The analysts used a new Demand & Research methodology to uncover what it calls the next “big opportunity” in Carbonated Soft Drinks (CSD). The approach is designed to help innovation teams prioritise growth areas and bring new products to market.
It draws on data from Black Swan’s social intelligence, which tracks emerging consumer needs and behaviours shaping future demand. These demand signals are then mapped against global new product development activity to identify where markets are becoming crowded and where “whitespace” still exists.
The methodology categorises the landscape into four innovation territories: Whitespace, Differentiate, Incubate and Reframe.
Mintel’s latest analysis showed that the emergence of prebiotic drinks like Poppi and Olipop have transformed the soda space.
The report identifies several key functional needs driving demand including routine wellness (such as blood, gut and heart health), nutritional quality, hydration, energy and preventative health. It also highlights aesthetic wellness such as beauty and weight management along with mind support needs such as cognitive function, sleep and mood.
It mapped these needs against product launches and found that there was low supply and high demand for innovation in protein sodas. Limited innovation activity and supply, suggests there is a genuine “whitespace” for first movers to establish leadership in the category.
The report said that the current protein space is dominated by shakes, smoothies and other milk-based drinks but many consumers dislike their taste and texture. As a result suppliers are missing out as consumers are making them at home combining protein products with sodas to create homemade floats and dirty sodas that deliver on both protein and flavour.
The report said the “signal is clear” that this creates a clear opening for protein CSDs that lead on flavour, lightness and refreshment.
Clear protein is the industry’s answer to the taste and texture problem as it is water-soluble and works in light, sparkling formats, Mintel suggests. It is also flavour-neutral and doesn’t overpower the flavour of the drink.
Mintel notes that CSD launches with protein claims were “virtually” non-existent before 2024. Since then, growth has accelerated with momentum building but it is still an early market with only 10 US launches in 2026 so far.
Alex Beckett, Principal Analyst at Mintel, describes the trend as “an eagerly awaited fusion of wellness and reward.”
“Amid the frenzy of the wellness drink boom, there’s a reassuring quality to the emergence of clear protein. Yes, electrolytes, collagen and prebiotics are enjoying their moment, but consumers’ relationship with protein is special – it’s rooted,” he said
“Making protein clear is a technical leap. And adding it into CSDs – a sector with joy in its DNA – is an eagerly awaited fusion of wellness and reward."
