The latest Consumer Insights report from Empathy Research has found that 20% of people in Ireland believe that protein-enhanced products are 'bad for your health'.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, this is predominantly driven by those who have never consumer protein-enhanced products (26%).
15% of people consume protein-enhanced foods and drinks several times a week, while a further 15% consume protein-enhanced items such as bars, shakes and cereals at least once a month, the survey found.
21% of respondents said they consume protein bars, shakes, cereals, etc. less than once a month, while half (49%) have never consumed protein-enhanced products.
When respondents who regularly consume items high in protein were asked why, two-fifths (40%) said they think protein-enhanced foods and drinks are a convenient way to take in protein when on the go. Those aged 45-54 years old are significantly more likely to be of this opinion compared to all other age groups; 18-24 years (36%), 25-34 years (30%), 35-44 years (39%), 45-54 years (60%) and 55+ years (41%).
Some of the other reasons cited for regularly consuming protein-enhanced products include the need to have more protein in their diet (27%), being an athlete or active person (23%) and making the consumption of protein-enhanced foods/drinks part of their pre/post workout routine (21%).
When less frequent or non-consumers of protein-enhanced products were asked why, two-fifths (40%) cited they get enough protein from other foods and drinks, while almost two in five (37%) prefer to eat healthier options for energy. Looking at this by gender, females (43%) are significantly more likely to rely on other foods and drinks for energy than males (31%).
Click here for more information from Empathy Research.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Niall Swan
