By Chanseo, YIS Student
As I started taking my athletic performance in the gym and in school sports like volleyball and badminton more seriously, I realized that many popular products, including protein snacks, were highly processed and full of sugars and chemicals. I knew it was a problem when I couldn’t even understand the ingredients in the food we were eating. As someone who has always loved cooking and baking, I wanted to create an alternative that tasted good, actually supported performance, and was simple enough for anyone to understand. That’s how ProteinMunch, my pop-up protein bakery, was founded.
What is ProteinMunch?
ProteinMunch is a pop-up bakery that transforms overly processed pastries and snacks into higher-protein, lower-calorie options using real, whole-food ingredients. Think pumpkin muffins made with Greek yogurt, cookies loaded with whey, and filling bites of cinnamon rolls specially and carefully designed for athletes, busy students, and anyone who wants a healthier snack. The goal of ProteinMunch is not to replace every snack option, but to create accessible, tasty choices that make better nutrition a default option in our local community.
Where Do the Profits Go?
All profits made in-school (YIS) are donated directly to the Sukui no Te service team, who focus on supporting people in the local community experiencing homelessness. These funds are used to support the needs of the service group’s initiatives, such as patrols, meal ingredients, and essentials for events. This ensures that Sukui no Te can prepare and hand out meals during patrols to the homeless community in Kannai.
This donation makes it clear that the project’s mission is not only about providing and advocating for healthier eating in our community, but also about giving back to those in need.
Products Made (All High-Protein, Low-Sugar, Low-Calorie, and Delicious!)
- Pumpkin-Spice Muffins
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Matcha Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Brownies
- Kinako Smoothie
- Berry Smoothie
Locations
- In-school pop-ups outside the YIS cafeteria (every Wednesday)
- A community collaboration with Tansaibo, a restaurant in Kannai
- A stall at the YC&AC Bon-Odori Festival
ProteinMunch’s Impact Since February
- 700+ products sold across 3 locations
- 181,000+ yen in profit (20,000 yen at school)
- Partnerships/collaborations with Tansaibo and the YC&AC Bon-Odori Festival
- Positive changes in eating habits by making labeled, higher-protein options visible and accessible
Takeaways
ProteinMunch started as my answer to processed snacks. It’s become proof that simple changes, better ingredients, clear labels, and a willingness to bake for the sake of others and yourself can change what, and how, a community eats. If you’ve ever wanted a filling, nutritious, and tasty snack, come find me at the next pop-up!