How much protein do adults need?

A common starting point for healthy adults is about 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Active people and older adults are often discussed at higher ranges. South African guidelines also emphasise food groups — beans, dairy, eggs, fish, chicken, lean meat — not powders first.

Short answer: about 0.8 g per kilogram of body weight per day is the widely cited starting point for healthy adults. For a 70 kg adult that works out at roughly 56 g a day. It is a reference point, not a personal target — needs vary.

The South African food-first angle

South Africa's food-based dietary guidelines put the emphasis on food groups rather than supplements: beans, split peas, lentils and soya; milk, maas and yoghurt; fish, chicken, eggs and lean meat. Build the day from those and protein largely takes care of itself.

FoodApproximate protein
Two eggs~12g
Chicken breast (100g)~30g
Tinned pilchards (100g)~20g
Cooked lentils (1 cup)~18g
Maas or yoghurt (250ml)~8–10g
GetProtein Plain bar (~40g)~11g

Values are approximate and vary by cut, brand and preparation.

Active and older adults

Higher intakes are commonly discussed in the literature for people who train regularly and for older adults maintaining muscle. That is context, not personal advice — a dietitian can set a number for your situation.

Where convenience fits

Bars and snacks are gap-fillers. They are useful when a meal is not practical, and they are not a foundation to build a diet on.

Where GetProtein fits: Plain is a granola-style bar with about 11g protein in roughly 40g — food you can keep in a bag, not a powder in disguise. See the Plain bar.

Educational content only — not medical advice.

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