When Did Protein Become Popular? A Historical Look at the Rise of a Macronutrient
                                
                                
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                                    5 min read                                
                            
                                By the mid-20th century, protein powders were a niche product primarily for bodybuilders, not the household staple they are today. Answering when did protein become popular involves tracing its path from a scientific curiosity to a fitness-industry secret, and finally, to a global wellness obsession fueled by cultural shifts and market innovations.