Once the preserve of bodybuilders and gym obsessives, protein is now being added to everything from bread and breakfast cereals to chocolate bars, ice cream and ready-made desserts.
There is good reason to make sure we eat enough of it. Protein is an essential part of a balanced diet, helping to preserve muscle mass and repair hair, skin, bones, organs and muscles.
Because it takes longer to break down than some other nutrients, it can also slow digestion and help keep us feeling fuller for longer.
But walk past any supermarket chiller cabinet today and it is clear protein is no longer just for gym-bunnies: rows of mousses, puddings and desserts have been given a health-conscious makeover.
And while a sprinkling of whey may make a chocolate mousse or caramel pudding sound healthier, experts warn it does not automatically turn it into a guilt-free treat.
Many protein puddings may contain more protein than standard desserts, but they can also be ultra-processed and loaded with sweeteners, thickeners, flavourings and other additives.
‘Even though many of these protein desserts provide a useful source of protein, they are still processed convenience foods. In general, I would encourage people to get most of their protein from foods such as Greek yoghurt, quark, cottage cheese, eggs, fish, meat, beans and lentils,’ nutritionist and author Rob Hobson tells the Daily Mail.
With this in mind, we asked Mr Hobson to examine a range of popular protein desserts and weigh up whether they offer any real health benefits – or are simply another clever marketing trick.
Tesco, £1.25
Lindahl’s Kvarg – White Chocolate
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 86 kcal
Sugar: 5.6g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 0.1g
They say: With a creamy texture comparable to Greek yoghurt, Lindahl’s Kvarg is a high-protein option to compliment your exercise regime.
Rob Hobson says: ‘This is one of the strongest options in the group from a nutritional perspective. The main ingredient is quark, a traditional strained dairy product that naturally contains a high amount of protein, making up 93 per cent of the recipe.
‘With 15g of protein for just 86 calories, it delivers an impressive protein-to-calorie ratio while keeping calories and exceptionally low fat.
‘The ingredient list is also shorter and simpler than many of the protein puddings in this comparison. While it does contain sweeteners and flavourings to create the white chocolate taste, it still feels closer to a naturally high-protein dairy food than a highly formulated dessert.
‘It’s also suitable for vegetarians, unlike some mousse-style products that use beef gelatine. If you’re looking for a convenient way to increase protein intake without excessive calories, this is one of the best choices in the line-up.’
Expert’s rating: 4/5
UFIT Double Chocolate Protein Pudding
Ocado, £2
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 189 kcal
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 3.8 g
They say: We make high-protein, no added sugar desserts that are made to support everyday decisions that feel good.
Rob Hobson says: ‘UFIT’s biggest strength is its impressive protein content. At 25g per serving, it provides the highest amount of protein of any product in this comparison, making it particularly appealing for active people looking to support recovery after exercise or boost their daily protein intake.
‘The pudding combines milk proteins with cocoa to create a rich chocolate flavour while keeping calories relatively moderate. Like many products in this category, it relies on ingredients such as modified starches, thickeners and sweeteners to achieve its texture and taste, making it more processed than naturally protein-rich foods such as quark or Greek yoghurt.
‘However, compared with many traditional desserts, it delivers substantially more protein for a similar calorie intake. For those prioritising protein above all else, it’s a strong performer.’
Expert’s rating: 3/5
Arla Protein Chocolate Pudding
Morrisons, £1.75
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 152 kcal
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 1.8 g
They say: Enjoy the creaminess, the great taste and feel good about your well-deserved break. It’s high in protein, has no added sugar and it’s even low in fat.
Rob Hobson says: ‘Arla has created a well-balanced protein pudding that delivers 20g of protein while keeping calories and fat relatively modest.
‘One of its distinguishing features is the use of erythritol and stevia rather than sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame, which some consumers may prefer.
‘The pudding is also lactose-free, making it suitable for people who struggle to digest lactose. While it still contains stabilisers and thickeners that are typical of this category. Its overall nutritional profile compares favourably with many products in this category.
‘The combination of high protein, low fat, moderate calories and lactose-free credentials gives it broad appeal. It strikes a good balance between convenience, taste and nutrition, making it one of the strongest all-round products in the comparison.’
Expert’s rating: 4/5
Muller MyProtein Mousse
Tesco, £2.50
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 168 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 20.4 g
Fat: 5.4g
They say: A delicious low fat dairy mousse, each pot packed with 20g of protein.
Rob Hobson says: ‘This mousse delivers more than 20g of protein per serving and contains more cocoa powder than many of the other products in the comparison, which may contribute to a richer chocolate flavour. The slightly higher fat content also helps create a creamier and more indulgent texture.
‘However, it does use beef gelatine to achieve its mousse consistency, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. It also takes a more formulated approach to delivering protein than some of the simpler dairy-based products in this category.
‘That said, its nutritional profile remains strong, with high protein and moderate calories. For people looking for a protein-rich dessert that feels a little more indulgent than a standard pudding, it’s a solid option that still performs well nutritionally.
Expert’s rating: 3/5
Ehrman High Protein Chocolate pudding
Morrisons, £1.95
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 152 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 3g
They say: Protein, power, indulgence: our High Protein Pudding is creamy, chocolatey, and has no added sugar, is lactose-free, and has 20 grams of protein per pot.
Rob Hobson says: ‘Ehrmann offers a good balance of protein, calories and taste. With 20g of protein per serving, it compares well with many of the leading products in this category and is also lactose-free, which may be beneficial for people who struggle to digest lactose.
‘One point that may confuse some people is its no added sugar positioning. Although no sugar has been added during manufacturing, the nutrition panel still lists 8g of naturally occurring milk sugars per serving.
‘The product also uses sweeteners to maintain a sweet taste while keeping calories relatively low. Overall, it delivers a substantial amount of protein for a moderate calorie intake and provides a convenient option for people looking to increase protein intake without turning to protein shakes or bars.’
Expert’s rating: 3/5
GetPro Chocolate Hazelnut Pudding
Waitrose, £1.95
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 137 kcal
Sugar: 7.9g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 1.6g
They say: With 18g protein, our rich chocolate and hazelnut flavour is a delicious way to help you achieve your fitness goals. Now also with magnesium and vitamin B9 to help build and recover muscle, and reduce fatigue.
Rob Hobson says: ‘GetPro stands out because it offers more than just protein. As well as providing 18g of protein per serving, it contains added magnesium and folate, two nutrients that many people struggle to get enough of in their diets. While its protein content is slightly lower than some competitors, it still delivers a substantial amount alongside relatively modest calories and fat.
‘What gives this pudding an edge is the addition of micronutrients, which is unusual in this category. While the magnesium and folate have been added rather than occurring naturally in the food, they still contribute to the overall nutritional value of the product.
‘The milk-based formulation provides a solid source of protein, while the added nutrients offer an extra benefit beyond simply boosting protein intake so for people looking for a convenient protein snack that provides a little more nutritional value than most of its competitors, this is one of the strongest all-round options in the line-up.’
Expert’s rating: 4/5
Nomadic Chocolate Protein Pudding
Morrisons, £1.75
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 162 kcal
Sugar: 8.4g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 3.2 g
They say: Protein packed, great tasting chocolate pudding with 20g protein. No added sugar, low fat, and just 162 calories.
Rob Hobson says: ‘Nomadic delivers a straightforward protein pudding with 20g of protein per serving and a relatively simple dairy-based formulation. Milk, milk protein and cream form the foundation of the product, while cocoa powder provides the chocolate flavour.
‘It doesn’t offer any standout nutritional advantages compared with some of the higher-scoring products, but it performs well across the board. The calorie content remains moderate, the protein content is high and the ingredient list is broadly comparable to many other products in the category.
‘For people looking for a convenient high-protein dessert without unnecessary complexity, it’s a dependable option that provides good nutritional value and compares favourably with many mainstream desserts.’
Expert’s rating: 3/5
Aldi Brooklea Chocolate Flavour Protein Mousse
Aldi, £0.89
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 153 kcal
Sugar: 8.3g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 3g
They say: A dairy protein dessert with chocolate flavour and with sweeteners.
Rob Hobson says: ‘Aldi’s protein mousse offers good value and delivers 20g of protein for relatively few calories. From a nutritional perspective, it compares surprisingly well with several more expensive branded alternatives and provides a substantial amount of protein in a convenient format.
‘However, like the Müller mousse, it contains beef gelatine, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. It also doesn’t offer any obvious nutritional advantages over some of the stronger performers in this comparison.
‘While there is nothing particularly concerning about the ingredient list, it lacks the standout qualities that help distinguish some of the higher-scoring products. For shoppers looking for an affordable way to increase protein intake, it’s still a reasonable choice and represents good value for money.’
Expert’s rating: 2/5
Lidl Milbona High Protein Chocolate Pudding
Lidl, £1.25
Nutritional information (per serving):
Calories: 162 cal
Sugar: 10 g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 3.2 g
They say: A low-fat, high-protein pudding with no added sugar.
Rob Hobson says: ‘Milbona’s protein pudding delivers a strong nutritional profile with 20g of protein and a moderate calorie content. The recipe is built around skimmed milk and milk protein, providing a solid foundation for a high-protein snack or dessert.
‘While it contains slightly more naturally occurring sugar than some competitors, it still offers a substantial amount of protein for the calories provided. Like many products in this category, it uses sweeteners and stabilisers to help create a smooth texture and sweet flavour without adding large amounts of sugar.
‘Although it doesn’t particularly stand out from similar products on the market, it performs consistently well across the key nutritional measures and offers good value.
‘It’s a reliable option that compares favourably with many more expensive alternatives.’
Expert’s rating: 3/5
Plain Greek yoghurt
A large tub of Greek yogurt can cost as little as £2 in supermarkets
Rob Hobson says: ‘Plain Greek yoghurt remains the gold standard when it comes to high-protein desserts. It naturally provides around 10g of high-quality protein per 100g without relying on modified starches, stabilisers or artificial sweeteners, making it a simple whole-food choice.
‘Alongside protein, it supplies important nutrients including calcium, iodine and vitamin B12, which support bone health, normal thyroid function and energy metabolism. Many varieties also contain live cultures, which may offer additional benefits for gut health.
‘If you prefer something sweeter, adding fresh berries, chopped fruit or a handful of nuts can boost fibre and micronutrients while still keeping the ingredient list simple.
‘While protein puddings certainly have their place for convenience, plain Greek yoghurt sets the standard against which they should be judged nutritionally.’
Expert’s rating: 5/5
