezzo recommends 0.4 grams / kg of b...


    Excerpt: Research suggests seniors need about 30g of protein per meal for a 75kg person, spread across three meals daily



    https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2024/01/23/protein-needs-for-adults-50/





  • Protein | Dietitians Australia

    Cited text: For example, eggs on toast, omelettes, frittatas • Snack on Greek yoghurt, nuts or cheese and crackers • Add nuts or seeds to salads (for example, wal...


    Excerpt: spread your protein across 2-3 meals daily to improve muscle protein synthesis



    https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/protein





  • Protein | Dietitians Australia

    Cited text: To maintain muscle mass and strength it is also important to complement protein intake with exercise to avoid muscle wasting and maintain strength (fo...


    Excerpt: It's also crucial to complement protein intake with exercise to avoid muscle wasting—think walking and resistance exercises



    https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/protein





  • Protein Requirements for Seniors: How Much Do You Need Daily?

    Cited text: For those who have difficulty chewing, softer options like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, fish, and protein smoothies can be excellent ...


    Excerpt: softer options like Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, and protein smoothies made with milk can be excellent choices



    https://vipelderly.com/blog/nutrition/protein-requirements-for-seniors/





  • Protein | Dietitians Australia

    Cited text: In Australia, most people eat plenty of protein from the foods they eat, even without protein supplements.


    Excerpt: Most Australians already get plenty of protein from regular foods



    https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/protein



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Protein comes in many forms, some much more useful than others. A good meal of meat and vegetables covers all bases except, perhaps calcium. A drink of milk fixes that. Simple, easy.
The ''protein' of these 'protein' bars is certainly there. But keratin is a protein. Otherwise called your hair or nails. You may as well eat them. It's much cheaper than buying a protein bar with either a synthetic 'protein' added or some vegetable protein of limited use to an omnivore without the digestion of a straight herbivore.
 
Though I will add legumes and tofu as I don`t eat meat. Certainly not buying expensive protein bars. I guess if you like them and want something different for a snack, ok. Not a replacement for either meat or alternatives.
 
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Never had them and never will 🙁
 
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I mentioned this in an SDC forum some time ago. The bulk of protein bars is sugar, maltodextrin, fructose, dextrose, palm sugar (just about anything that ends in 'ose'. And more I cant recall. Another something is "diatomaceous Earth". Yep, dirt.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, abrasive powder used for natural pest control, filtering, and as a dietary supplement for its silica content. Common uses include eliminating fleas and other pests from homes and gardens by drying them out, purifying water and beverages, acting as a mild abrasive in toothpaste and skincare, improving soil health, and serving as an anti-caking agent in foods and other industrial products.

If you want more protein - beef jerky is much better. And you can make it yourself, in your oven.
 
A great healthy way to add protein to your diet is with the Five Health Star Rating YoPRO High In Natural Protein Yoghurt. No add sugar and no artificial sweeteners with only 0.3 % fat. It comes in a pouch so you can consume as much as you like and then, close the top cap for later. I am taking this yoghurt daily whilst on Ozempic, to assist with the repair and build of muscle. It also keeps your appetite satisfied. It comes in various flavours, like passionfruit, mixed berries, vanilla and more. The cost being under $3 for 150g. This is a much better choice than the protein hard to chew bars. 🙏🦋
 
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A great healthy way to add protein to your diet is with the Five Health Star Rating YoPro High in natural protein yoghurt. No add sugar and no artificial sweeteners with only 0.3 % fat. It comes in a pouch so you can consume as much as you like and then, close the top cap for later. I am taking this yoghurt daily whilst on Ozempic, to assist with the repair and build of muscle. It also keeps your appetite satisfied. It comes in various flavours, like passionfruit, mixed berries, vanilla and more. The cost being under $3 for 150g. This is a much better choice than the protein hard to chew bars. 🙏🦋
I'm on Ozempic too.
I'm going to try that yoghurt, that sounds great, Mate.
Thank you.
 
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I mentioned this in an SDC forum some time ago. The bulk of protein bars is sugar, maltodextrin, fructose, dextrose, palm sugar (just about anything that ends in 'ose'. And more I cant recall. Another something is "diatomaceous Earth". Yep, dirt.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, abrasive powder used for natural pest control, filtering, and as a dietary supplement for its silica content. Common uses include eliminating fleas and other pests from homes and gardens by drying them out, purifying water and beverages, acting as a mild abrasive in toothpaste and skincare, improving soil health, and serving as an anti-caking agent in foods and other industrial products.

If you want more protein - beef jerky is much better. And you can make it yourself, in your oven.
I had sth African friends in Tassie who used to do their own it was so delicious.😋
 
I'm on Ozempic too.
I'm going to try that yoghurt, that sounds great, Mate.
Thank you.
Dear member Wombat 2u2004 thankyou for your post. Yey, l am so happy to meet you. I just began the Ozempic 5 weeks ago and am on the 0.5 dose now. I keep a diary that I call "My Ozempic Journey", to write foods that can be eaten, how l feel that day and any research on ozempic that will keep me motivated to reach my desired healthy weight. My daughter is always looking for healthy foods for me to eat and she recently introduced me to the YoPro yoghurt. May l ask are you male or female, l am female. I would love to hear a bit about your journey in Ozempic. Once again, l am so delighted to meet you. I wish you many happy blessings for good health and happiness. With kindness regards, 7777. 🦋🙏
 
I'm on Ozempic too.
I'm going to try that yoghurt, that sounds great, Mate.
Thank you.
Plain Greek yoghurts better for you that’s what I have everyday and it’s cheaper buying the 1 kilo tubs than pouches. It pays to do your research. My friend was using ozempic for months for diabetes and wight loss but had to go off it as it made her so ill and constipated it doesn’t agree with everyone, but good luck with it.🌞
 
I mentioned this in an SDC forum some time ago. The bulk of protein bars is sugar, maltodextrin, fructose, dextrose, palm sugar (just about anything that ends in 'ose'. And more I cant recall. Another something is "diatomaceous Earth". Yep, dirt.

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural, abrasive powder used for natural pest control, filtering, and as a dietary supplement for its silica content. Common uses include eliminating fleas and other pests from homes and gardens by drying them out, purifying water and beverages, acting as a mild abrasive in toothpaste and skincare, improving soil health, and serving as an anti-caking agent in foods and other industrial products.

If you want more protein - beef jerky is much better. And you can make it yourself, in your oven.
Dear member Kman, thankyou for your post. Oh my goodness that's why there are so many sick people, because they are eating protein bars with toxic ingredients. Like you said, there are more healthier choices for protein with delicious beef jerky. Also try the 5 stars health rating YoPRO High In Natural Protein Yoghurt pouches, under $3, with flavours like vanilla, berries, mango and more. Have a beautiful evening. 🙏🦋
 
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Dear member Kman, thankyou for your post. Oh my goodness that's why there are so many sick people, because they are eating protein bars with toxic ingredients. Like you said, there are more healthier choices for protein with delicious beef jerky. Also try the 5 stars health rating YoPro all natural protein yoghurt pouches, under $3, with flavours like vanilla, berries, mango and more. Have a beautiful evening. 🙏🦋
That Yopro sounds really good. What stores do you get it from? You know, maybe even a glass of milk or a few chunks cheese will help.
 
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Plain Greek yoghurts better for you that’s what I have everyday and it’s cheaper buying the 1 kilo tubs than pouches. It pays to do your research. My friend was using ozempic for months for diabetes and wight loss but had to go off it as it made her so ill and constipated it doesn’t agree with everyone, but good luck with it

Dear Littleboy8, thankyou for your post. Big hug to you my dear friend. Have a beautiful evening. 🙏🦋
 
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That Yopro sounds really good. What stores do you get it from? You know, maybe even a glass of milk or a few chunks cheese will help.
Hi dear member Kman, thankyou for your post. You can buy the YoPRO High In Natural Protein Yoghurt in Coles and Woolworths. I always get about 7 to last me the whole week. Have a beautiful evening. 🙏🦋
 
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I love the plain Greek yoghurt with a tablespoon of pure, unadulterated Aussie honey. And everyone knows (honey never goes bad), so it is the perfect food.
 
I love the plain Greek yoghurt with a tablespoon of pure, unadulterated Aussie honey. And everyone knows (honey never goes bad), so it is the perfect food.
I even spread it on my rolls and sandwiches in place of mayonnaise and butter I love the stuff with rolled oats for brekky, fruit even just straight from the tub.😋
 
Plain Greek yoghurts better for you that’s what I have everyday and it’s cheaper buying the 1 kilo tubs than pouches. It pays to do your research. My friend was using ozempic for months for diabetes and wight loss but had to go off it as it made her so ill and constipated it doesn’t agree with everyone, but good luck with it.🌞
I take Ozempic because I have Diabetes Type 2. The only side effect I get is nausea.
I take the Ozempic every Friday morning, and every Tuesday morning at breakfast, I feel ill and have to bolt to the bathroom, where I have nausea for about 3 or 4 minutes. Nothing comes out, I just constantly yawn at the sink.
I spoke to the doctor about that, and she said the benefits of Ozemic outweigh that particular side effect.
 
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Hi dear member Kman, thankyou for your post. You can buy the YoPro all natural protein yoghurt in Coles and Woolworths. I always get about 7 to last me the whole week. Have a beautiful evening. 🙏🦋
I'll be shopping for that when I get back from Thailand in late October.
In the meantime, I will see if I can get it here.
🙏 Sawadee Krub.
 
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I take Ozempic because I have Diabetes Type 2. The only side effect I get is nausea.
I take the Ozempic every Friday morning, and every Tuesday morning at breakfast, I feel ill and have to bolt to the bathroom, where I have nausea for about 3 or 4 minutes. Nothing comes out, I just constantly yawn at the sink.
I spoke to the doctor about that, and she said the benefits of Ozemic outweigh that particular side effect.
Dear Wombat2u2004, thankyou for your post. I am sorry to hear about your difficult side effects from the Ozempic. Have you thought about taking Mylanta for your nausea. It comes in liquid form and tablets as well, and it can be purchased without prescription. I find that when I have nausea, the Mylanta helps to settle things down in my body. I hope that the Ozempic side effects will subside soon for you. I wish you good health and happiness always. God bless Have a good evening. 🙏🦋
 

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