What's Happening
Barebells has officially expanded its Protein Soda lineup with the launch of Classic Cola, bringing a traditional soda flavor into the brand’s fast-growing high-protein beverage category.
The new flavor combines the familiar taste of cola with 10 grams of clear whey protein isolate, 200mg of caffeine, and a fully carbonated, sugar-free formula. Barebells positions the drink as an alternative to both traditional energy drinks and heavier ready-to-drink protein shakes, emphasizing a lighter, more soda-like experience.
Classic Cola joins the existing Protein Soda lineup that already includes Pineapple Sunrise, Sweet Cherry, and Wild Strawberry. The drinks are sold in 12 oz cans and are designed for grab-and-go use cases like pre-workout energy, afternoon pick-me-ups, or lighter protein intake throughout the day.
The beverage category itself is a major expansion for Barebells, which originally built its reputation through protein bars and functional snacks. Protein Soda marked the company’s first U.S. beverage launch and pushed the brand into the increasingly competitive crossover space between energy drinks and sports nutrition.
From a nutritional standpoint, the formula keeps calories low at roughly 50 per can while maintaining zero sugar and adding B vitamins alongside the protein and caffeine blend.
Why It Matters
This launch highlights the rapid emergence of “protein soda” as a new subcategory inside functional beverages. Instead of thick, milk-based shakes, brands are now creating lighter, carbonated drinks that combine protein with energy-drink functionality and soda-style flavor experiences.
The cola flavor is especially notable because it moves closer to mainstream soft drink territory. While earlier protein sodas leaned toward fruit flavors, Classic Cola directly taps into one of the most recognizable beverage profiles in the world, potentially making the category feel more approachable for everyday consumers.
It also reflects how brands are trying to solve one of the biggest barriers in protein consumption: drinkability. Traditional RTD shakes can feel heavy or overly filling, especially for casual consumers. Clear whey formats allow companies like Barebells to deliver protein in a format that feels closer to sparkling water or soda, broadening appeal beyond gym-focused audiences.
At the same time, the combination of protein and caffeine continues to gain momentum as consumers look for multi-functional products that consolidate energy, recovery, and convenience into one can. Instead of carrying a protein shake and an energy drink separately, products like this merge both use cases.
The launch also reinforces Barebells’ broader positioning strategy. The brand has consistently prioritized taste and indulgent flavor experiences, and bringing that approach into beverages helps extend its identity beyond bars and snacks into a larger lifestyle ecosystem.
Bigger Picture
Functional beverages are increasingly blurring the line between sports nutrition, energy drinks, and traditional soda.
Protein sodas represent one of the newest examples of that convergence, combining familiar flavors and carbonation with performance-focused ingredients in an attempt to create a more mainstream, everyday protein experience.
Sources
Barebells – https://shop.barebells.com/products/barebells-protein-soda-classic-cola
Barebells News – https://barebells.com/news/barebells-launches-a-new-product-line-in-the-us-protein-soda-in-three-delicious-sugar-free-flavors/
Men’s Journal – https://www.mensjournal.com/food/barebells-protein-soda
Vitamin Shoppe – https://www.vitaminshoppe.com/p/protein-soda-sweet-cherry-12-drink-s/bar-16714