Today, Explained: Whey Too Much Protein
Released March 7, 2025
Host: Noel King and Chris Gayomali
Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network

Introduction: The Protein Craze

Timestamp: [00:02 – 02:09]

Noel King and guest co-host Chris Gayomali dive into the burgeoning obsession with protein in modern diets. They humorously illustrate the extremes people go to in order to increase their protein intake, highlighting unconventional methods such as the “chicken smoothie.”

Notable Quote:
Noel King [00:02]: “We are going to extreme lengths to get more protein these days. The powders, the shakes, the cottage cheese and the oatmeal, the peanut butter and everything. And the chicken smoothie.”

Chris Gayomali [00:12]: “I went to the store, got like some chicken breast, boiled it, blended it in a blender... This is so weird.”

The Genesis of Protein Mania

Timestamp: [02:11 – 04:19]

Chris recounts his personal journey into the protein obsession, which began post-lockdown as gyms reopened and he became heavily involved in fitness. Influenced by health podcasts like Huberman Lab, he fell into what he describes as the “protein event horizon.”

Notable Quote:
Chris Gayomali [02:58]: “Yeah. And I was constantly getting all these messages that, like, you're not getting enough protein in your diet. And so that sort of triggered my fall down this trapdoor towards the protein event horizon.”

Historical Context: From Waste to Supplement

Timestamp: [03:51 – 07:35]

The discussion shifts to the historical development of whey protein. Post-World War II industrialization saw dairy production surge, leading to excess whey, traditionally treated as waste. Environmental legislation in the 1970s and technological advancements in microfiltration transformed whey into a marketable protein supplement.

Notable Quote:
Chris Gayomali [06:00]: “It's like this whole protein boom is like people just figured out that you can take existing garbage, essentially and sell it to people.”

He also touches on the diversification of plant-based proteins, noting how industries have adapted by extracting proteins from soy, pea, algae, hemp, and rice to meet the rising demand.

Innovations in Protein Products

Timestamp: [07:35 – 10:08]

Chris introduces innovative protein products like “Feisty,” a protein-infused soda. He interviews V, the founder of Feisty, who shares her journey from overcoming a knee injury to developing a lighter, fizzy protein drink using hydrolyzed pea protein.

Notable Quote:
V [08:11]: “And I was like, wow, this is so incredible. And just like, fell in love with all things fitness.”

Additionally, food scientist David Julian McClelmanson explains the complex processes behind fortifying plant-based foods with proteins, such as creating plant-based eggs and chicken alternatives.

David Julian McClelmanson [09:22]: “We’ve made plant-based scallops... chicken and plant-based eggs that are fortified with proteins and other healthy ingredients.”

The Influence of Fitness Culture and Social Media

Timestamp: [10:17 – 13:02]

Noel and Chris discuss how fitness culture, particularly post-pandemic, has normalized high-protein diets across genders. Influencers like Dr. Gabrielle Lyon advocate for increased protein intake, especially for aging populations to combat muscle loss.

Notable Quote:
Noel King [12:40]: “...Dr. Gabrielle Lyon... she argues that women, especially as they enter menopause, need to be lifting weights and eating way more protein to stay healthy.”

The conversation highlights how social media and fitness influencers have played pivotal roles in shifting public perception towards prioritizing protein.

Industry Response: Food Giants Embrace Protein

Timestamp: [13:02 – 20:38]

The episode delves into how major food companies like General Mills have capitalized on the protein trend. Chris shares his experience visiting General Mills headquarters, where he observed the extensive R&D efforts to incorporate high levels of protein into traditional products like Wheaties without compromising their iconic texture.

Notable Quote:
Chris Gayomali [18:32]: “They went through 40 different iterations over it over a multi-year R&D period... It was kind of funny because they rolled out all these different versions over the years in little glass containers.”

This segment underscores the lengths to which companies go to innovate and meet consumer demand for high-protein products.

Debating Protein: Benefit or Overconsumption?

Timestamp: [20:38 – 24:38]

Noel raises concerns about the prevalence of ultra-processed high-protein foods, questioning whether these products qualify as healthy or if they represent a new form of junk food. Chris acknowledges the dilemma, noting that while whole food sources are ideal, the convenience of protein supplements is beneficial, especially for older adults combating muscle loss.

Notable Quote:
Chris Gayomali [22:06]: “A lot of the researchers I talked to... it's maybe not ideal. Maybe we should be getting our protein from whole sources... But we don't live in an ideal world. We're always on the move and need convenience when we can.”

The hosts also explore the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for protein, revealing that recent research suggests an increased requirement, which aligns with the current protein-centric dietary trends.

Notable Quote:
Chris Gayomali [23:13]: “So in terms of how much protein a person might need, the RDA works out to basically 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. More recent research suggests that it should be probably closer to 1.6, which is double what the old RDA was.”

Cultural Reflections: What Protein Obsession Says About Us

Timestamp: [24:38 – 25:56]

In the concluding segments, Noel and Chris reflect on the broader cultural implications of society’s fixation on protein. They discuss how nutritional knowledge has evolved and how it intersects with personal beliefs and misinformation spread through various media platforms.

Notable Quote:
Chris Gayomali [24:38]: “I feel like we're just getting so much smarter about nutrition now... it's kind of like a personal calculation is where I've kind of landed on it.”

Chris humorously mentions his own increased protein intake and its positive effects, encapsulating the personal nature of dietary choices amidst a sea of conflicting information.

Chris Gayomali [25:45]: “And your muscles got bigger.”

Noel King [25:47]: “There you go. There you go. That is it. That is why we do it.”

Conclusion: Navigating the Protein Landscape

Timestamp: [25:56 – End]

The episode wraps up with production credits and a brief mention of upcoming segments and other podcasts. Noel and Chris emphasize the importance of balancing scientific research with personal health needs, encouraging listeners to make informed decisions about their protein consumption.

Key Takeaways:

1. Historical Evolution: The transformation of whey from a dairy byproduct to a protein supplement highlights the interplay between industrial needs, environmental regulations, and technological advancements.

2. Diverse Protein Sources: The rise of plant-based proteins reflects both environmental concerns and dietary preferences, expanding the options beyond traditional animal sources.

3. Influence of Fitness Culture: Social media and fitness influencers have significantly shaped public perceptions, making high-protein diets more mainstream across different demographics.

4. Industry Adaptation: Major food companies are continuously innovating to incorporate higher protein content into familiar products, balancing health trends with consumer expectations.

5. Health Implications: While increased protein intake can be beneficial, especially for aging populations, there is ongoing debate regarding the potential overconsumption and reliance on processed protein sources.

6. Personalization of Diet: Amidst evolving nutritional guidelines and mixed media messages, individuals are encouraged to tailor their protein intake based on personal health needs and lifestyle.

Final Thoughts:

The episode "Whey Too Much Protein" offers a comprehensive exploration of society’s protein obsession, tracing its origins, examining its cultural impact, and pondering its future trajectory. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, Noel King and Chris Gayomali provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of why protein has become such a central component of modern diets and what that means for our health and food industry.