Ready-to-Drink Protein Shake Monthly Update 2025-10

Arla Foods achieved record growth in 2025, driven primarily by a 29% increase in protein ingredient sales within its ingredients division. This growth aligns with global trends of consumers seeking tailored nutrition and convenient, on-the-go food options. The company expanded its protein production capabilities and introduced new high-protein and plant-based product formats to meet changing consumer preferences. Additionally, Arla's long-term partnership with Starbucks fueled volume-driven growth in ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee, particularly with the launch of Protein Drinks with Coffee, contributing to approximately 30% of Starbucks RTD growth in 2025. The RTD coffee category grew by around 9% across EMEA, where Starbucks remains the leading chilled coffee brand, reinforcing Arla’s strong position in the convenience beverage market.

In Russia, the sports nutrition market surpassed 50 billion rubles in early 2025, driven by a 15% growth in sales and revenue and a doubling of sellers and products. Demand for protein ice cream has quadrupled over the past year, while protein bars sales surged by 93%, reflecting the category's shift from niche to mainstream functional snacks. Domestic brands now hold an 80% market share, with Russian trademarks increasing by 1.5 times over five years, led by popular brands like Bombbar and PrimeKraft. The market growth is supported by both professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts, with ready-to-drink beverages gaining traction. Experts anticipate continued moderate expansion fueled by the strengthening position of local producers following the exit of foreign companies.

Al Ain Farms Group emphasizes that improving the nutritional profile of dairy products has shifted from a trend to a structural necessity driven by evolving consumer demands for higher protein, reduced sugar, and functional benefits without compromising taste, texture, or shelf life. The company addresses complex challenges such as sugar reduction, protein enrichment, fat modification, and shelf-life stability under MENA's hot climate through comprehensive product engineering and consumer-led reformulation strategies. Their 'nutrition-by-design' approach prioritizes sensory acceptance, convenience, and clean labeling while ensuring robustness across real-world distribution conditions. Al Ain Farms anticipates that 'better-for-you' dairy products will become the industry standard, with transparent labeling and smarter fortification becoming baseline expectations. The firm calls for collaborative industry efforts on technical reformulation, shelf-life enhancement, and evidence-based health positioning to support sustainable nutritional advancements in the regional dairy market.

Danone is set to build on its 2025 momentum by emphasizing high-protein products, gut health, and adult medical nutrition in 2026. The company’s protein portfolio, including Oikos, YoPro, and Skyr, continues to drive growth across multiple regions despite supply bottlenecks in North America, where new capacity is expected to ease pressure. Innovation in protein-rich plant-based products, such as the newly introduced Silk Protein drink, targets the growing demand in the US market. Gut health remains a major growth avenue, with Danone investing in microbiome research and reformulating products like Activia to appeal to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, Danone aims to expand its adult medical nutrition segment, valued at around €20 billion, by scaling production and broadening its presence beyond hospitals. While the coffee creamer segment faces challenges after a recall, Danone’s Waters division saw growth driven by functional hydration products, with plans to introduce new healthy hydration launches in 2026.

Kirin's Mercian is expanding its Japanese spirits export business into the United States and Thailand, capitalizing on growing demand in these markets beyond its established Asia-Pacific presence. Singapore-based Mottainai is innovating with upcycled products, notably a brownie-flavored lager brewed using cocoa bean shells to transfer beneficial phenolic compounds into the beer. Vietnam plans to tighten regulations on dairy and alcoholic beverages, introducing stringent technical standards to enhance food safety and public health compliance. Meanwhile, Thai brand Flo is leveraging the superfood Wolffia to produce protein drinks and flavor enhancers, meeting global demand for convenient, nutritious foods. These developments reflect a broader regional trend towards premium, health-focused agri-food products and regulatory modernization.

Indian dairy and nutrition brand Epigamia has entered the UAE market by launching its Turbo 25g protein milkshakes on the Noon platform and Noon Minutes quick-commerce service. This move marks the beginning of Epigamia's international expansion, targeting the Middle East's growing demand for functional, high-protein, and premium dairy-based products. Supported by Modist Global for regulatory, logistics, and marketplace operations, Epigamia aims to broaden its digital presence across platforms like Amazon.ae, Careem, and Talabat after an initial exclusivity period. The UAE launch aligns with the brand's strategy to capitalize on health-conscious consumer trends and establish a global footprint in the agri-food sector.