Premier Protein moves into soda as protein shake competition heats up

Food Dive reported the development on 2026-05-12. Bellring Brands is looking for potential untapped growth opportunities to stand out in a crowded nutritional market.

The report places the news in a wider commercial context. Premier Protein maker Bellring Brands will expand into protein-enhanced soda as the brand's flagship protein shakes struggle to keep up with mounting competition. Premier Protein Sparkling Soda is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year, Bellring CEO Darcy Davenport said in an earnings call Tuesday. Davenport called soda “one of the most underserved segments” of the protein category.

For the food sector, the practical implications extend beyond the immediate announcement. Each soda will contain 15 grams of protein in four different fruit flavors. Bellring plans to target younger consumers with the soda and expand Premier Protein’s usage into afternoon and midday occasions, Davenport said. As consumers increasingly seek protein-rich foods, protein shake stalwarts like Premier are working to standout against new competition.

Attention now turns to how companies, customers and regulators respond. Bellring Brands was looking for white space in the protein category and landed what Davenport called "refreshing" protein. Unlike a protein shake, which is used as a meal replacement or for specific nutritional purposes, sodas can lend themselves to different usage occasions. The company plans to launch the soda in mass retail and through e-commerce.