# Protein Energy Sodas Zelus' Canned Drinks are Packed with Collagen, Vitamins and More By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-07-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-energy-soda References: [zelusdrinks](https://zelusdrinks.com/collections/frontpage/products/zelus-mixed-pack?variant=56524526289222) & [stack3d](https://www.stack3d.com/2026/07/zelus-protein-energy-soda/)  There are crisp, light protein sodas and there are classic energy drinks, and Zelus combines both types of performance beverages into the world's first [protein energy sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oath-sparkling-energy-protein). Packed with 16 grams of protein, collagen, electrolytes and B vitamins, Zelus' canned drinks help to fuel active lives. Notably, only the Lemon, Lime & Mint variety features a boost from caffeine, while the zero-caffeine Orange & Mango option offers a more flexible way to fuel throughout the day. The convergence of [protein soda and energy drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clear-protein-energy) represents a growing consumer demand for beverages that deliver both muscle-building nutrition and a mental energy boost in a single, [light, carbonated package](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feisty-protein-soda). Many consumers now approach protein less as a heavy, shake-in-hand ritual and more as something that should fit seamlessly into their day, and as Zelus gets it, saying that "protein should be light, not lumpy." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.3/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 84% - 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) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Protein-infused Refreshment:** Carbonated drinks with meaningful protein content create openings for lighter daily nutrition formats that move beyond traditional shakes and bars. - **Flexible Energy Formats:** Caffeinated and non-caffeinated performance beverages reflect demand for customizable stimulation that fits varied routines, workouts and dayparts. - **Functional Beverage Convergence:** The blending of collagen, electrolytes, vitamins and protein in soda-like formats signals room for multi-benefit drinks that simplify wellness consumption. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Functional Beverages:** Hybrid canned drinks are reshaping competitive boundaries by combining hydration, nutrition and energy benefits in familiar refreshment formats. - **Sports Nutrition:** Everyday protein sodas expand the category toward casual fitness consumers seeking convenient muscle-support products without dense textures. - **Ready-to-drink Wellness:** Shelf-stable wellness beverages with stacked benefits create new positioning space for brands targeting active lifestyles and on-the-go health routines. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Juicy Protein Waters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mynd-sparkling-protein-water.md) - [Real-Fruit Energy Drink Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sprouts-farmers-market-innovation-set.md) - [Hydration-Led Energy Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mydrate-pulse.md) - [Cocktail-Inspired Energy Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rockstar-mocktail-energy-drink.md) - [Seasonal Café Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kirby-caf-summer-2026.md) - [Free Food Refreshment Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquid-death-sparkling-energy-campaign.md) - [Energy Drink-Infused Slushies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-bull-boosted-slushers.md) - [Cult-Favorite Animation-Inspired Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/golden-berry.md) - [Celeb-Supported Strategic Investor Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strategic-investor-campaign.md)