# Portable Protein Gels NEAP Shares 20 Grams of Protein in a Mess-Free, On-the-Go Format By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-07-08 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neap References: [neapfoods](https://neapfoods.com/products/original-variety-box)  Protein is one of the most sought-after nutrients across every food and beverage category, and NEAP cuts through the noise with a first-of-its-kind [protein gel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vitamin-gel-packs) that sidesteps textural challenges, heaviness and mess. For people trying to hit their protein goals, the options have long left something to be desired, with chalky shakes, bars that are heavy and dense, and powders that require measuring, mixing, and cleanup that makes the whole effort feel like more trouble than it's worth. As a runner, NEAP founder Sandra looked to the ease and lightness of energy gels to create a convenient, on-the-go protein product. NEAP is smooth and said to have a thinner consistency than honey, and it notably excludes whey to avoid causing stomach discomfort. Powered by [pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine collagen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/collagen-protein-shake), NEAP packs 20 grams of protein into Mango, Strawberry and Watermelon flavors. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.4/10 - Popularity: 98% | Activity: 98% | 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) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Portable Protein Gels:** A mess-free gel format creates room for high-protein nutrition that feels lighter, faster and more compatible with active routines than bars, powders or shakes. - **Whey-free Performance Nutrition:** Digestive comfort becomes a key differentiator as collagen-based protein products address consumers who avoid whey due to heaviness, bloating or intolerance concerns. - **Flavor-forward Functional Snacks:** Fruit-inspired formats position protein as a convenient everyday indulgence, expanding functional nutrition beyond gym-centric occasions into commuting, travel and outdoor use. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Sports Nutrition:** Endurance athletes and fitness consumers benefit from compact protein delivery systems that mirror energy gels while filling a recovery-focused gap in portable fueling. - **Functional Food and Beverage:** High-protein innovation increasingly favors formats that reduce preparation, cleanup and texture friction, broadening the category’s appeal to mainstream wellness consumers. - **Convenience Retail:** Grab-and-go shelves gain differentiated nutrition products when single-serve protein formats combine shelf simplicity, clean usage and familiar fruit flavors. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Functional Kefir Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-kefir.md) - [Liquid Protein Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-now.md) - [Concentrated Protein Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supa-power-protein-shot.md) - [Ready-to-Drink Protein Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/easy-protein.md) - [Single-Serve Protein Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vidafuel-wellness-protein.md) - [Cocktail-Inspired Protein Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yummy-protein-shots.md) - [Fruity Protein Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vktry.md) - [Pocket Protein Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-shot.md) - [Complete Protein Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivitein-blg-protein-shots.md)