Myprotein expands RTD footprint in UK with Nichols partnership for protein water

London, United Kingdom — 14 July 2026

Nichols and THG, parent company of Myprotein, are expanding their 2021 partnership with the September launch of Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water. This ready-to-drink (RTD) range targets the chilled functional beverage market, signalling a strategic move to broaden Myprotein's retail footprint beyond its direct-to-consumer heritage. The new products, available in Vimto and Raspberry Lemon flavours, will retail at £2.99 for a 500ml bottle, containing 15g of clear whey protein, sugar-free, and low-calorie formulations.

The multi-year licensing agreement grants Nichols manufacturing and distribution rights across its extensive UK retail network. This collaboration capitalises on Nichols' expertise in soft drink production and supply chain, offering Myprotein increased accessibility within the grocery and convenience sectors. The move reflects the increasing integration of sports nutrition into mainstream consumer product categories, driven by broader consumer demand for functional benefits beyond traditional performance-focused demographics.

The functional drinks category, particularly protein-enriched options, continues to see significant innovation. Clear whey formulations are a key growth driver, offering a lighter, more refreshing alternative to traditional milk-based protein shakes, appealing to consumers seeking hydration alongside protein intake. This trend is evident in offerings from brands like Grenade, UFIT, and Arla Protein, all expanding their RTD portfolios to meet evolving consumer preferences. Such partnerships allow digital-first brands to secure physical retail shelf space, while traditional beverage manufacturers can diversify into higher-margin health and wellness segments.

What this means for United Kingdom

UK contract manufacturers must invest in capabilities for clear whey processing and aseptic or chilled filling lines to meet rising demand for RTD protein beverages. Brand owners should analyse potential distribution alliances with established soft drink companies like Nichols, focusing on leveraging their existing retailer relationships and logistics infrastructure to achieve rapid market penetration. Competitive pricing, such as the £2.99 RRP for 15g protein, will be critical for category relevance. Furthermore, brands must clearly differentiate products through flavour innovation and functional claims to capture market share within the increasingly crowded functional drinks segment, preparing for intensified competition by Q4 2026.

For Nichols, the agreement strengthens its position in health and wellness categories, providing access to Myprotein's brand equity in functional nutrition. Conversely, THG gains a crucial pathway to scale Myprotein's presence in everyday purchase occasions. This convergence points to a future where established beverage companies mitigate declining traditional soft drink sales by acquiring or licensing challenger brands in high-growth functional segments, while agile nutrition companies seek to expand beyond e-commerce into broader retail channels via strategic alliances.

Many leading brands in this category are manufactured in partnership with Supplement Factory.