In today’s world, whenever you look in body nutrition shops, you can find a protein powder. Even in pharmacies and small promotion tents, there are always one or two brands.
But it wasn’t always like this. Actually, just a few years back protein powders could be found only in the most established food supplement brand retailers. Alternatively, you had to find one online.
The history and evolution of protein powders have changed over the years and in our article we will take a closer look at those specific changes.
The Stone Age: When Cavemen Crushed It
Well, this is going back in history a bit more than I initially expected, but I thought you might find this bit interesting.
Before the days of shiny packaging and fancy marketing, our prehistoric ancestors had to get their protein from actual food. I know, it’s a travesty. But believe it or not, cavemen didn’t have the luxury of shopping for “Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss” protein shakes.
- Mammoths: The ultimate protein source. Good luck trying to wrestle one of those bad boys.
- Nuts and seeds: The original “protein bars.”
- Insects: Extra crunchy and packed with protein, but not exactly Instagram-worthy.
As you can imagine, early humans had to work a little harder for their gains. It wasn’t until much later that humans discovered the secret to swole: protein powder.
The 1950s: First Breakthrough
With the advent of bodybuilding culture in the 1950s, the demand for a convenient protein source skyrocketed. And so, the first protein powders were born.
Eugene Schiff (a name you probably haven’t heard since your last protein powder trivia night) was a pharmacist who in 1936 developed a method on how to separate whey from milk.
A few years later, in the early 1950s, Irvin Johnson successfully created the first whey protein powder.
These early protein powders were a far cry from today’s smooth, delicious concoctions. They were gritty, chalky, and tasted like sadness. But hey, at least they weren’t insects, right?
The 1990s: Tastes Like (Almost) Real Food!
The next big leap in the evolution of protein powder came in the 1990s, when whey protein entered the scene. Derived from milk, whey protein offered a more complete amino acid profile, making it the go-to choice for athletes and gym enthusiasts everywhere.
Suddenly, protein powders started to taste a little less like punishment and a little more like food. Flavors like “vanilla,” “chocolate,” and “strawberry” became the norm, although it’s debatable whether these early iterations actually tasted like their namesakes.
Around this time, protein powders also started to diversify in terms of their nutritional offerings:
- Weight gainers: For those looking to pack on serious mass.
- Meal replacements: For the busy bro on the go.
- Low-carb options: For those avoiding the dreaded “carb face.”
It seemed like protein powder had reached its peak.
Well, not quite.
The 2010s: Protein Powder Goes Mainstream
In the 2010s, protein powder finally crawled out of the shadows of gym bags and into the light of mainstream society. Suddenly, everyone and their grandma was adding protein powder to their smoothies, pancakes, and even cookies (because nothing says “healthy” like a protein-packed chocolate chip cookie).
This new audience led to a veritable explosion of protein powder options:
- Plant-based proteins: For the vegans who still want to be jacked.
- Hydrolyzed whey: For the fancy folks who demand only the fastest-absorbing protein.
- Grass-fed, organic, non-GMO, gluten-free options: For the purists who only want their protein to come from cows with an impeccable pedigree.
As you can imagine, with this newfound popularity, the flavors of protein powders also evolved to keep up with the discerning taste buds of the masses. We now had flavors like “Birthday Cake,” “Cinnamon Roll,” and “Mint Chocolate Chip.” The protein powder aisle had officially become an ice cream parlor.
Personally, I don’t prefer this mascaraed and I stick to the chocolate flavor. You know what they say, if it ain’t broke…
The Present Day: The Future is Protein
So here we are, in the golden age of protein powder. Not only do we have more options than ever before, but we also have the luxury of choosing powders that actually taste good.
But where does protein powder go from here? What could possibly be next in the evolution of this muscle-building miracle?
- Personalized protein blends: Just like your favorite coffee order, perhaps someday we’ll have protein powders customized to our unique nutritional needs and flavor preferences.
- Protein powder delivery drones: Because who wants to lug around a 5-pound tub of protein powder from the store?
- Protein powder-infused clothing: Workout gear that releases protein directly into your bloodstream as you exercise? I mean, stranger things have happened.
Personally, I’m quite satisfied where we are with protein powders and food supplements in general, but I would lie if I told you I’m not interested to see what scientists and brands are planning next.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it. A brief history and evolution of protein powders. I hope that you’ve learned something and that you are now more prepared for your next protein powder trivia.
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