Updated

Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 23

Diet 'Maxxing' Drives 7.7 Million-View Chia Soda Trend as Clear Protein Waters Spread

Updated

Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 23

Diet 'Maxxing' Drives 7.7 Million-View Chia Soda Trend as Clear Protein Waters Spread

2 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jul 23

Chia seeds in soda and dessert, along with clear protein powders and protein waters, are fueling the latest "fibermaxxing" and "proteinmaxxing" diet craze online.
7.7 million views on a chia-in-soda TikTok and 3.7 million on a chia-ice-cream video show how social media is pushing nutrient-loading as part of performance, appearance and longevity optimization.
Mayo Clinic dietitian Tara Schmidt said chia can add fiber and help fullness, but it does not turn indulgent foods into health foods; adults generally need 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day.
Protein water may help athletes, people recovering from illness or those lacking access to protein foods, Schmidt said, but most Americans already meet protein needs and would benefit more from nutrient-dense foods.
Experts say the broader issue is balance: many Americans fall short on fiber even as U.S. protein intake hits record highs, and single ingredients cannot replace an overall healthy diet.

Sources

Beyond protein and fiber, what is the next nutrient social media will transform into a billion-dollar 'maxxing' trend for health optimization?

Why does the protein obsession thrive on social media, while the more critical public health need for fiber struggles for viral attention?

As the 'proteinmaxxing' trend creates a whey shortage, what alternative protein sources are poised to dominate the market next?

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