Nichols and THG unveil Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water for UK functional beverage market

Nichols and The Hut Group (THG) Nutrition have partnered to develop Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water, a ready-to-drink (RTD) range aiming to tap into consumer demand for health, wellness, and functional beverages. The range will launch in September 2026 in two flavors, Vimto and Raspberry Lemon. 

Vimto is a brand owned by Nichols and has a “unique and fruity flavor,” according to the company. 

Products in the range are sugar-free and low in calories. A 500 mL serving contains 15 g of Myprotein clear whey protein, a brand owned by THG. Each drink delivers all essential amino acids, and the partners say it offers a lighter, more refreshing, and better-tasting alternative to traditional milk-based protein drinks. 

Nichols will manufacture and distribute the range through its UK distribution network under the multiyear brand license agreement. 

“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,” says Andrew Milne, CEO of Nichols.

“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 believe [this launch] gives retailers a strong and differentiated opportunity to tap into the growing demand for health-led drinks.”

Refreshment meets nutrition

The companies believe the new range marks a new milestone in their collaboration, which started in 2021 when Myprotein licensed the Vimto brand for a Vimto Clear Whey Protein range. 

Innova Market Insights data indicates an average annual growth of 26% in product launches with hydration support claims between 2021 and 2025.They say the latest launch builds on consumer demand for this Vimto range, which has extended its flavor into multiple sports nutrition formats, such as creatine, collagen, pre-workout support, and gummies. 

Neil Mistry, CEO of THG Nutrition, says the launch represents a “natural next step” in their partnership. 

“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,” he explains. “Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water answers that growing demand with an easy, refreshing way to add protein throughout the day.” 

“By combining Myprotein’s expertise in sports nutrition with Nichols’ heritage in soft drinks and 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 RTDs that reflects where we see the Myprotein brand heading.”

Functional beverage demand

Recent data from Innova Market Insights highlights a growing demand for functional beverages, indicating that product launches with hydration support claims have grown by an average of 26% per year between 2021 and 2025. Additionally, 30% of consumers globally reported purchasing a supplement with hydration benefits in the past year.

Nutrition Insight previously explored the evolving functional beverages market with dsm-firmenich and Sirio, who said that hydration is shifting from fluid intake to a holistic health approach. The companies pointed to drinks that optimize cognition, sports performance, and beauty as “convenient, on-the-go health solutions.” 

Moreover, Prinova highlighted how GLP-1 drugs drive demand for protein and gut health in hydration, while The Cycle launched functional beverages that support women’s hormonal health. 

At the same time, formulating functional beverages can be challenging as not all ingredients can be dissolved in water. Addressing this, Infusd Nutrition developed a proprietary emulsion technology that enables the creation of water-soluble functional ingredients in high doses.