CHICAGO — Clear and sparkling is gaining traction as one of the newest beverage formats satiating consumers’ appetite for protein. It’s whitespace in the ready-to-drink, better-for-you soda category, according to Chicago-based market researcher Mintel.  

Some consumers are currently home-hacking protein soda. They are combining protein products with sodas to create homemade floats and dirty sodas that deliver on both protein and flavor.

“When consumers go out of their way to build their own version of a product, the signal is clear: the market hasn’t caught up with demand yet,” Mintel said.

Today’s consumers want protein, but depending upon the daypart, many prefer a more refreshing format than shakes, smoothies and milk-based drinks, according to Mintel research.

“Amid the frenzy of the wellness drink boom, there’s a reassuring quality to the emergence of clear protein,” said Alex Beckett, principal analyst with Mintel. “Yes, electrolytes, collagen and prebiotics are enjoying their moment, but consumers’ relationship with protein is special. It’s rooted. Making protein clear is a technical leap. And adding it into carbonated soft drinks — a sector with joy in its DNA — is an eagerly awaited fusion of wellness and reward.”

BellRing Brands, Inc., Emeryville, Calif., is offering Premier Protein Sparkling Soda, a carbonated clear beverage that delivers 15 grams of whey protein isolate in every 12-oz can, along with 90 calories and 3 grams of added sugar. The drink is formulated with five ingredients: carbonated water, whey protein isolate, cane sugar, natural flavors and stevia extract. The soda comes in four flavors: black cherry, grapefruit, lemon lime and pineapple orange.

“Protein drinks have traditionally been associated with thick, creamy shakes, and while our core business delivers on that important category, we saw an opportunity to be one of the first major brands that creates something entirely different,” said Chelsie Niehoff, associate director of innovation at BellRing Brands. “With so many protein products on the market, our new Sparkling Protein Soda offers a light, vibrant and genuinely enjoyable to sip option, opening up an entirely new way for people to enjoy protein throughout their day, beyond traditional morning and post-workout routines.”

Rise Wellness, a subsidiary of USANA Health Sciences, Inc., Salt Lake City, is growing its canned ready-to-drink protein beverage line with Protein Pop Balance, a sparkling, clear prebiotic soda. Each 12-oz can contains 15 grams of protein (10 grams of clear whey protein isolate and 5 grams of collagen) and 5 grams of fiber. The beverage is sweetened with a stevia leaf extract blend.

Nestle Health Sciences has introduced Vital Proteins Collagen Sparkling Water.

| Photo: Vital Proteins

“Protein Pop Balance is all about giving people a lighter way to stay on track,” said Darin Perry, chief executive officer of Rise Wellness. “It’s a smart way to support your gut and your protein goals at the same time, without it feeling heavy. Balance brings together prebiotics, protein, collagen and fiber in one can that’s easy for consumers to grab and go.”

A few months ago, the company introduced its Protein Pop Plus soda. The zero-sugar carbonated drink provides 30 grams of a clear protein blend of whey and bovine collagen per 12-oz can. The product is marketed as supporting muscle growth and retention. The new line joins the original non-carbonated Protein Pop line that delivers 22 grams of whey protein isolate per can.

As some consumers move away from traditional sodas toward sparkling water and functional beverages that support daily wellness, collagen is evolving, too. Nestle Health Sciences, Vevey, Switzerland, owners of Chicago -based Vital Proteins, is introducing Vital Proteins Collagen Sparkling Water. Each 12-oz can features a full serving of collagen peptides that have been shown to improve skin health, according to the company. The beverage has zero grams of sugar, no artificial sweeteners and 15 calories.

“Consumers today want their drinks to do double duty, hydrating while supporting their overall wellness goals,” said Jill Abbott, vice president of marketing strategy and innovation at Vital Proteins.

Austin, Texas-based Be Love has introduced Power + Restore. One 12-oz serving provides 15 grams of protein (13 grams are clear whey protein isolate and 5 grams are collagen peptides) and 100% of the Daily Value of essential vitamins and minerals. It also has no sugar and no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

“Power + Restore isn’t about making another protein shake,” said Kurt Seidensticker, founder of Be Love. “It’s about creating a protein drink people genuinely want to reach for every day, one that tastes refreshing, fits into real life and reminds us that taking care of ourselves gives us the strength to care for the people we love.”