Barebells Launches Protein Soda As Category Expands
Bar brand Barebells showed off its move into beverages with Protein Soda at last week's NACS show, as other brands also joined the fast-growing category.
Innovation
Featured Innovation Content
Modern Iced Tea Brands Look To Flavor, Packaging To Enter C-Stores
Emerging iced tea brands showed off convenience-oriented flavors and packaging innovations as they expand and modernize the c-store set.
South Africa’s Pura Makes Play for U.S. with Soda, Kids Drink Launches
As the soda category reshapes itself under the influence of new better-for-you brands, South African soda and kids beverage producer Pura is seeking a slice of the pie in America.
Additional Content
Más+ Plans ‘Slow Down’ in 2026, Shakes Up Distro Strategy
Mark Anthony Brands is “slowing down” and pivoting to new distribution strategies for its Más+ by Messi sports drink as the brand struggles to make an impact in the market.
Shift Naturals Grows THC Platform with Cocktails, Kevin Love
Hemp THC products startup Shift Naturals is freshly funded and ready for showtime, with NBA star Kevin Love now backing the business and promoting its DownShift sparkling waters, gummies and its latest innovation: ready-to-drink Shift Cocktails.
Inside Chick-fil-A Beverage Concept Daybright
Chick-fil-A subsidiary Red Wagon Ventures opened its first location of beverage-centric foodservice concept, Daybright Coffee & Refreshment.
No Cap Teams with ICEE for Co-Branded LTO Launch
Better-for-you soda startup No Cap is raising the ante on its co-branded collaboration strategy by partnering with the ICEE Company for a three-year licensing deal to license the slush brand’s name and flavors.
New Products: C4’s Cereal Killer, Red Bull Goes Gridiron and MALK Brings Back Nog
It’s not yet Halloween but some brands are already getting ready for the holidays, whether it’s the return of MALK’s fan favorite Holiday Nog or a permanent cran-raspberry flavor launch from Bear Maple. We also take a look at C4’s latest nostalgic energy offerings and Red Bull’s latest NIL deal.
Bloom Teases Flavor Innovations as Energy & Sodas Push Into C-Stores
Having acquired a majority stake in Bloom last month, C4-maker Nutrabolt is now armed with two distinct, cross-category RTD brands, and is ready to nudge the throttle forward in 2026, as we heard last week at NACS.
Future Teams with Ohza Founder Ayotte for RTD Cocktail Brand Roué
Global rap star Future and Ohza founder Ryan Ayotte want consumers to drink in style with Roué, a new brand of fine wines and RTD cocktails launching this month.
Boulevard Adds THC Quirk Seltzers; Space Camper Overtakes Wheat As Top Brand
THC seltzers, local sports partnerships and growing Boulevard’s new No. 1 brand are among the highlights of Duvel USA’s 2026 distribution convention, featuring skits mimicking popular movies and TV shows.
NACS: Packaging Innovation Reshapes Water At C-Stores
Several bottled water brands at the National Association of Convenience Stores show this week were focused on new innovations in pack size and format as consumers embrace sustainability and healthier lifestyles.
NACS: Coffee Brands Bet on Black, Aim for Strategic Growth
Nearly two years after its acquisition by Chobani, La Colombe is staying focused on scale and customer acquisition as it continues to carve out a space for its single-serve cold brew coffees in retail – with convenience firmly in its crosshairs.
Coca-Cola Touts Mini Cans, Mr. PiBB’s Return At NACS
Coke displayed its innovation pipeline at NACS in Chicago this week, betting on the company's ability to create value and consumer demand for more "swicy" soda options.
PepsiCo Says “Fiber will be the next protein,” After Q3 Volume Declines
Volumes were down for PepsiCo in Q3 as the company prepares for a slew of product innovations aligning with better-for-you trends.
Shohei Ohtani Pitches in to Launch Syncron Performance Beverage
Los Angeles Dodgers phenom Shohei Ohtani's flexibility extends off the diamond as Ohtani is aligning with Syncron, a subsidiary of Japanese conglomerate Kowa, to add another beverage to his brand partnership portfolio.
Ghost Goes Deeper in Food Set with Protein Bar Launch
A year-and-a-half after bringing cereal to the table, lifestyle CPG brand Ghost is again partnering with General Mills for a line of protein bars launching this month.