Today, Explained Packing in protein
148 snips
Feb 16, 2026 
Chris Gaiomali, writer and author of the Heavies newsletter who covers health and wellness, walks through how protein ended up in everything from soda to cereal. He traces whey’s modern rise, explores plant protein extraction and strange protein products, and considers why protein fortification appeals across ages and markets.
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Whey Rose From Dairy Waste
- Whey protein became popular after dairy industrialization and environmental rules made whey a waste product.
- Microfiltration tech turned that whey into a soluble powder people began drinking.
Bodybuilding Sparked Protein Industry
- Pumping Iron and bodybuilding culture created mass demand for protein supplements.
- The whey model then inspired plant proteins made from leftover industry mash like soy and pea.
Feisty: The Protein Soda Story
- Chris discovered a fizzy protein soda called Feisty and spoke with its founder in London.
- The founder used hydrolyzed pea protein that dissolves clear to make a drinkable, fizzy protein soda.