# The great protein con: What's inside your 'high-protein' meals and snacks

> Experts reveal hidden costs of high-protein products as manufacturers cash in on trend.
- Title: The great protein con: What's inside your 'high-protein'…
- Summary: Experts reveal hidden costs of high-protein products as manufacturers cash in on trend. Lidl's high-protein beef mince contains 60% beef and 20% pea protein…
- Keywords: lidl, high-protein, beef mince, pea protein, protein snacks, food trends, health products, news, entertainment, great, protein, con
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article-16212935/protein-meals-snacks-experts-rate-popular-options.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-16T09:44:10+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: lidl, high-protein, beef mince, pea protein, protein snacks, food trends, health products, news, entertainment
## Lidl's high-protein beef mince
Lidl announced a new range of 'High Protein Meat' last month, including high-protein beef mince with 37.5g protein per 100g.

> With added pea protein
## Cheaper than regular mince
The high-protein mince costs £8.31 per kilogram versus £8.78 for normal mince despite containing more protein.
## Composition of mince
The product contains 60% beef, 20% pea protein, and 20% water, seasoning, and additives.
## Consumer trend
Worldpanel reports over a quarter of shoppers now seek high-protein products, doubling since 2021.
## Health benefits
Experts say protein is important for all adults, including reducing muscle loss as they age.
## Medication impact
Up to eight million Britons on fat jabs need increased protein intake to manage appetite.
## Expert critique
Bahee Van de Bor says most ordinary protein foods on the side are better and cost less than added protein ingredients.
## Scotch eggs
High protein scotch eggs contain added wheat protein and beans, increasing calories, saturated fat, and salt.
## Weetabix
Weetabix protein version adds wheat gluten, which is low in lysine, an essential amino acid.
## Philadelphia cream cheese
Protein version has fat removed, concentrating protein levels with fewer calories and less saturated fat.
## Mars bar
High protein version contains collagen, which lacks tryptophan, an essential amino acid.
## Wholemeal bread
Protein version uses soya, lentils, beans, and seeds for protein, but is smaller in size.
## Pasta
Barilla protein pasta combines pea and wheat proteins for better amino acid balance.
## Cereal bar
Protein cereal bar has more saturated fat and added sugars than regular version.
## Yoghurt
High protein yoghurt has 11.5g protein per 100g versus 6.2g in regular version.
## Tortillas
High protein tortillas use red lentil flour for protein, but are crispier than standard tortillas.
## Bagels
Protein bagels add wheat protein and seeds but are smaller with only 2.6g protein per bagel.
## Key takeaway

Lidl's high-protein beef mince contains 60% beef and 20% pea protein, costing less than regular mince despite higher protein content.