Buzz
During a recent gym visit, I came across a bag of peanut butter-flavored “protein cookies” that instantly intrigued me. The packaging boldly claims “18 grams of protein per bag,” accompanied by every trendy health term imaginable: non-GMO, gluten-free, and high protein. Let’s be honest, though—despite the marketing, these cookies are still just junk food.
These days, it appears that protein is being added to almost everything, from cream cheese and peanut butter to cereal, and now even cookies. This is because protein plays a crucial role in overall health, weight management, and muscle development. Protein has become the ultimate health buzzword: if a product claims to be “high protein” (even if the amount isn’t particularly significant), consumers are likely to view it as healthier. Few foods carry such a strong health halo effect (think kale and acai). To illustrate this phenomenon, here are some notable quotes from the packaging (with certain parts highlighted for emphasis):
Power bites protein cookies are
guilt-free
protein-packed
snacks designed to satisfy your cravings while providing the energy necessary to tackle your hectic schedule.
Live life to the fullest. Embrace your body.
Feel great while doing it.
The flavor of wellness.
While this sounds appealing, it’s quite misleading. Upon examining the ingredients, the first listed is brown sugar. Although the packaging boasts 18 grams of protein per bag, each bag contains three servings. So, if you’re aiming for the protein, you’re also consuming a triple dose of 18 grams of sugar and 18 grams of fat.
I’m not suggesting sugar is inherently bad. However, many of us already consume excessive amounts of added sugar (along with the fats that often accompany sugary foods), which complicates fitting genuinely nutritious foods into our daily calorie limits.
On a positive note, these protein cookies have a far shorter ingredient list compared to, say, Oreos. But eating the entire bag means consuming 420 calories, which will likely leave you hungry soon after (and let’s face it: how many of us can stop at just two small cookies?). You might justify it by saying you “earned it” after a tough workout, but this mindset can easily lead to overindulgence.
If increasing your protein intake is the goal, there are far better options, such as preparing your own protein smoothies, where you can manage the ingredients. If you’re craving a cookie, opt for a genuine one from a bakery—make it a worthwhile treat.
