# Lightly Carbonated Protein Drinks Protein Pop Plus Provides Combines Whey Isolate and Collagen By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2026-02-21 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-pop-plus References: [stack3d](https://www.stack3d.com/2026/02/protein-pop-plus.html) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/proteinpop_official/)  Protein Pop previously introduced a range of [clear protein drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein2o-p2x-advanced-hydration) in slim cans with 20 grams of protein, and the new Protein Pop Plus delivers even more—30 grams of protein from whey isolate, plus collagen, and just two to three grams of carbohydrates, no sugar, zero calories and 130 calories. As such, the Orange Cream, Citrus, and Mango Peach flavors provide a simple way to get a protein boost, as well as skin, hair, nail and joint support. Demand is up for [protein beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clear-protein-refreshers) that feel as light as they are functional, as consumers grow tired of thick, chalky shakes. [Crisp, clear, fizzy alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sparkling-clear-protein-drinks) are stepping in to deliver the satiety people want in a format that's refreshing, easy to drink and doesn't need mixing in a shaker bottle. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.0/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 66% - 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Clear Carbonated Protein Drinks:** A shift toward fizzy, transparent protein beverages reveals demand for formulations that deliver high protein concentration without increased viscosity or off-flavors. - **Protein Plus Collagen Hybrids:** The combination of whey isolate and collagen embodies a convergence of sports nutrition and beauty-from-within benefits that resonates with multifunctional wellness consumers. - **Low-carb High-protein On-the-go Formats:** Preference for portable cans with minimal carbs and calories highlights needs for packaging and preservation approaches that maintain carbonation, mouthfeel and protein stability. ### Where This Applies - **Beverage Manufacturing:** Processing and carbonation technologies that preserve protein solubility and clarity at elevated dosages could redefine production lines and ingredient handling. - **Nutraceuticals & Supplements:** Formulation science that blends clinically relevant doses of performance and beauty ingredients into palatable, ready-to-drink formats is positioned to blur supplement and beverage categories. - **Fast Casual & Convenience Retail:** Retail chilled formats and grab-and-go assortments featuring sparkling protein beverages offer alternatives to traditional shakes and bars for time-pressed shoppers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Energizing Protein Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barebells-protein-soda.md) - [Whey Protein Soda Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skypop.md) - [Performance-Boosting Creatine Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creatine-soda.md) - [Prebiotic Protein-Rich Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/koia-protein-pop.md) - [High-Protein Creatine Puddings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-protein-creatine.md) - [Refreshing Protein Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feisty-protein-soda.md) - [High-Protein Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nxtup-high-protein-soda.md) - [Thirst-Quenching Protein Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-soda-concept.md) - [Protein Iced Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-iced-tea.md)