Food Makers Add 10 to 36 Grams of Protein to Pop-Tarts, Soda and Coffee
Updated
Updated · The Takeout · Jun 26
Food Makers Add 10 to 36 Grams of Protein to Pop-Tarts, Soda and Coffee
1 articles · Updated · The Takeout · Jun 26
Summary
More than 70% of Americans are now thinking about protein intake, helping push manufacturers to fortify unlikely products from Pop-Tarts and popcorn to soda, coffee drinks and instant noodles.
Starbucks’ protein drinks carry some of the biggest counts—36 grams in a grande iced protein matcha—while newer products include 10-gram protein Pop-Tarts, 16-gram Cup Noodles Protein and 17-gram Doritos Protein bags due later in 2026.
Consumer response has been mixed because many of the products still carry drawbacks such as sugar, sodium or higher prices, including Cup Noodles Protein at 1,390 milligrams of sodium and SkyPop soda at $26.98 for 12 cans.
Health experts also warn the protein boom can blur the line between fortified and healthy, with some high-protein diets linked to cardiovascular disease, constipation and cancer risks when animal protein is overconsumed.