C4 Power, the Austin-based sports activities diet drink, and The Hershey Firm partnered to make a sweet deal with that’s truly meant to be useful. The sugary candy partnership brings three candy-inspired flavors of whey protein powders — Hershey’s Milk Chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Vanilla Bean — to the market.
That is the first-ever protein powder launched by both firm. For C4, recognized for its power drinks and pre-workout powders, that is simply the beginning, says Robert Zajac, the CMO of Nutrabolt, C4’s mother or father firm. “That is only the start of our entry into this area,” Zajac instructed Meals & Wine completely. “We’re already growing the subsequent part of protein — from substances to flavors to codecs; the alternatives are countless.”
The model plans to roll out extra protein-focused merchandise as a result of it’s “essential for muscle restore and development,” making it interesting to health fans, professional and beginner athletes, plus the newly health-conscious, says Zajac. And science backs that each one up. Research present that consuming protein is answerable for a number of advantages: it helps strengthen and develop muscle groups, is nice for bone well being, and lowers blood stress. The brand new candy-flavored proteins are a simple entry level for anybody trying to reap these advantages.
Whereas shoppers can select from 1000’s of various protein manufacturers and flavors, Zajac says that there’s nothing available in the market just like the brand new assortment. “This would be the first time ever that buyers are capable of expertise their favourite chocolate manufacturers — Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and Hershey’s Peanut Butter Cups — in a format that tastes just like the sweet they love whereas delivering advantages for his or her physique,” he says.
In response to Zajac, Chocolate and peanut butter protein shakes are already widespread, making this candy-specific collaboration a “no-brainer.” “Partnering with Hershey to license its Hershey Milk Chocolate and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup flavors offers our workforce and our shopper a way of belief and credibility that it will style nothing in need of scrumptious,” he mentioned.
One serving of the brand new powders comprises 25 grams of whey protein and no added sugar. The protein powder prices $44.99 and is out there for buy straight by means of C4 Power, or at GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe.
That is the second partnership between Hershey and C4 — with extra slated for 2025. As not too long ago as September, the 2 manufacturers rolled out a line of Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry, Inexperienced Apple, and Watermelon flavored power drinks, which launched alongside Bubble Yum flavored pre-workout powder.
In 2022, Dr Pepper paid $863 million for a few 30 % possession stake in Nutrobolt, which, along with C4 Power, additionally owns the C4 Pre-Exercise and XTEND manufacturers. This marked the most important minority funding in an power drink model in six years, per Meals Enterprise Information, beating Coca-Cola’s 2014 funding in Monster Beverage.
Zajac says the corporate is wanting ahead to seeing the artistic recipes individuals make with the brand new Hershey’s Milk Chocolate and Reese’s Peanut Butter protein powders. “I’m anticipating all the things from smoothies and shakes to muffins and in a single day oats,” he mentioned.