Do we actually need that much protein?

Protein is having a moment.

Protein water. Protein coffee. High-protein snacks. And a growing feeling that if every meal isn’t packed with it, we’re somehow doing nutrition wrong.

But do we really need that much?

First things first: yes, protein matters.

Protein provides the amino acids our bodies use every day to build and repair tissue. It supports muscle, helps keep us feeling satisfied after meals and becomes particularly important for maintaining muscle mass as we age.

But more isn’t automatically better.

How much protein we need varies depending on our body, age, activity levels and life stage. Someone strength training several times a week will naturally have different requirements to someone who moves more gently.

Rather than obsessing over a magic number, we prefer to look at the bigger picture.

Aim to include a quality source of protein across your meals - think eggs, yoghurt, fish, meat, legumes, tofu, nuts and seeds - and let consistency do some of the heavy lifting.

Need a little inspiration? Our recipe journal is full of simple, nourishing recipes to make eating well feel a little easier.

Featuring: vibrant Lamb Salad With Radicchio, Beetroot And Tahini from by Nutritionist Liv Kaplan. Full details in our recipes here.

So, where does collagen fit in?

Here’s where protein gets a little more interesting.

Collagen is a protein - but it’s not quite the same as the protein in your morning eggs or Greek yoghurt. It has its own unique amino acid profile and is particularly rich in glycine and proline, which are naturally found throughout our skin, connective tissue, bones and joints.

And yes, this is where your skin enters the chat.

Collagen has become a bit of a beauty-world favourite, with research exploring its potential to support things like skin hydration and elasticity.

Does that mean a scoop of collagen is the secret to glowing skin? We wish it were that simple.

Skin health, like most things in the body, is influenced by the bigger picture. What we eat, hydration, sleep, sun exposure and our overall lifestyle all play a role.

So rather than thinking of collagen as the answer, we like to think of it as another way to nourish the body alongside a varied, protein-rich diet.

And preferably, one that tastes really good.

Our Cacao Collagen was created with this bigger picture in mind. Bovine collagen sits alongside antioxidant-rich cacao, carob, ginger, maca, ashwagandha and vanilla bean - a considered blend designed to nourish from within while supporting your everyday wellbeing.

Each serve provides 2.8g of protein - around the same amount you’d find in a small handful of almonds. And if you’re looking for a little extra, you can add a tablespoon of plain bovine collagen to any of our latte powders for an easy protein boost.

And because we believe the things we do every day should feel good too, it tastes like a beautifully rich cacao rather than another supplement to tick off the list. Whisk into warm milk, blend into your morning smoothie, and make it a ritual you actually look forward to.

So, do we really need that much protein?

Probably not as much as your social feed would have you believe.

Protein is important, but nutrition doesn’t need to become another thing to perfect. Focus on quality, variety and getting enough for your body rather than chasing the biggest number on the packet.

Sometimes the simplest approach is still the best one.