If you’re reaching for food and drinks with protein, you’re not alone. Protein isn’t just a passing trend — it’s become a core part of how people think about what they eat and drink. That shift is showing up significantly: 86% of Americans say they’re actively trying to add more protein to their diets, and 63% would choose snacks with added protein over standard options¹.
Beyond muscle, protein plays an essential role in metabolism, immune health, and feeling full — benefits that matter at every age and activity level, not just athletic performance. “While many people get enough total protein, they often don’t consume it in the right pattern throughout the day,” said Kimberly Stein, PepsiCo’s R&D Sr. Principal Scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, noting that spacing protein intake helps deliver essential amino acids that support muscles, cells, connective tissues, and key body functions².
As expectations rise, consumers are looking for foods and beverages that deliver functional ingredients with flavors from the brands they love. That’s where PepsiCo comes in — delivering new innovations across our portfolio, like Propel Clear Protein and Quaker Protein Rice Crisps, designed to make it easy to get added protein into your everyday routines.
Propel Clear Protein — the latest addition to the brand’s science-backed functional hydration portfolio — is a ready-to-mix powder offering the 3-in-1 benefits of protein, fiber, and hydration in one flavorful sip. Each powder packet contains:
- 20 grams of whey protein: To help maintain muscle mass.
- Three grams of fiber: To support digestive health, helping to fill a critical gap as only 5% of Americans currently meet daily fiber recommendations³.
- Electrolytes: To help maintain hydration, also critically important as 150 million Americans report feeling the impact of dehydration weekly4.
Developed with registered dietitians, Propel Clear Protein taps into rising demand for multifunctional beverages that help support active wellness goals. Each powder packet contains zero sugar, 90 calories, and no artificial flavors, sweeteners or added colors. It’s now available on Walmart.com, Amazon, Gatorade.com, and TikTok Shop in three refreshing flavors: Peach Ginger, Apple Pear, and Watermelon.
“Our priority was solving a real human need through a science-backed, multifunctional product,” said Damian Browne, Senior Vice President of Research & Development, Global Capabilities & North America Beverages. “What we’ve created with Propel Clear Protein is a real breakthrough for consumers, who can now get their protein, fiber and hydration in one great-tasting beverage.”
On the foods side, PepsiCo Foods U.S. is rolling out Quaker Protein Rice Crisps — mini rice cakes that have the light texture and airy crunch consumers already love, now with a good source of protein with:
- Six grams of protein per serving with popped rice and pea protein
- Nine grams of whole grains per serving
- No artificial preservatives or flavors
For a sweet snack option, Quaker Protein Rice Crisps in Chocolate Caramel flavor combine rich chocolate and smooth caramel flavors for a delicious treat. On the savory side, Tangy Barbecue delivers a bold, tangy flavor in every crispy bite. Both flavors — that are gluten-free and popped, never fried — are available now across retailers in the U.S.
“We’re continuing to explore how to balance ingredients that offer functional benefits with great taste because we know consumers expect both,” said James Wade, Marketing Vice President for Quaker Foods. “With Quaker’s long history of offering quality ingredients for every occasion, the addition of Quaker Protein Rice Crisps to the portfolio is just another demonstration of the brand and PepsiCo’s commitment to giving consumers more ways to help fuel their lives.”
Here are a few more of our food and drinks with protein that you’ll want to add to your snacking lineup: