Why more families are choosing high-protein snacks

When my daughter was a toddler, one of her favorite snacks was beef sticks. I’ve got old videos of her bouncing around our house with a half-eaten beef stick clutched in her tiny hand.

Parents know that high-quality protein is important to fuel our kids’ growth, development and learning.

And as a busy mom, I’m also trying to eat more protein. I know that protein helps support muscle mass and bone density, which decline as we age.

It turns out, I’m not the only mom focused on protein. More families are looking for convenient protein choices that they can toss into a lunch bag, pack for practice or grab on a busy morning.

Sales of high-protein snacks like beef sticks, cottage cheese and whey powder are so strong, food companies like Chomps and Daisy brand are building new production facilities here in the Midwest to keep up with the surging demand.

The health benefits of high-quality protein

Busy parents are looking for high-protein foods with shorter ingredient lists.

Whole foods like meat and dairy provide essential amino acids,

which are the building blocks our bodies need to grow and maintain muscle, nutrition experts say.

Other important nutrients found in meat, dairy and eggs include B12, which helps maintain brain function; iron, which helps carry oxygen through the body; calcium, which is essential for bone health; and zinc, which supports the immune system.

Nutrition experts recommend a balanced diet that includes a mix of animal- and plant-based proteins (such as beans, nuts and peanut butter).

And for those of us on a budget, it’s good to know that high-quality protein sources like meat, milk and eggs can also be an affordable alternative to packaged protein snacks and bars.

Easy high-protein snacks for kids and parents

I like to pack cheese sticks, beef sticks and yogurt tubes in my daughter’s lunch bag so I know she is getting high-quality protein.

Other easy, protein-rich options for families include hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, deli turkey, Greek yogurt and peanut butter.

Iowa farmers take pride in providing high-quality proteins like meat, eggs and dairy for our families and theirs.

To learn more about how Iowa farmers work every day to grow safe, nutritious food, visit realfarmersrealfoodrealmeat.com.

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