Oliver Goble, deputy head of nutrition at food intolerance testing company Supply Life, has warned that protein wraps and bagels, popular among gym-goers, may cause adverse reactions due to additives. He advises focusing on single-ingredient foods for protein intake.
Protein trend and potential issues
Prioritising protein is a common dietary trend, especially for those who work out, as it provides essential amino acids that help repair muscle fibres torn during exercise. However, Goble says some 'shortcut' foods with added ingredients to boost protein may cause headaches and bloating in some people.
He said: "I'm not so keen on protein wraps and bagels. If you're buying wraps, you're buying for carbs, not for protein. The ingredients list on the packages is often filled with things you don’t recognise."
Pea protein and intolerance
Ingredients such as wheat gluten, soy protein isolate, pea protein and whey protein often feature in protein baked goods. Pea protein is a common intolerance that can lead to bloating, typically mild and temporary, especially in those new to plant-based powders or with sensitive digestive systems. Bloating occurs due to fermentation of leftover plant fibres by gut bacteria or from sugar alcohols like sorbitol or artificial sweeteners.
Goble added: "So often in these protein bagels or protein wraps, they use pea protein in there. It's a vegan alternative so it appeals to a wider market, I suppose." He recommends having more chicken in a wrap instead of buying high-protein wraps, and opting for natural Greek yogurt over protein yoghurts with additives.
Food intolerance vs allergy
Food intolerance differs from an allergy; an allergy involves the immune system and can trigger immediate severe reactions, while an intolerance is slower and more subtle. Symptoms are often digestive, including bloating, stomach pain, headaches or fatigue, and can appear hours after eating.
"With intolerances, because it’s not an allergy, you don’t have to worry as much if it does slip into your diet here and there but cutting it out can have a huge effect on how you feel," Goble said. "The common symptoms I see are things like bloating, tiredness, headaches, acid reflux and joint pain." He explained that the body may mistakenly see foods as a threat and create antibodies to get rid of them.
