Where It All Started
In 1910s, Eugen Sandow, widely considered to be the first modern bodybuilder in the western hemisphere, advocated the use of dietary supplements to control and enhance muscle growth. Mainly the “unknown” secret that body builders were using was a a simple high calorie diet with the main food group being a form of meat like chicken, beef, or pork. Later, bodybuilder Earle Liederman advocated the use of "beef juice" or "beef extract" as a way to enhance muscle recovery. In general, however misguided, people understood that tonics, or certain drinks had beneficial effects on the human body. In the 1930’s however, these tonics and supposid muscle enhancers saw a dramatic increase in their effects. Scientist had created anabolic steroids. The dull and lifeless world of body building began to create some buzz as athletes were able to start growing to sizes never seen before at the time. Athletes and competitors would often use any means necessary to gain any advantage when training. As a the use of tonics and steroids would grow in popularity amongst competitors, so too would the use of a protein powder in the american diet in the second half of the twentieth century.
In 1950s with recreational and competitive bodybuilding becoming increasingly popular, Irvin P. Johnson began to market egg-based protein powders specifically at bodybuilders and strength athletes. Marketing works! Johnson’s success enticed others like Bob Hoffman to start investing into nutritional supplements. From then on, athletes were sold a protein dense formula that was either egg, or whey based. From time to time, Bob Hoffman himself would mix and stir the drinks then bottle them up and deliver them to clients.
In modern times there are entire lines of protein targeted for people looking for a meal replacement, or to add in addition to their diet in order to achieve maximum results. The mindset of these athletes that have the desire to push their bodies to the extreme inadvertently pushed the research and development of protein powder. Throughout the second half of the twentieth century, protein powders would experience a vast change in nutritional value, ingredient content, and promotional marketing.