Propel launches clear protein mix with electrolytes, fiber and 20 grams whey protein

Propel is pushing its hydration brand into a new lane with Clear Protein, a ready-to-mix powder that folds protein, fiber and electrolytes into one 90-calorie, zero-sugar serving. The launch gives the PepsiCo brand a way to speak to consumers who want a lighter, more refreshing alternative to a creamy shake without giving up the functional protein payoff.

Each packet delivers 20 grams of whey protein, 3 grams of fiber, 210 mg of sodium and 270 mg of potassium, and it is designed to be mixed with 12 to 14 ounces of water and shaken until fully dissolved. Propel launched the product on May 6 and rolled it out in three flavors: Peach Ginger, Apple Pear and Watermelon. The mix is being sold through Walmart, Amazon, Gatorade and TikTok Shop, a signal that the company wants the product to live where everyday beverage shopping is already happening.

The positioning is as important as the formula. Propel said the product was developed with registered dietitians and aimed in part at consumers using GLP-1 medications, active shoppers and anyone looking for convenient nutrition without artificial flavors, sweeteners or added colors. That combination reflects a broader shift in packaged beverages, where protein is no longer confined to gym culture and thick ready-to-drink shakes. Instead, brands are trying to pull protein into the everyday beverage occasion, and clear whey is becoming one of the most visible ways to do it.

PepsiCo has been leaning into that shift across its portfolio. CEO Ramon Laguarta has described fiber as the company’s “next protein,” tying the strategy to growing GLP-1 adoption and demand for more functional drinks and foods. Consumer interest appears to support the bet: the 2025 IFIC Food & Health Survey found 71% of Americans were trying to consume protein, while 8 in 10 said they were unsure how much they should consume daily. At the same time, industry research points to continued growth in the clear whey protein market through 2033, suggesting Propel is entering a category that is still expanding rather than settling into a fixed form.

Propel itself dates to 2002, when PepsiCo introduced it as a fitness-oriented hydration brand under the Gatorade umbrella. Clear Protein extends that original idea into a more crowded, more converged market, where hydration, protein and fiber are increasingly being packaged as one simplified ritual instead of three separate purchases.