Nichols has deepened its partnership with THG Nutrition, owner of the Myprotein brand, as the two companies move into the functional drinks market with the launch of Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water — a ready‑to‑drink (RTD) format designed to meet surging consumer demand for healthier, benefit‑led beverages.

Launching in September 2026, the new 500ml range will debut in Vimto and Raspberry Lemon flavours, priced at £2.99 RSP. Each bottle is sugar‑free, low‑calorie and delivers 15g of clear whey protein, offering all essential amino acids in a lighter, more refreshing format than traditional milk‑based protein drinks.

Why Nichols is expanding the partnership

At its core, Nichols brings soft drinks expertise and nationwide distribution, while Myprotein brings category authority in sports nutrition and a proven ability to stretch into new formats.

Several factors make this expansion both logical and commercially compelling:

• Functional drinks growth — UK functional drink sales reached £5.8bn in 2026, rising 10% year on year, with protein now the most sought‑after functional ingredient across demographics.
• Myprotein Vimto success — since licensing Vimto in 2021, Myprotein has extended the flavour across creatine, collagen, pre‑workout and gummies. Its Vimto Clear Whey is now the UK’s number‑one clear whey SKU in retail, proving strong consumer appetite for the collaboration.
• RTD protein opportunity — clear whey has reshaped consumer expectations of protein, and moving into RTD formats allows Myprotein to reach shoppers in chiller, impulse and convenience — channels where Nichols already excels.

Under a multi‑year brand licence agreement, Nichols will manufacture and distribute the new range through its established UK network, giving retailers a turnkey route into a category that continues to outpace wider soft drinks growth.

Strategic significance

The launch marks a new phase in the Nichols–THG partnership. What began as a flavour licensing deal has evolved into a co‑developed RTD innovation platform, signalling intent to build Myprotein’s presence beyond tubs, sachets and supplements.

It also positions Nichols as a credible player in functional beverages — a segment increasingly defined by crossover products that blend refreshment, nutrition, and lifestyle positioning.

Leadership commentary

Andrew Milne, CEO of Nichols, said the launch reflects a major consumer shift:“Functional drinks are one of the most exciting growth areas in soft drinks… Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water has been developed to meet that demand, offering shoppers a lighter and more refreshing way to add protein into their day.”

Neil Mistry, CEO of THG Nutrition, highlighted the strategic evolution of the Myprotein brand: “This is not just a new product but a statement of intent… an intentional expansion into refreshing ready‑to‑drink that reflects where we see the Myprotein brand heading and the role we want to play in chiller and impulse.”