{
  "id": 6517810,
  "title": "From curry to coffee, convenient protein products are gaining popularity in Japan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/from-curry-to-coffee-convenient-protein-products-are-gaining",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-10T01:33:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/09/10/companies/japan-convenient-protein-food-products/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japanese food companies are introducing more protein-rich products to cater to health-conscious consumers. Protein supplements have been perceived as products for those looking to bulk up, but companies are now offering more convenient options as people become aware of the importance of protein for overall health. In June, House Foods launched a ready-to-eat curry pouch containing 30 grams of protein, which is about half of the recommended daily protein intake. The curry, made with chicken breast and protein powder, aims to encourage people to eat curry not just for its taste, but also for its health benefits. Maisen Fine Food provides a product that allows consumers to add soy protein granules to their rice, enabling them to boost their protein intake while cooking their staple food. This product has garnered inquiries from households, bento store chains, and school lunch providers. Meiji added a new product to its Savas protein lineup last year, a milk protein and yellow vegetable drink that also contains fiber and other dietary components. This drink is particularly popular among younger, unmarried working adults in their 20s. In June, Meiji also began selling a trial run of a sugar- and fat-free coffee with 10 grams of protein. The company aims to encourage daily protein consumption and expand opportunities for its intake. According to a report by research firm Fuji Keizai, the Japanese protein supplement market is projected to reach ¥309.6 billion ($2 billion) in 2025, nearly three times the amount from a decade ago. Food manufacturers plan to intensify their efforts to target health-focused consumers.",
  "summary": "Companies are offering more options as public interest in protein spreads from those trying to bulk up to more general health-conscious consumers.",
  "key_points": [
    "House Foods launches ready-to-eat curry pouch with 30g protein",
    "Maisen Fine Food offers soy protein granules for rice cooking",
    "Meiji introduces sugar-free coffee with 10g protein"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Convenient protein products are becoming mainstream in Japan as companies cater to health-conscious consumers, shifting perceptions of protein supplements from bulk-building tools to everyday health enhancers.",
  "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."
}