The Unexpected Item From Coles And Woolworths Facing Shortage In Australia

Protein yoghurt has quietly disappeared from supermarket shelves across the country – and frustrated shoppers say they’ve been ‘mourning its loss’ for weeks.

Social media has been flooded with posts from customers searching for tubs of the cult favourite snack, with some admitting they’ve been visiting multiple stores in the hope of finding stock.

Empty fridges have been spotted in Coles, Woolworthsand Aldileaving fans of the high-protein staple disappointed.

‘I love protein yoghurt and always buy some to eat with granola for breakfast,’ one shopper told the Daily Mail.

‘But recently I’ve noticed it wasn’t on shelves at my local supermarket.’

‘I look at Coles and Woolies online to see who has stock in-store and then make a decision based on availability and specials. Lately I’ve seen nothing but bare shelves,’ another man said.

For many, the missing yoghurt is more than just a snack – it’s a versatile kitchen essential.

Home cooks use it in overnight oats, smoothies, salad dressings, dips, and even as a base for pizza dough.

Others rely on it as a simple post-gym fix or guilt-free dessert.

In fact, a few Aussies are so reliant on the convenient buy that they stock up in piles every time they go to the supermarket.

Coles told the Daily Mail demand had skyrocketed thanks to social media trends and the broader obsession with protein-heavy diets.

‘High-protein food across multiple food categories has seen unprecedented levels of growth over the past 12 months,’ a spokesperson explained.

‘Despite our suppliers increasing production to keep pace, current demand continues to exceed supply. We’re working closely with our suppliers to increase availability so customers can enjoy these sought-after options as soon as possible.’

Woolworths confirmed it too was struggling to keep shelves stocked.

‘We know that our customers are loving protein yoghurts, and demand has surged as more Australians seek high-protein options,’ a spokesperson said.

‘We are seeing temporary supply constraints across the category, and on protein pouch products in particular.’

Experts say the shortage is no surprise given Australia’s growing fixation on protein.

From powders to snack bars and fortified milks, protein products have become big business, fuelled by TikTok recipe hacks and a new wave of health influencers.

But while the trend continues to boom, nutritionists warn that more protein isn’t always better.

According to the Mayo Clinicmost adults only need around 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilo of body weight each day.

That means a 70-kilo adult should aim for roughly 56-70 grams daily – an amount that can be reached with balanced meals rather than supplements alone.

But once you’re over the age of 40, losing muscle mass as you age begins to set in, so you should aim for 1-1.2 grams per kilogram or 75-90 grams per day for a 75-kilo adult.

Good sources of protein include lean meats, eggs, fish, dairy, beans, chickpeas, lentils, tofu, nuts and seeds.

Plant-based proteins are especially beneficial because they also provide fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Meanwhile, experts at the Heart Foundation caution that processed meats like bacon and salami aren’t part of a heart-healthy eating plan and should be limited.

Until supplies return to normal, shoppers may have to find alternatives.

Dietitians suggest mixing Greek yoghurt with a scoop of protein powder, or opting for cottage cheese, high-protein milk, or a simple handful of nuts as a snack.

But for many, nothing quite compares to the convenience of grabbing a tub of ready-made protein yoghurt.

As one shopper put it, ‘It’s quick, it’s filling, it’s healthy – I just want it back on shelves.’