{
  "id": 13353853,
  "title": "Protein crests current appetite wave",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/protein-crests-current-appetite-wave",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T07:01:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/2026/10/10/protein-crests-current-appetite-wave"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Holiday feasts often showcase the latest fads and trends, shaping the way we eat. This Thanksgiving's table may feature more Canadian content as a display of national pride. With the carb-free craze, some families have replaced mashed potatoes with cauliflower, while others have added more protein to their meals. Some people have embraced meatless options, while others have increased their consumption of gluten-free, dairy-free or fat-free alternatives. Protein seems to be the star of the show these days, according to Desmond Sobool, deputy chief economist of Farm Credit Canada. Two factors are driving up demand for protein products: the rise of 'protein-maxing diets' and the increased use of GLP-1 medications. Canadian per capita consumption of protein has increased across several sources, with chicken being the largest gain at one kilogram per person. Even though beef prices have risen by 17 percent, per capita beef consumption has still increased by 0.8 kg per person. However, consumers are looking for lower-priced protein options, and the poultry industry is responding with increased production. Chicken in Canada is produced under supply management, which means production is regulated by quotas based on domestic market needs. The size of Canada's beef herd is currently at a 35-year-low due to years of drought and high production costs. Dairy products like cottage cheese and yogurt have also seen a spike in interest, with cottage cheese consumption up 75 percent over 2023 levels and yogurt consumption up nine percent year over year. Milk boards are now placing greater emphasis on protein components in dairy products, which creates a stronger incentive for producers to maximize protein production. While trends come and go, the demand for protein products appears to be here to stay.",
  "summary": "Holiday feasts often reflect the latest fads and trends influencing how we eat. This Thanksgiving’s table is likely to feature more Canadian content than it might otherwise as a point […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}