Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Ready-to-Drink, Powdered Drinks and Concentrates), By Packaging (Bottles, Tetra Packs, Cans and Sachets & Pouches), By Distribution Channel (Online Retailers, Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Pharmacies & Drug Stores and Direct Sales), and Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market Insights, Industry Trend, Forecasts to 2035

Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market Insights Forecasts to 2035

• The Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market Size was Estimated at USD 406.6 Million in 2024
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 8.09% from 2025 to 2035
• The Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 957.10 Million by 2035

According to a Research Report Published by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market Size is Anticipated to Reach USD 957.10 Million by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 8.09% from 2025 to 2035. The Europe protein-based sports drinks market is fueled by emerging health awareness, growing demand for functional foods and beverages, rising fitness trends, innovation in protein formulation, and growing consumer awareness of post-workout recovery benefits among health-conscious individuals.

Market Overview

The Europe protein-based sports beverages market is used to describe that segment of the beverage market committed to beverages, which are uniquely formulated with an exceptionally high percentage of protein aimed at supporting performance during sports activities, muscle relaxation, and all-around health. The growing requirement for plant-derived products offers one of the highest opportunities for Europe protein-based sports beverages market growth. As consumers grow more health-conscious and environmentally aware, plant-based proteins such as fava bean, pea, and oat are rising in popularity because of their natural, clean-label appeal. To accommodate this trend, companies are broadening their product offerings to include sports drinks that are fortified with functional ingredients such as adaptogens, probiotics, and other plant-based options. This trend is particularly prevalent in emerging countries, where increasing disposable incomes are also pushing demand for protein-based drinks. For instance, Germany-based biotech firm Infinite Roots recently raised USD 58 million in funding to spur mycelium-driven innovations. With mycelium breaking new ground from plant-based meats to drinks, the market for sustainable, high-protein alternatives is increasing. Such an influx of investment and innovation poses a great growth prospect for the European market for protein-based sports drinks.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for Europe protein based sports drinks market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the Europe protein based sports drinks market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the Europe protein based sports drinks market.

Driving Factors

Since healthier lifestyles and fitness are becoming increasingly popular among European consumers, the sales of protein-based sports drinks have risen sharply. These sports drinks aid in muscle repair, replenishing energy levels, and overall performance, and are therefore of interest to both professional athletes and health-conscious consumers. Increased interest in sports and exercise across Europe has fueled the demand for protein-based drinks. These products provide a convenient and efficient means of addressing the nutritional requirements of athletes, bodybuilders, and regular active individuals. Additionally, ongoing innovation in protein sports drinks, such as the launch of plant-based ones, diverse flavors, and functional ingredients (e.g., probiotics and adaptogens), responds to changing consumer preferences. This further extends the scope of these products to a wider consumer demographic beyond core athletes.

Restraining Factors

Protein-based sports beverages, especially the ones with premium ingredients or high-end proteins, can be pricey. This premium price might discourage price-conscious customers, curtailing market penetration and expansion, particularly in price-sensitive European markets. In addition, the market for protein-based sports beverages in Europe is also competitive, with a large number of brands that provide comparatively similar products. This competition is creating pressure on businesses to become unique, and this is usually at the expense of having price wars or too many products flooding the market, thus making it challenging for small brands to compete.

Market Segmentation

The Europe protein based sports drinks market share is classified into product type, packaging, and distribution channel.

• The ready-to-drink segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

The Europe protein based sports drinks market is segmented by product type into ready-to-drink, powdered drinks, and concentrates. Among these, the ready-to-drink segment dominated the market in 2024 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is due to ready-to-drink (RTD) drinks being well-liked because they do not need preparation, and hence, a speedy, convenient alternative for consumers with no time to spare. Such convenience attracts especially busy executives and athletes who require a convenient, time-saving solution for hydration and post-exercise nutrition.

• The bottles segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The Europe protein based sports drinks market is segmented by packaging into bottles, tetra packs, cans and sachets & pouches. Among these, the bottles segment held a significant share in 2024 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is driven by the fact that bottles are convenient to carry, store, and consume, which makes them perfect for consumers on the go. The convenience of bottled protein beverages is perfectly in sync with the lifestyles of busy professionals, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts, who require instant access to their nutrition when exercising or throughout the day.

• The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment accounted for the highest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

The Europe protein based sports drinks market is segmented by distribution channel into online retailers, supermarkets & hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, pharmacies & drug stores, and direct sales. Among these, the supermarkets & hypermarkets segment accounted for the highest share in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed to supermarkets and hypermarkets providing a vast range of protein-based sports drinks from several brands, targeting different tastes, dietary requirements, and price points. This rich product range helps consumers to locate the appropriate drink to suit their taste, thereby enhancing consumer traffic and sales in this category.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the Europe protein based sports drinks market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Farmers Co-operative Dairy Limited
• Nestle S.A.
• PepsiCo, Inc.
• Protein2o Inc.
• YAZIO
• The Vita Coco Company Inc.
• Others

Recent Developments:

• In February 2024, Nestlé Health Science purchased a European plant-based sports nutrition start-up company, expanding its portfolio of functional nutrition and responding to the increased consumer demand for plant-based protein foods.

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at Europe, regional, and country levels from 2020 to 2035. Spherical Insights has segmented the Europe protein based sports drinks market based on the below-mentioned segments:

Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market, By Product Type

• Ready-to-Drink
• Powdered Drinks
• Concentrates

Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market, By Packaging

• Bottles
• Tetra Packs
• Cans
• Sachets & Pouches

Europe Protein Based Sports Drinks Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online Retailers
• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Pharmacies & Drug Stores
• Direct Sales