Nestlé-owned Vital Proteins is launching a collagen-infused sparkling water as more consumers seek out functional beverages.
Vital Proteins’ Collagen Sparkling Water includes the supplement company’s Verisol collagen peptides and vitamin C. It contains no sugar or artificial sweeteners and is available in strawberry blossom, lemon lime and blood orange flavors.
Skin, hair and beauty was named a top consumer health goal when choosing a supplement, according to data company SPINS, with 33% citing it as their primary objective. Collagen is the second-most commonly featured ingredient in food and beverage launches with a beauty claim, with Innova saying it has emerged as a "mainstream ingredient" among consumers similar to protein or fiber.
Vital Proteins is best known for its powdered collagen that's mixed-in to beverages by consumers. More than one in three collagen users are interested in trying new formats, according to Cadent data cited by Vital Proteins.
A collagen-infused beverage taps into the growing demand for convenient ways to consume vitamins. The sparkling water joins other collagen-infused beverages, including a new launch from Monster Energy and Unwell Beverages.
The product began rolling out in retail stores late last month, and it has plans to expand in late spring.
“Consumers today want their drinks to do double duty – hydrating while supporting their overall wellness goals,” Jill Abbott, vice president of marketing strategy and innovation at Vital Proteins, said in a statement. “Our new Collagen Sparkling Water was created to meet that shift, offering sparkling water fans, longtime collagen users and newcomers a flavorful, no-fuss way to enjoy the clinically studied benefits of collagen peptides as part of their daily routines.”
The launch expands Vital Proteins’ ready-to-drink portfolio, a category the brand entered last year with a Vital Proteins’ protein shake. That offering additionally contained collagen.
Vital Proteins is part of Nestlé Health Science, whose portfolio also includes Boost and Nature’s Bounty. Nestlé announced its plan to buy the brand for an undisclosed amount in 2020, though the deal didn’t close until two years later.
