Top Companies Dominating the Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Protein Beverages Market: Leading Brands and Innovators

Rank

Company

Overview

Product Portfolio

Sales Geographical Coverage

Developments

1.

PepsiCo

PepsiCo has made significant strides in the RTD protein beverage market through its acquisition of Muscle Milk. This move allowed PepsiCo to enter the lucrative sports nutrition segment and expand its offerings beyond traditional soft drinks. Muscle Milk, known for its protein shakes and powders, complements PepsiCo’s existing portfolio and strengthens its presence in the health and wellness sector. PepsiCo continues to innovate with new flavors and formulations to cater to diverse consumer preferences, leveraging its extensive distribution network to reach a broader audience interested in fitness and nutrition.

• Double Chocolate
• Vanilla Bean
• Berry Medley
• Cafè Mocha
• Chocolate Caramel

Middle East and Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific

In June 2022, Evolve, which is a brand of PepsiCo, announced a fresh program intended to maintain the environment while offering all people access to the outdoors. The 'Plant-Based for the Outdoors' commitment consists of three main areas of focus: updating product packaging to include more plant-based materials, sourcing sustainably-raised peas for Evolve protein shakes, and collaborating with nonprofit One Tree Planted to make cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago greener. The campaign starts on June 5, 2022, which is World Environment Day. This initiative helped the company to gain more consumer attention and a new consumer base.

2.

Nestlé

Nestlé has ventured into the RTD protein beverage market with its Boost line of nutritional drinks. Boost offers a variety of protein-rich shakes aimed at different consumer segments, including seniors and athletes. Nestlé’s strong brand reputation and global distribution network have enabled Boost to gain traction in both retail and healthcare settings. Nestlé emphasizes product quality and nutritional benefits, positioning Boost as a convenient and effective solution for consumers seeking protein supplementation on the go. Continuous innovation and consumer-focused marketing strategies reinforce Nestlé's presence in the competitive RTD protein beverage market.

• VITAL COLLAGEN WATER Strawberry Lemon
• VITAL COLLAGEN WATER Blackberry Hibiscus
• VITAL COLLAGEN WATER Lemon Ginger
• VITAL COLLAGEN WATER Lemon Slice
• 20g Clean Protein Shake
• 20g Clean Protein Shake

Middle East and Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific

In February 2022, expanding its line of nutritional products, Nestle decided to buy the majority of Orgain, a producer of plant-based protein powders and other goods. These kinds of acquisitions have aided the business in expanding its product offering.

3.

Bolthouse Farms, Inc.

Bolthouse Farms is recognized for its innovation in the RTD protein beverage market with products such as Bolthouse Farms Protein Plus. These beverages combine protein with other nutritional elements such as fruits and vegetables, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking holistic nutrition. Bolthouse Farms emphasizes natural ingredients and product transparency, catering to the growing demand for clean-label products. The company's commitment to sustainability and health-driven innovation enhances its appeal among environmentally and health-conscious consumers, positioning Bolthouse Farms as a key player in the evolving RTD protein beverage landscape.

• PROTEIN PLUSUT BUTTER BLUEBERRY VANILLA
• PROTEIN PLUS CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER NUT BUTTER
• PROTEIN PLUS OATMILK CHOCOLATE SALTED CARAMEL
• PROTEIN PLUS OATMILK VANILLA CINNAMON
• PROTEIN PLUS BANANA HONEY ALMOND BUTTER

U.S.

In February 2020, the Bolthouse Farms, Inc., launched four ready-to-drink Protein Keto beverages. The lineup of beverages available in Dark Chocolate, Coconut, Coffee, and Matcha flavors, provides convenience, great flavor, and simplification to the Keto lifestyle. This launch helped in the expansion of the company portfolio.

4.

BELLRING BRANDS, INC.

As a subsidiary of Post Holdings, BELLRING BRANDS focuses on the RTD protein beverage market through its Premier Protein brand. Premier Protein offers a range of shakes and drinks designed to support active lifestyles and provide sustained energy. BELLRING BRANDS leverages its expertise in nutritional science and consumer insights to develop products that meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals. Strong distribution channels and strategic marketing efforts have contributed to Premier Protein's growth and popularity in retail and e-commerce channels, establishing BELLRING BRANDS as a prominent player in the RTD protein beverage category.

• Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake (11.5oz)
• Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake
• 11.5oz 8 Shake Variety Pack
• Root Beer Float Protein Shake (11.5oz)
• Bananas & Cream Protein Shake (11.5oz)

Europe, North America

In March 2023, Premier Protein, which is a brand of BELLRINGS BRANDS, INC. (BRBR), launched its NEW Plant Protein Powder, entered the vegan protein market with its well-liked taste, reasonable price, and understandable nutritional credentials. This sort of product launch will attract a new consumer base.

5.

Abbott

Abbott Nutrition is a leader in the RTD protein beverage market with its Ensure line of nutritional shakes. Ensure products are formulated to provide essential nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals, making them suitable for various consumer segments such as seniors and patients recovering from illness or surgery. Abbott's focus on scientific research and product innovation ensures that Ensure beverages meet high standards of quality and nutritional efficacy. The brand's strong presence in healthcare settings and retail outlets globally underscores Abbott's commitment to improving health outcomes through convenient and nutritionally balanced RTD protein beverages.

• Ensure Original
• Ensure Plus
• Ensure Max Protein
• Ensure High Protein
• Ensure Clear

Middle East and Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, South America

In January 2024, Abbott launched Protality, a new protein shake brand tailored for people on weight loss drugs. These medications often reduce appetite, leading to weight loss that includes both fat and muscle. Losing muscle can be detrimental; studies show 11-50% of weight loss may be muscle. To counteract this, increased protein intake is recommended. While not eliminating muscle loss, it can significantly mitigate its effects. Protality aims to address this need.