As demand for protein continues to grow, dairy co-op Arla has expanded its portfolio with the launch of a water-based protein drink.

Arla Protein Water, which is made using whey protein from milk, is initially being offered for sale in Denmark at gas stations and fitness centres.

In a statement, the company said the drink has been "developed as a complement to Arla's existing protein products" and in response to demand from consumers for "functional products on the go".

"At the same time, this launch provides an opportunity to gradually build experience with the category and demand," the company added.

Arla

Henrik Lilballe Hansen, country director at Arla Denmark, said protein has been primarily associated with sports and exercise.

However, he said the category is now used more broadly by consumers who want easy choices after activity or as part of a busy day.

“Protein is no longer a niche. It has become part of many consumers' daily choices, which is why we also see a demand for new formats.

"With Arla Protein Water, we give consumers a fresh and easy way to choose protein, while building on our strong competencies within milk and whey protein," he said.

The company noted that Arla Protein Water, which has 12g of protein per bottle, is not intended to be a substitute for regular water.

"We start where the need for on-the-go products is greatest. This gives us a good starting point to learn from consumer reactions and assess how the category can develop over time,” Lilballe Hansen said.

Last month, Arla annnounced that it would invest €63 million to grow its offering of skyr and cottage cheese, amid a demand for protein-rich food.

The investment, at sites in Germany and Sweden, is aimed at allowing Arla to meet growing demand across markets while creating greater value from the milk it takes in from farmers.

The dairy business said that, across Europe and other markets, consumers are increasingly looking for practical foods that can be part of an active lifestyle and balanced diet.