Protein-maxxing, 'blue dot fever' and the slopbowl downfall

About this episode

The episode explores the trend of adding protein to various food products and the cultural implications surrounding it.

From PopTarts to soda, food brands are adding protein to almost everything, and people are going to gross lengths online to get enough of it, from the stars of Netflix show "Love is Blind" to the internet "boy kibble" creators. But can protein be...MAGA-coded? And does fiber have what it takes to become the internet’s new favorite food trend? Plus, Alan Cumming calls for an end to “slop bowls,” and what's really behind musicians like the Pussycat Dolls canceling their tours this summer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Audie Cornish

Topics covered

• protein
• food trends
• internet culture
• musicians
• cancellation
• health

Keywords

• protein-maxxing
• food brands
• fiber
• slop bowls
• cancellation
• internet trends

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pussycat Dolls

Products: PopTarts, soda

Books & works: Love is Blind

More episodes of Engagement Party

• 'The Odyssey' Is Epic But The Discourse Is Not · July 17, 2026 · 38 min
• Will Meta’s AI Glasses Ever Be Cool? · July 10, 2026 · 32 min
• The Summer of Peptides and Celebrity Weddings · July 3, 2026 · 39 min
• ‘Nunmania,’ the Woke Pope, and Gen-Z's Loneliness Content · June 26, 2026 · 42 min
• The Anti-Toxic Masculinity of Modern-Day Rom-Coms · June 19, 2026 · 40 min
• 'Obsession' Fever, 'The Republic of Wasia,' and Why Tan Lines Are Hot Again · June 12, 2026 · 41 min