The quest for the perfect protein source often leads to strange places. Recently, I put David Protein’s latest product to the test. It is not another supplement bar or a complex shake. Instead, the company is selling pre-boiled Atlantic cod in a tin. It costs ten dollars per serving and comes with a label describing it as super protein for the human form.
When I first read about this, I thought it was a joke. The idea originated from a conversation between company founder Peter Rahal and Dr. Peter Attia about finding the cleanest possible protein source. They landed on boiled cod because of its high protein-to-calorie ratio, zero fat, and zero carbohydrates. What started as a chart-topping metric on their website has now become a real consumer product on the shelf.
Upon opening the tin, the smell is intense. The texture is soft, slightly mealy, and unmistakably fishy. While the company suggests adding lemon or pairing it with a salad to mask the flavor, the cod remains a bland, utilitarian experience. It is the exact kind of food that appeals to people who view meals primarily as a collection of macros rather than a culinary event.
After finishing my portion, I reached a simple conclusion. While this cod is undeniably an efficient way to hit daily protein targets, it makes eating feel like homework. It serves as a reminder that there are limits to how much we should sacrifice taste for raw efficiency. I am keeping my protein intake high, but I am certainly done with the canned fish experiment for the foreseeable future.