A UK-wide YouGov poll to identify how people utilise protein in their diet has showcased that nearly half of Londoners incorrectly believe that the nutrient is used to provide energy.

Despite the fact that there is record amount of protein products being sold – with one third of UK adults consuming high-protein food and drink products, a survey commissioned by Scotland’s number one dairy brand has revealed that people across the country don’t understand protein’s place in a healthy and active diet

The YouGov survey, commissioned by Graham’s Family Dairy and supported by the best university in the world for sports* Loughborough, found that 45 per cent of adults who exercise in London believe incorrectly that one of protein’s key roles is to provide energy when actually that is what carbs do. Around a quarter (26 per cent) of Londoners were consuming food at the optimum time after physical activity while only six per cent of Londeners surveyed knew how much protein is in a medium sized chicken breast.

Andrew Shepherd, Performance Nutrition Lead at Loughborough University, added:

“Protein consumption over the last few years has seen a rapid increase. The survey shows that despite this, we still don’t have a clear understanding of protein and the results show a large number of people are unsure on consuming protein effectively. Incorporating protein sources that are easily available, digestible and that contain more than 20g of protein can help exercise recover. Dairy products like protein yoghurts provide a fantastic solution to getting the right total, type and timing for your exercise recovery.”

The survey results have sparked a wider commitment from Graham’s Family Dairy, which will now take its free ‘Powered by Graham’s’ fitness and informative sessions to the UK capital this month with the ambition of bridging the protein education gap through a partnership with GymOn London.

Robert Graham, Graham’s Family Dairy Managing Director, said:

“Since we started developing our innovative protein range in 2018 I’ve made a point of understanding the role protein plays in a balanced diet. We’ve since been committed to creating and providing a product that can enhance performance and recovery, using natural ingredients. More people are incorporating high protein products into their diets – we have seen protein product sales grow by 67 per cent over the last year – so we want to encourage everyone to get informed on the topic.”

The family run dairy has launched a 30-day challenge aimed at highlighting the benefits of consuming protein to aid in exercise recovery, coinciding with the UKs busiest month for gym visits2.

‘Powered by Graham’s’, supported by Loughborough University, is free to sign up to and everyone who registers will receive expert advice and exclusive opportunities to take part in exercise classes sponsored by Graham’s Family Dairy at participating fitness facilities across the UK. It will come to GymOn London at 10am on 21 March 2024.

Graham’s Family Dairy produces a wide range of high-protein, fat free, low sugar and sweetener free dairy products which deliver between 22 and 25 grams of protein per serving, setting them apart from others in the market which typically offer only 14-20 grams, making them the perfect go-to post exercise snack.