# Caffeinated Clear Protein Sodas Barebells' Protein Soda Debuts in Sweden By Amy Duong | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-09-15 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-soda-trends References: [stack3d](https://www.stack3d.com/2026/09/barebells-protein-soda-in-sweden)  Barebells' Protein Soda is a clear, carbonated soft drink from the Swedish functional food brand, featuring 10g of protein from whey isolate, zero sugar and 180mg of caffeine per can. The formulation keeps the beverage light and fizzy while delivering a protein-and-energy hybrid in a single can. The Sweden roll out includes three flavors: Classic Cola, Sweet Cherry and a new Raspberry Fizz. Caffeine is slightly reduced from the US variant's 200mg to 180mg, and the European version retains the clear appearance and whey-isolate protein base; Wild Strawberry and Pineapple Sunrise did not transfer across. For consumers this offers a grab-and-go way to add protein and a caffeine boost in a soda-style format, blending refreshment with functional nutrition. Bringing the hybrid drink to Barebells' home market expands the brand's ready-to-drink portfolio and gives shoppers a familiar soft-drink experience with added protein and energy. Image Credit: Barebells ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.8/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 91% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Clear Functional Sodas:** Transparent carbonated beverages with added nutrition create whitespace for soda brands to modernize familiar formats without the visual heaviness of shakes or energy drinks. - **Protein-energy Hybrids:** Combining whey isolate and caffeine in one ready-to-drink product reflects a growing preference for multi-benefit beverages that collapse fitness, focus and refreshment occasions. - **Zero-sugar Performance Drinks:** Sugar-free formulations with functional claims are reshaping indulgent beverage categories by pairing everyday taste cues with health-oriented performance benefits. ### Who This Affects Most - **Functional Beverages:** Hybrid protein-and-caffeine sodas expand the category beyond traditional energy drinks and shakes, opening space for lighter, more lifestyle-driven nutrition formats. - **Sports Nutrition:** Ready-to-drink protein formats that resemble mainstream soft drinks broaden sports nutrition appeal to casual consumers seeking convenient daily protein intake. - **Soft Drinks:** Classic soda flavors enhanced with protein and caffeine indicate new competitive pressure for conventional carbonated drink makers as functionality becomes part of refreshment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Energizing Protein Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barebells-protein-soda.md) - [Ultra-Filtered Flavored Protein Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barebells-milk-drink.md) - [Five-Ingredient Protein Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sparkling-protein-soda.md) - [Sugar-Free Protein Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/proda.md) - [Lightly Sparkling Protein Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whey-water.md) - [Lightly Carbonated Protein Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-pop-plus.md) - [Protein Energy Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-energy-soda.md) - [Effervescent Protein-Packed Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/c4-sparkling-protein.md) - [High-Protein Sodas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nxtup-high-protein-soda.md)