Protein has been a defining trend across the food industry in recent years. In recent weeks, Kroger and Sprouts Farmers Market have announced innovative ways they are showcasing their protein offerings.
Circana’s most recent “Eating Patterns in America” report, released in September, found that 41% of adults are actively seeking to increase their protein intake, fueling sales growth for “products with protein claims.”
Last month, Kroger launched a protein-focused extension of Simple Truth, one of its private label lines, that includes over 80 high-protein meals and snacks. The move also marked the grocer’s largest product expansion to date, underscoring not only the importance of private label, but also Kroger’s recognition of how highly its customers value high-protein food options.
The Simple Truth Protein products include frozen meals, beverages, chips and desserts and products such as French toast sticks, instant mushroom coffee and fudge brownie mix.
But this isn’t Kroger’s only recent protein-focused initiative. Early last month, the grocer confirmed plans to include a “deli of the future” prototype in its newly opened Kroger Marketplace location in Edgewood, Kentucky.
The prepared food section, which anchors the store, is “inspired by restaurants and the classic neighborhood deli,” offering made-to-order sandwiches as well as a counter with high-top seating, Kroger said.
Sprouts Farmers Market is also tapping into the protein trend through its foodservice offerings. Last month, the specialty grocer launched new Wellness Bowls, a high-protein and high-fiber grab-and-go meal option.
On Instagram, Sprouts showcased the new meal offering with a partnered video from registered dietitian nutritionist and social media influencer Kate and her platform @wholesomechicknutrition, highlighting how the high-protein and high-fiber meals are a quick and convenient option for consumers.
The specialty grocer’s COO and President Nick Konat posted on LinkedIn last month about Sprouts’ new Wellness Bowls. Sprouts is offering five Wellness Bowl options: beef sirloin chimichurri, garlic sesame salmon, Mediterranean chicken, Tuscan tomato burrata and sticky sesame chili tofu.
In a separate September post, a Sprouts store manager, Joshua Ralston, took to LinkedIn to praise the newly launched protein bowls and share how the grocer is promoting protein. In photos included in the post, he showcased a Washington state Sprouts store’s designated protein display, which includes signage that reads “Find Your Protein Routine” and “Protein MVPs.” Items on the display include high-protein popcorn and a variety of chips as well as protein powders.
Sprouts’ Instagram page continues to focus on protein offerings, as the grocer posted numerous high-protein recipes, such as a chocolate cake with a protein boost, and a video showing “portable, protein-packed eats from Sprouts” for all three day parts.
