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The Great Protein Race

How protein moved from the gym to the weekly shop, and why that shift favours dairy

Steve Moncrieff11 June 2026Updated 7 October 20265 min read

Independent analysis by The Dairy Mail. Not sponsored; the interpretation is our own.

Scoop of protein powder being poured into a black and orange shaker bottle

For years, protein occupied a narrow corner of the food industry.

It belonged to athletes, bodybuilders and sports nutrition specialists. Protein powders sat on shelves alongside creatine and energy drinks. Most consumers paid little attention.

Today, protein is one of the main forces shaping supermarket shelves.

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Published by The Dairy Mail, Dairy Connect: https://www.dairy-connect.com/the-dairy-mail/the-great-protein-race/

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