Nichols and THG debut Myprotein Clear Whey Water

Nichols, the company behind Vimto, has partnered with THG, the owner of Myprotein, to launch a new ready-to-drink protein water. The drink, called Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water, is set to hit shelves in September 2026. It comes in two flavors: Vimto and Raspberry Lemon.

The 500ml bottles will retail for £2.99. They’re sugar-free, low in calories, and contain 15 grams of clear whey protein. The product delivers all essential amino acids and offers a lighter alternative to traditional milk-based protein shakes.

A partnership that started years ago

This isn’t the first time these two companies have worked together. Their collaboration began back in 2021, when Myprotein first licensed the Vimto brand for its Vimto Clear Whey Protein powder. That product line has since expanded into creatine, collagen, pre-workout supplements, and gummies.

According to the companies, the brand’s Clear Whey is currently the UK’s number one-selling clear whey protein product in retail.

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The new ready-to-drink version is meant to extend that success into a fast-growing category. It will manufacture and distribute the drink through its existing UK distribution network under a multi-year brand license agreement.

Functional drinks are booming

The launch taps into a broader shift in consumer behavior. UK functional drink sales are now valued at £5.8 billion, growing 10% between 2025 and 2026. Protein has become the most sought-after functional ingredient across all age groups, according to the companies.

Andrew Milne, CEO of the company, said the market is one of the “most exciting growth areas in soft drinks.” He described the new product as a “lighter and more refreshing way to add protein into their day.” Neil Mistry, CEO of THG Nutrition, called it “a statement of intent” and said the partnership lets them put protein “into consumers’ hands in more places, and more moments, than ever before.”

It’s not hard to see why they are betting on this.

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Protein water sits at the intersection of two trends that have been gaining momentum for years: the desire for convenience and the search for functional benefits in everyday foods. Traditional protein shakes can feel heavy or chalky, and many consumers want something they can grab on the go without feeling like they’re drinking a meal replacement. That gap is where this product aims to fit.

The move also marks a natural expansion for the brand, which began as an online powder seller and is now pushing further into retail and impulse channels. The company, best known for its cordial, brings the manufacturing and shelf-space experience to make that happen.

What the executives are saying

Milne said the initiative gives retailers “a strong and differentiated opportunity to tap into the growing demand for health led drinks.”

Mistry emphasized that this is about more than just another product. “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 brand heading and the role we want to play in Chiller and Impulse,” he said.