When you think about protein products, you probably think they need to be hefty shakes, nasty bars, or tons of grilled meat to actually count.
But does a cookie with protein count as protein, or is it just another sweet treat with a health label slapped on it? Can’t you have something that tastes like a yummy treat and still get your protein in a positive and wellness-oriented way?
Well, it comes down to a variety of factors.
Today, we’re going to break down whether or not protein cookie dough bites count as a positive protein source to help answer that question. You might be able to enjoy a big boost of protein without having to accept lackluster flavor.
Ratios are the Most Important Factor
The reason people usually think of bodybuilder shakes or grilled chicken breasts with minimal additives isn’t because they have the highest amount of protein. It’s typically because they have lots of protein, but they cut out most of the other junk, like sugar.
Let’s use a grilled chicken breast, for example.
If you eat a 6-ounce piece of breast, you get an average of 50 grams of protein and only 2.7 grams of fat. This is why they’re often seen as the best meat for bodybuilders and athletes who want to pack on protein without storing fat.
Your average cookie has lots of sugar and very little protein. What happens when you make a cookie dough with macros as the main focus, though? Well, you get the chance to make something that meets wellness needs just as well as those “clean” food options, without the issues of a stereotypical cookie.
In comparison, if you take a chicken breast and you cover it in ranch dressing or pair it with fries, all that protein is a lot less beneficial, and the protein isn’t nearly as worth it. Even though there are tons of protein in the chicken itself.
How much protein you get and the amount of other things in the cookie are much more important than the type of food you’re eating.
Where Does the Protein Come from?
The type of protein used in the cookie is also important. Not all protein is made the same. If you look at the nutrition facts section of any food packaging, you’ll see at least a little protein. Even in sugary traditional cookies.
A proper protein cookie doesn’t just have protein from the milk used or nuts that are in it, though.
A proper protein cookie is fortified with something called whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate is a type of protein that is pulled out of milk, isolated from all the other nutrients, and heavily concentrated.
When it’s added to a cookie, it allows that simple cookie recipe to have a lot more protein than it otherwise would, and it’s easier to balance out the other macros to create a wholesome product.
This is the purest type of protein additive, and it’s free of sugars, fats, and carbs that work their way into similar products. So, it’s what you want to see in your protein cookie.
Quality of Ingredients
Something can have lots of protein and still be bad for you if the ingredients are low-quality. A lot of protein products boast about all the protein they offer, but still don’t count as a good protein product because they’re full of additives and fillers that aren’t good for you.
Choosing a low-calorie snack made with clean ingredients is a smarter option, since it supports wellness without unnecessary additives.
It’s important to remember that protein products are almost exclusively aimed at the health and wellness crowd.
Whether you’re struggling with your weight and looking for snacks that help with weight loss, or you’re a bodybuilder who wants to carve the perfect physique, health and wellness are at the center of your decision to eat that product.
As such, the entire cookie should be good for you, or it doesn’t meet all the needs you’re concerned about. It’s not all about protein content.
Look for binders with natural ingredients and minimal ingredients, and opt for a product that has no unnecessary additives. Some things might be required for preservation, but even those should be high-quality and minimally used.
This helps make the protein in that cookie count far more, because fewer problematic ingredients are detracting from what the protein offers.
Is There Enough Protein to Meet Your Needs?
Another point to consider when determining if a protein cookie counts as a good protein source is your own lifestyle. What are you using the cookie for?
If you’re the average person simply looking to lose weight or want a healthy snack between meals, 10 grams of protein is likely enough. Assuming you eat good meals throughout the day, of course.
If you’re a bodybuilder, that’s just a small boost, and the bare minimum for a snack needs to be 15 grams or more, along with heavy protein consumption at mealtime. In that case, a protein cookie can serve as a practical post-gym protein snack, giving you quick fuel without the heaviness of a full meal.
Understand your protein needs and compare that to how much the cookie offers and how much protein you usually get from other sources. If it’s too little, it doesn’t count. Although protein-based cookies are going to be great for most people.
The Best Cookie for Your Protein Needs
So, does a cookie with protein count as protein? The answer is yes - if it’s designed with the right ingredients, protein quality, and balanced macros like FUUL.
Not all cookies count as protein sources. Even though they all tend to have a little, you really have to choose something that is designed with protein and wellness in mind.
The best way to cut through all the low-quality products and enjoy a protein-packed treat is to get FUUL.
FUUL isn’t really a cookie. It’s a bag of protein cookie dough bites.
The little protein cookie dough bites are made to have 15 grams of protein per serving, 37 total carbs, 8 grams of fat, 6 grams of sugar, and just 270 calories.
Our high-protein cookie dough bites strike the right balance of nutrients, overall wellness, and flavor. You get the cookie dough experience, and you can feel great while enjoying it.
FUUL is also made with high-quality binders and minimal preservatives. So, you know you’re getting a high-quality snack.
Our bites come in two crave-worthy flavors - chocolate chip for the classic lovers and birthday cake for when you want something fun and sweet.
Contact us now to take your snacking to the next level!