How Much Protein Is "High"?
Understanding protein claims on food labels and what your body actually needs
Born Simple Nutrition Team
Published 11/22/2025
You've seen it on food labels everywhere: "High Protein!" But what does that actually mean? Let's break down the numbers and see how Born Simple bowls stack up against your daily protein needs.
What Makes a Food "High Protein"?
According to FDA guidelines, a food can be labeled as "high protein" if it contains at least 20% of the Daily Value (DV) for protein per serving. Since the DV for protein is 50 grams, that means:
High Protein = 10+ grams per serving
(20% of 50g Daily Value)
But here's the thing—10 grams might meet the technical definition, but is it really enough for a meal? Let's look deeper.
How Much Protein Do You Actually Need?
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. But this is just the minimum to prevent deficiency, not the optimal amount for health and satiety.
| Person Type | Daily Protein Target | Per Meal (3 meals) |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary Adult | 50-60g | 17-20g |
| Active Adult | 70-90g | 23-30g |
| Athlete/Very Active | 100-150g | 33-50g |
| Older Adult (65+) | 75-90g | 25-30g |
Notice something? For most people, getting 20-30g of protein per meal is ideal. That's where Born Simple bowls shine.
Born Simple Protein By The Numbers
Our Protein Lineup
- Ultimate Mac & Cheese 24g
- Chipotle Chicken Bowl 22g
- Thai Style Chicken Bowl 22g
- Teriyaki Chicken Bowl 20g
What This Means
Each Born Simple bowl provides:
- ✓ 40-48% of daily protein needs
- ✓ A complete meal's worth of protein
- ✓ 2x the "high protein" threshold
- ✓ Enough to keep you satisfied
Why Protein Per Meal Matters
Research shows that spreading protein throughout the day—rather than loading up at dinner—offers several benefits:
Better Muscle Maintenance
Your body can only use about 25-30g of protein at once for muscle synthesis.
Improved Metabolism
Protein has a higher thermic effect—you burn more calories digesting it.
Steady Energy & Satiety
Protein helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you fuller longer.
The Bottom Line
While 10g might technically be "high protein," aim for 20-30g per meal for optimal health and satisfaction. That's exactly what Born Simple delivers—real meals with serious protein, not just marketing claims.
Quick FAQ: Protein in Born Simple Bowls
Is 20-24g of protein really enough for a meal?
Yes! This range hits the sweet spot for most adults' per-meal protein needs.
What kind of protein is in Born Simple bowls?
High-quality proteins from real chicken, cheese, and beans—complete proteins with all essential amino acids.
Can I eat two bowls if I need more protein?
Absolutely! Active individuals or those with higher needs might benefit from 1.5 or 2 servings.
Ready to meet your protein goals the simple way?