Protein has become one of the most talked-about nutrients in nutrition—and for good reason. Whether you’re fueling an active lifestyle, preparing meals for your family, or simply looking for foods that help keep you satisfied longer, protein plays an important role in supporting overall health.

“Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and helping us feel satisfied after meals,” says Olivia Thiede, MS, RD, LD, Corporate Registered Dietitian. “While many people associate protein with building muscle, it also supports countless functions throughout the body.”

Although individual protein needs vary, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day, which meets the basic needs of most healthy adults. Thiede notes that active individuals often benefit from 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of body weight to support recovery and performance. A practical goal for many people is to aim for 20 to 30 grams of protein at each meal, helping to spread intake evenly throughout the day while supporting muscle health and keeping you feeling full.

Traditional protein-rich foods remain the foundation of a healthy eating pattern. Lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, and dairy products all provide complete, high-quality protein along with important vitamins and minerals.

This week’s Protein Sale at Strack & Van Til highlights the many ways protein can fit into a healthy eating pattern. From fresh meat and seafood to dairy products and convenient, protein-rich snacks, shoppers will find a variety of options to help fuel busy days, support overall wellness, and build balanced meals.

One featured item recommended by Gary Teachman, Director of Meat & Seafood, is farm-raised Atlantic salmon, a grilling favorite that provides 20 to 22 grams of protein per serving while also delivering heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. For those planning a backyard cookout, Teachman also recommends Certified Angus Beef® T-bone or Porterhouse steaks, which are sourced from the upper one-third of USDA Choice beef for exceptional flavor and tenderness. A 3-ounce serving provides 27 to 28 grams of high-quality protein, making it another great option for the grill.

Protein choices don’t stop at the meat counter. Across the store, shoppers will also find a growing selection of convenient, protein-focused products.

“Some of the newer items we’ve recently added that fit the protein and better-for-you trend include Huel meal replacements, Kodiak waffles and baking mixes, Sol-ti functional wellness shots, and Catalina Crunch cereals and snacks,” says Jim Banks, Account Manager at Strack & Van Til. “These products give customers additional ways to incorporate protein throughout the day, whether at breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a convenient meal solution.”

Banks says these additions reflect growing consumer demand for nutrient-dense, high-protein foods that support active lifestyles. Combined with Strack & Van Til’s extensive selection across the meat, dairy, frozen, and grocery departments, shoppers have more choices than ever to meet their nutrition goals.

While these newer products can be convenient, Thiede encourages shoppers to think of them as additions to an already balanced eating pattern rather than replacements for whole-food protein sources.

“When choosing protein products, look beyond the protein claim on the front of the package,” she says. “Reading the Nutrition Facts label can help you compare options by looking at nutrients like fiber, added sugars, sodium, and the overall ingredient list.”

“Protein doesn’t have to come from just one source,” Thiede adds. “Choosing a variety of protein-rich foods throughout the week can help you meet your nutrition needs while adding variety and important nutrients to your meals.”

Whether you’re stocking up on everyday staples or trying a few newer protein-focused products, this week’s Protein Sale offers plenty of options to help build balanced meals and snacks that fit your lifestyle.

By Brandon Winter