Nichols and Myprotein target functional drinks boom with clear whey protein water launch

Myprotein and Nichols are expanding their long-running partnership with the launch of a ready-to-drink clear whey protein beverage, as both companies look to capitalize on growing demand for functional drinks that combine nutrition with convenience.

• Nichols and THG's Myprotein will launch Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water in the UK in September 2026
• The sugar-free, low-calorie 500ml drinks contain 15g of clear whey protein and will be available in Vimto and Raspberry Lemon flavors
• Nichols will manufacture and distribute the range under a multi-year brand licensing agreement

The new Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water range will launch in September with a recommended retail price of £2.99 (US$4.08) per 500ml bottle. Available in Vimto and Raspberry Lemon flavors, the drinks are sugar-free, low in calories and contain 15g of clear whey protein, providing all essential amino acids in what the companies describe as a lighter alternative to traditional milk-based protein beverages.

The launch marks the latest development in the relationship between Nichols, the soft drinks company behind Vimto, and THG-owned Myprotein. Their collaboration began in 2021 when Myprotein licensed the Vimto brand for its Clear Whey Protein powder range.

Since then, the partnership has expanded across multiple sports nutrition categories, including creatine, collagen, pre-workout products and gummies. According to the companies, Myprotein Vimto Clear Whey is now the UK's best-selling clear whey protein product in retail.

The companies believe the ready-to-drink category offers further growth opportunities as consumers increasingly seek products that combine refreshment with added nutritional benefits.

Nichols said the UK functional drinks market is now worth £5.8 billion (US$7.9 billion) and grew by 10% between 2025 and 2026, with protein becoming one of the most sought-after functional ingredients across consumer demographics.

Under the multi-year licensing agreement, Nichols will manufacture and distribute the drinks through its established UK retail network.

Andrew Milne, CEO of Nichols, said: "Functional drinks are currently one of the most exciting growth areas in soft drinks, as consumers increasingly look for products that combine great taste, refreshment and added benefits.

"Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water has been developed to meet that demand, offering shoppers a lighter and more refreshing way to add protein into their day. By combining Myprotein's credibility in sports nutrition with Nichols' soft drinks expertise and nationwide retail distribution, we are incredibly excited by this launch which we believe gives retailers a strong and differentiated opportunity to tap into the growing demand for health led drinks."

Neil Mistry, CEO of THG Nutrition, said demand for convenient protein products continues to grow beyond traditional sports nutrition formats.

"More and more consumers are looking to boost their protein intake, and functional drinks are becoming an increasingly important way for them to do so. As the UK's leading Clear Whey brand, we've helped redefine how consumers think about protein, and Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water answers that growing demand with an easy, refreshing way to add protein throughout the day. It also represents a natural next step for the Myprotein and Vimto partnership, which has already proven its strength across a range of products.

"By combining Myprotein's expertise in sports nutrition with Nichols' heritage in soft drinks and unrivalled UK retail reach, we're able to put high-quality protein into consumers' hands in more places, and more moments, than ever before. This is not just a new product but a statement of intent – an intentional expansion into refreshing ready-to-drink that reflects where we see the Myprotein brand heading and the role we want to play in Chiller and Impulse."