But here’s the catch – “high-protein” doesn’t always mean healthy.

As retailers and takeaway giants cash in on the trend, reading the labels has become even more important.

“Protein is important for keeping us full, muscle support and general health, but more isn’t always better,” says Annie Davies, Clinical Nutritionist at Body Fabulous Health Clinics.

“A high-protein meal can still be made with heavily processed and unattractive ingredients.”

Domino’s: Save 1,000 calories

The Domino’s ‘classico chicken and pesto’ pizza contains over 100g of proteinCredit: Alamy

Domino’s isn’t renowned for healthy pizza, but there are some ways you can pack in protein and avoid unhealthy additions.

AVOID: The Classico Chicken and Pesto (large)

Calories: 1,813
Protein: 106g
Saturated fat: 37.7g
Salt: 9g

If you ate this pizza, you’d get a whopping 106g of protein in one hit.

But, the NHS recommends that women eat less than 20g saturated fat per day and men consume less than 30g per day.

“This contains around two days worth of saturated fat,” says Annie.

“It becomes even more of a problem when it replaces healthier fats, such as olive oil and nuts.

“The salt levels in this pizza are also very high.

“High protein does not automatically equate to a healthier choice when saturated fat and salt are this elevated.”

MAYBE: The Delight Chicken Pizza (large)

Calories: 1,435
Protein: 90.9g
Saturated fat: 14g
Salt: 7.7g

“This has significantly less saturated fat than the previous pizza with 90.9g of protein and high fibre (27g), which is unusual for pizza and certainly a positive feature,” says Annie.

Fibre matters, it feeds the good bacteria in your gut, keeps you full, helps lower cholesterol and keeps your blood sugar stable.

Dropping down to a small version of this pizza makes it even better at 582 calories and 36g of protein.

TRY: Create your own

A Domino’s large Thin and Crispy crust contains 596 calories, versus the Domino’s large Stuffed Crust, which packs in 1603 calories.

“Avoid processed meats such as pepperoni and meatballs, which tend to be higher in saturated fat and salt,” adds Annie.

At Domino’s, adding chicken breast strips to your pizza adds a small 85 calories, while pork meatballs bump up your pizza calorie count by 403 calories!

Subway: Save 300 calories

The rotisserie style chicken footlong if one of strongest options nutritionally at SubwayCredit: Subway

“Choosing lean proteins, plenty of salad and wholegrain bread can make a big difference to the overall nutritional profile of your meal,” says Annie.

AVOID: Footlong Pepperoni Slice

Calories: 353
Protein: 18g
Saturated fat: 8.8g
Salt: 2.2g

Despite being marketed as a side, it’s high in saturated fat (8.8g) and provides relatively little protein (18g) for the 353 calories.

“Cheese and processed meats drive up both fat and salt content, too,” adds Annie.

MAYBE: Turkey And Ham Footlong

Calories: 327
Protein: 23g
Saturated fat: 6g
Salt: 2g

“Processed meats such as ham can also be higher in sodium, so it’s not necessarily the best choice if you’re prioritising protein quality,” says Annie.

TRY: The Rotisserie Style Chicken Footlong

Calories: 620
Protein: 44g
Saturated fat: 5g
Salt: 2.8g

“This is one of the strongest options nutritionally. It’s high in protein, moderate in calories and relatively balanced overall. Adding plenty of salad will further increase fibre and keep you full,” says Annie.

But, be wary of the salt. Opt for a 6-inch sub to bring salt down.

KFC: Save 600 calories

High protein doesn’t always mean it’s healthy as there could be a high calorie count – aviod the Zinger Burger as an “everyday choice”

Annie says: “The best choices here are those that offer a good protein hit without excessive saturated fat or energy. Whole chicken pieces and simpler burgers tend to be better, more balanced choices.”

AVOID: Zinger Stacker Burger

Calories: 813
Protein: 45g
Saturated fat: 7.7g
Salt: 3.7g

“This is a classic example of why high protein doesn’t automatically mean healthy,” says Annie. “This is less suitable as an everyday choice.”

MAYBE: Large Popcorn Chicken

Calories: 478
Protein: 28g
Saturated fat: 2.8g
Salt: 2.2g

“Because it’s bite-sized and easy to eat quickly, it may be less satisfying,” says Annie.

“It’s also low in fibre, so it may not keep you full for as long.”

TRY: One Original Recipe Chicken Drumstick

Calories: 179
Protein: 14g
Saturated fat: 1.5g
Salt: 0.74g

Annie says that this offers a good balance of protein to calories.

Annie suggests: “For a balanced meal, pair this with sides such as a couple of pieces of corn (57 calories) or beans (93 calories), to create a more balanced meal.”