The end of Foodspring
The German brand Foodspring was founded in 2013 – initially under the name egg.de – and quickly developed into a prominent provider in the field of functional sports nutrition. Its focus was on lifestyle-oriented marketing, stylish packaging, and a broad product range, from protein shakes to low-carb bars.
Foodspring heavily advertised with "whey protein from pasture-raised milk". Only after fitness YouTuber Gannikus publicly accused them of lying did they switch to whey from Ireland.
In a personal interview at the time, we addressed Ganniku's general accusation that "there is no grass-fed whey" and explained why our pasture whey does indeed come from pasture farming.
What many don't know: Foodspring even approached us, Protero, at that time with interest in a takeover . That was exactly when our brand was featured on the TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen" (The Lion's Den) .
After years of rapid growth, Foodspring was acquired by the global corporation Mars Inc. in 2019. However, despite huge advertising budgets, influencer campaigns, and an international presence, the company was unable to maintain a sustainable market position in the long term. In 2025, it was all over: Foodspring ceased operations.
And Protero.
We're carrying on. Despite bureaucratic hurdles and tax challenges, we are firmly committed to continuing Protero – just as we have from the beginning: consistently, honestly and uncompromisingly in our product quality.
We have always spent very little on marketing . No influencers, no paid testimonials, no social media campaigns. Instead, we work with a select group of nutritionists who understand and appreciate our products.
What has defined us from the very beginning is simplification :
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We avoid mixing processes whenever possible.
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Instead, we offer pure proteins – some made from just a single ingredient, like our Pasture Whey Body & Mind.
You won't find 20 varieties of strawberry, cookie dough, or salted caramel here – varieties that are usually packed with sweeteners and flavorings. Our only flavor: cocoa . Quite simply: whey protein blended with organic raw cocoa.
What we can learn from this
Foodspring had investors, brand recognition, and a huge marketing budget.
At Protero, we believe the opposite : Less is more. Simple products. Honest communication. Investing in quality over advertising.
And if we are allowed to continue down this path, it will not be thanks to algorithms and likes – but because you share our values.
Protero is here to stay. Were you a Foodspring customer and ordered Foodspring Whey Protein? Try the original whey made from grass-fed milk: Protero Grass-Fed Whey Protein .