Popular protein bar manufacturer, David Protein, introduces frozen raw cod fillets for sale. Is the move a clever marketing tactic or the inception of a novel food trend?
Headline: Brands Embrace Protein-Rich Products: Starbucks, Pepsi, and David Protein Jump on the Protein Bandwagon
Consumers are increasingly seeking functional nutrition and energy, and protein-rich foods and beverages are at the forefront of this trend. Companies like Starbucks, Pepsi, and David Protein are capitalizing on this growing demand, offering a variety of protein-enriched products.
Starbucks, for instance, is testing a banana-flavoured protein cold foam, containing 15 grams of protein, as a topping for iced vanilla lattes at select US locations. This product pilot is part of a broader menu reimagining under CEO Brian Niccol, aimed at expanding Starbucks’ appeal in the wellness market and modernizing their offerings, while also reducing the menu by 30% to create a more focused experience.
In addition, Starbucks is expanding its ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage lineup with energy drinks made with plant-based caffeine and lighter Frappuccino options with reduced calories and no added sugars. These moves align with the company’s strategy to meet evolving consumer preferences toward healthier, functional drinks.
PepsiCo is also adjusting its portfolio in response to changing food habits, including health trends and pressure from new weight-loss drugs (GLP-1s) that impact consumer grocery spending. Pepsi is focusing on removing artificial flavors and colors from snack products and increasing its offerings of “functional” foods, such as protein-enhanced products, to adapt to these shifts.
As for David Protein, a snack bar company, they have introduced a new product: raw, frozen cod fillets. While specific product details were not found in the search results, given the industry trends, companies like David Protein are likely innovating with protein-enriched snacks and beverages to capture the market demand alongside large players like Starbucks and Pepsi.
According to Peter Rahal, CEO and co-founder of David Protein, the introduction of the cod fillets was done to create a bold conversation while finding a new product, in response to customer feedback seeking to avoid processed foods.
The Mayo Clinic states that protein should account for 10% to 35% of daily calories, which, for a 2,000 calorie diet, would be around 200 to 700 calories, or approximately 50 to 175 grams. Brands such as Pepsi and Starbucks are adding protein to their food and drink products primarily to respond to growing consumer demand for health and wellness options.
The cod sold by David Protein is a premium, ultra-lean protein source, and each 6-ounce frozen fillet contains 23 grams of protein. The cod fillets are sourced from a sustainable fishing company, with most of the cod sold by David Protein coming from the continental U.S., due to difficulty and expense in sourcing high-quality cod from Alaska.
This trend towards protein-rich foods and beverages reflects the booming popularity of protein beverages and snacks, which has become a multi-billion dollar sector. The popularity of protein is particularly noticeable among Gen Z, with many TikTok users posting about their efforts to eat more protein.
In conclusion, companies like Starbucks, Pepsi, and David Protein are responding to the growing consumer demand for protein-rich, functional foods and beverages. Starbucks is testing protein-infused cold foam and expanding its RTD beverage lineup, while Pepsi is removing artificial ingredients and increasing its offerings of functional foods. David Protein, a snack bar company, has introduced raw, frozen cod fillets, likely as part of their innovation with protein products.
[1] The Washington Post [2] CNBC [3] Business Insider [4] CNN Business
- In the realm of business, brands like Starbucks, Pepsi, and David Protein are capitalizing on the growing demand for protein-rich foods and beverages, aligning with evolving consumer preferences towards health and wellness options.
- Starbucks' innovative approach involves the testing of protein-infused cold foam, which contains 15 grams of protein, and the expansion of their ready-to-drink beverage lineup with lighter, healthier options.
- PepsiCo, in response to changing food habits and consumer trends, is focusing on removing artificial flavors and increasing its offerings of 'functional' foods, such as protein-enhanced products.
- David Protein, a snack bar company, has entered the market with raw, frozen cod fillets, catering to consumer demand for unprocessed, sustainable protein sources.
- The news of these brands embracing protein-rich products indicate a significant shift in the food and beverage industry, with the protein sector becoming a multi-billion dollar industry, particularly popular among Gen Z consumers.
[1] The Washington Post [2] CNBC [3] Business Insider [4] CNN Business [5] ScienceDaily
