Protein Drinks Are Surging

Up Nearly 23% in Dollar Sales and 19% in Unit Sales

As consumer demand for convenient, high-protein nutrition continues to grow, beverage brands are rapidly expanding into ready-to-drink (RTD) protein beverages—and DrinkPAK is helping bring those products to market.

Protein has officially moved beyond the gym. Today’s consumers are seeking convenient, nutrient-dense options that support muscle recovery, satiety, weight management, and overall wellness. This shift is fueling significant growth in the RTD protein category, with demand expected to remain strong as consumers increasingly prioritize high-protein diets and functional nutrition.

According to Beverage Industry, household penetration of protein drinks in the U.S. reached approximately 30%, increasing by 3 percentage points year over year based on NielsenIQ Omnishopper data (52 weeks ending Feb. 22). During the same period, protein drinks experienced a 22.5% increase in dollar sales and an 18.6% increase in unit sales across xAOC and convenience channels, demonstrating strong consumer adoption and continued opportunity for innovation, new product development, and retail expansion.

Why the Category Is Growing

• Consumers increasingly associate protein with strength, energy, fullness, and healthy aging.

• RTD beverages provide convenient, grab-and-go nutrition for busy lifestyles.

• Growth is being driven by a broader audience, including wellness-focused consumers, active agers, and users of GLP-1 weight-management medications seeking convenient ways to meet protein goals.

• Retailers are expanding shelf space to accommodate rising demand and new product launches.

  
  

DrinkPAK’s Role in the Rise

As demand for protein beverages continues to accelerate, DrinkPAK now produces non-aseptic protein drinks, supporting dairy-based, plant-based, and blended protein formulations.

Our high-speed manufacturing capabilities help brands scale efficiently while maintaining product quality, flavor integrity, and consistency throughout production. Whether launching a new product or expanding an existing portfolio, DrinkPAK provides the expertise and capacity to help brands meet growing consumer demand.

Interested in bringing a protein beverage to market? Contact our Sales team at Sales@DrinkPAK.com.

Understanding the Types of Protein Used in Beverages

Proteins are composed of amino acids, nine of which are considered essential because the body cannot produce them on its own.

Animal-derived proteins—including whey, casein, and egg protein—are naturally complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. Plant-based proteins can also provide excellent nutritional benefits, but some may be naturally lower in one or more essential amino acids. For this reason, manufacturers often combine multiple plant protein sources to create a more balanced amino acid profile while delivering vegan-friendly nutrition.

Key Market Insights

• Whey protein accounted for approximately 61% of the global RTD protein beverage market in 2024, making it the leading protein type.

• Pea protein is projected to be one of the fastest-growing protein ingredients through 2030, driven by increasing consumer interest in plant-based nutrition.

• Animal-based proteins represented approximately 71% of the RTD protein beverage market in 2024.

• Plant-based proteins continue to gain momentum as brands expand offerings to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Source: Mordor Intelligence, Ready-to-Drink Protein Beverages Market Report