Rise Wellness has announced the expansion of its Protein Pop range with the launch of Protein Pop Balance, a clear, lightly carbonated prebiotic soda combining 15 g of protein with 5 g of fibre.
The RTD beverage is designed to bring together protein and digestive-health functionality in a lighter alternative to conventional protein shakes.
Protein Pop Balance contains 10 g of clear whey protein isolate and 5 g of collagen, alongside added prebiotics and 5 g of fibre per can.
Protein Pop Balance contains no sugar and is sweetened with a blend of Reb A and Reb M stevia leaf extracts. It is also free from artificial sweeteners, caffeine and gluten.
The beverage is available in four flavours – Lime Slush, Tropical Pineapple, Watermelon Lime and Fruit Punch – initially through Protein Pop's website and Amazon.
The company said distribution is due to expand to Target and other major retailers from mid-September.
The launch comes as protein and gut health are increasingly converging within the functional beverage market.
Innova Market Insights reported a 13% increase in global prebiotic beverage launches, with 23% of consumers seeking prebiotics in functional foods and beverages for gut-health benefits.
Fibre is also emerging as a key area of beverage innovation, with trends such as “fibremaxxing” gaining momentum and brands increasingly developing fibre-fortified sodas, using beverages as a convenient delivery format for fibre.
Protein Pop Balance adds a third format to Rise Wellness' portfolio, alongside the original non-carbonated Protein Pop, which provides 22 g of whey protein isolate and Protein Pop Max, which delivers 30 g of protein and bovine collagen in a carbonated format.
