Are foods with added protein really better for you?

Almost half of Americans say they want to boost the amount of protein they eat, but Consumer Reports says added protein doesn't always mean healthy - or tasty.

You'll see "protein" touted on everything in the supermarkets these days.

It's being added to foods from tortilla chips to English muffins to breakfast cereal.

"We do need protein in our diets to help repair cells and build new ones. And some studies show that it can help curb hunger," said nutritionist Amy Keating.

But do we need that extra protein?

Records show most Americans get enough protein in their daily diet. And foods with added protein are not necessarily better for you.

"Added protein is often one of the most highly processed ingredients in a lot of these foods, and it's best to get your protein from whole foods - like dairy products, soy, eggs, beans, and lean meats," said Keating.

Seeing the word "protein" on a label can tempt you into unhealthy choices.

If you see it on a brownie, for example, you might think it's a little better for you. But one type of protein brownie contains 400 calories and has 24 grams of fat.

To see how protein-pumped foods taste, Consumer Reports ran blind taste tests on a wide range of smoothies, cereals, and snacks,,, chips and bread products.

"Overall, we found most of the protein versions didn't taste as good as the regular ones. And they can cost more, so you could actually be paying more for a nutrient that you don't even need," said Keating.

The one exception is protein shakes.

Some scored high on taste tests. But they get their protein from real milk, rather than a processed protein.

The word "protein" makes many of us think "red meat." But there are many other sources.

Try to have fish several times a week. Have nuts as a snack and remember that foods like hummus and edamame are a tasty way to eat beans, which are also rich in protein.