If, however, you’re veggie or vegan and you struggle to include protein in your diet – or you’re training in the gym, lifting weights and wanting to gain muscle, you may want a little more than 0.75g per kg per day. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners owns the leading brand in the UK functional water segment, Glacéau vitaminwater: which took nearly 30% of the market in 2020. It also introduced flavoured Glacéau smartwater in 2017.

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Sugar content remains a key consumer for UK consumers – as well as for manufacturers, given the 2018 introduction of the UK’s sugar tax. This will continue to be a factor for functional waters and the wider water plus category. Obviously, it adds more protein [to your diet] so if you are someone who is struggling to meet their protein needs and if you don’t like milky foods this may be helpful. That said, one of the great benefits of protein is that it keeps us satisfied which these drinks won’t do so you’d always be better with a food source of protein and a glass of water,’ adds Medlin. Are there any downsides to protein water? This one’s a nuanced one because it really depends on your daily lifestyle and what type of exercise you do. Here’s what Medlin suggests based on your workout routine:

Each bottle of UPBeat Protein Water contains spring water for hydration, real fruit, for a great and refreshing taste, and the whey protein is vegetarian and contains all nine essential amino acids to keep the body strong. It also has essential vitamins B5 to support mental performance and vitamins B5, B6 and B12 to support metabolism and to help reduce stress and fatigue. Meet the experts: Dana White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietician and nutrition consultant specialising in sports nutrition. Sohee Carpenter, CSCS, is a fitness and nutrition coach, WH advisor, sports science PhD student, and author of Eat. Lift. Thrive. Sophie Medlin is the founder of City Dieticians and a registered dietician. With the likelihood that British consumers will remain more home-centric than pre-pandemic, water plus companies must do more to make water plus products available to consumers, especially through home delivery availability,"​ said Bell. As has been the case for several years now, low sugar, reduced sugar and sugar-free claims will become increasingly prevalent.​ Founder of City Dieticians and registered dietician Sophie Medlin adds; ‘They’re a low-calorie protein source that some people may prefer to traditional protein shakes as they’re not milky and have very low lactose levels.’ What options are out there?

The market in 2021 and beyond, however, may not be exactly the same as 2019. Post-pandemic consumers may not behave in the same way – while macro trends will also affect the category moving forward. Protein water is basically water that's been infused with extra protein,’ says Sohee Carpenter, CSCS, a fitness and nutrition coach, WH advisor, sports science PhD student, and author of Eat. Lift. Thrive. A lot of brands have between 10 and 20 grams of protein, and it’s usually fruit-flavoured, she says, adding that it’s ‘a really easy, convenient way to get in extra protein.’

I do like multipurpose products and this UPBeat protein water definitely has that. Here’s the proof: Taurine is important to many of the body’s metabolic processes and helps improve cardiovascular health. It’s also thought to have antioxidant properties. This amino acid occurs naturally in meat, fish and dairy products. There isn’t much consensus as to the positive effects of taurine, though some studies suggest it improves athletic performance, as well as mental performance when consumed alongside caffeine. We think Grenade ® is one of the most exciting sports nutrition companies in the market today. Thanks to their great taste and performance properties, we’re seeing sales soar at gyms, universities and health conscious work places. Upbeat Protein waterAlso, it’s not great to consume a super large dose of protein right before exercise. ‘It's too slow-digesting and then you risk stomach upset or maybe just not getting those calories available for the activity,’ she adds.