It is the latest food trend loved by everyone from tennis superstar Venus Williams to TikTok influencers, but campaigners warn that the rise of pea protein in products is risking lives.
Allergy experts are concerned that a growing number of everyday foods now contain the cheap, ultra-processed additive which is derived from dried peas.
They say it can trigger ‘life-threatening’ reactions, and could be behind a rise in pea allergies across the UK.
It is added into everything from wraps and bagels to ice cream, and this week The Mail on Sunday found it in foods as varied as McCain Crispy Skin-On Fries, St Pierre Croissants, Herta Classic Frankfurter Hot Dogs and Candy Kitten Sour Watermelon sweets.
It has also been added into the glaze on McDonald’s burger buns. Social media trends have driven a growth in demand for high-protein foods, with research suggesting they help people build muscle and manage weight.
Online supermarket Ocado said it has seen demand double year-on-year, with four in ten of its consumers increasing protein intake in 2024.
Ex-Wimbledon champion Ms Williams and actor Idris Elba have jumped on the trend by investing in meal replacement shakes Happy Viking and Huel, which are both based on pea protein.
But the charity Allergy UK has warned pea allergies are now ‘more common’ and can cause ‘serious reactions that may be life-threatening’.
Allergy experts are concerned that a growing number of everyday foods now contain the cheap, ultra-processed additive which is derived from dried peas (File Image)
It added: ‘The rise in pea allergy might be linked to the rise of foods containing ingredients such as pea protein and pea fibre.’
Because peas are not one of the 14 EU-recognised allergens – such as gluten, soya and peanuts – food companies do not legally have to highlight the protein on packaging if they have changed a recipe to add in the ingredient.
For nine-year-old Rex, who has a pea allergy, it is making everyday life a ‘nightmare’.
He has twice been hospitalised in the past year after eating a hot cross bun and an ice cream which unexpectedly contained pea protein.
His mother Sarah, whose surname is not being disclosed to protect her son’s privacy, said: ‘Two or three years ago, it was very easy for Rex to live with his allergy.
‘But now the food industry has created this completely new category of protein… peas are appearing in all sorts of foods where you would never expect to find them.’
She said the lack of regulation was a nightmare for families with allergies, as pea protein was not clearly labelled and could be added into foods that were previously safe without warning.
The Food Standards Agency is collecting data and reviewing whether peas should be classed as an allergen.
McCain and McDonald’s said they were ‘transparent’ about ingredients. The other brands did not respond to requests for comment.
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Trendy pea protein loved by celebs and influencers is blamed for increase in ‘deadly’ allergy