# Co-Branded Protein Floats David Protein x Poppi Hosted Sips 'n' Scoops in NYC By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-08-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-protein-x-poppi References: [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DbYY4kxkT0c/?hl=en&img_index=1) & [nycforfree.co](https://www.nycforfree.co/events/sips-n-scoops-with-poppi-and-david-protein)  Every day, people want protein and in the summer, they need cooling refreshment, and the [David Protein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-protein-ice-cream) x [Poppi Sips 'n](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hteao-3)' Scoops collab served protein floats to help beat the New York City heat. As part of the activation at the [David Scoop Shop](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-scoop-shop) that ran for a limited time at the end of July and early August, the first 100 people in line each day were treated to a free protein float. More than just leaning into the demand for all things protein, the collab touched upon the dirty soda phenomenon, pairing creamy, protein-packed David Vanilla Bean ice cream with a choice of Poppi in flavors like Root Beer, Shirley Temple, Raspberry Rose, or Orange. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.1/10 - Popularity: 94% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 85% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Protein Refreshments:** Chilled, protein-forward treats reveal whitespace for functional indulgences that merge fitness goals with seasonal comfort and everyday snacking. - **Dirty Soda Hybrids:** The pairing of creamy textures with flavored sodas signals room for playful beverage-dessert formats that translate viral drink culture into premium retail experiences. - **Limited-time Collabs:** Scarcity-driven brand partnerships create cultural relevance by turning simple product sampling into social, queue-worthy moments with high shareability. ### Where This Applies - **Functional Foods:** Protein-enriched desserts point to new category extensions where nutrition claims coexist with indulgent flavors and familiar treat formats. - **Beverage Industry:** Prebiotic soda brands gain new relevance through cross-category applications that position soft drinks as ingredients in experiential foodservice concepts. - **Experiential Retail:** Pop-up sampling activations demonstrate how temporary physical spaces can convert brand curiosity into memorable consumer engagement and local buzz. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dessert-Like Fragrance Unboxings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miu-miu-fleur-de-lait.md) - [Beauty Brand Ice Cream Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frost-x-huda-beauty.md) - [Ice Cream Beauty Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merit-x-ruru-baked.md) - [Co-Branded Protein Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiehls-x-go-greek.md) - [Ice Cream-Scented Bodycare](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-ice-cream-parlor-limited-edition-collection.md) - [Pop-Up Beauty Picnics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/daise-summer-picnic.md) - [Melted Ice Cream Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skylar-sundae-scoop.md) - [Beautifying Greek Yogurt Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greek-glow-bowl.md) - [Skincare-Inspired Dessert Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chef-neil-perry.md)