Rise Wellness, the wholly owned USANA Health Sciences (NYSE: USNA) subsidiary behind the Protein Pop lineup, is extending its clear ready-to-drink franchise with Protein Pop Balance — a lightly carbonated prebiotic soda stacking 15 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and zero grams of sugar into a single can. The SKU launched September 3 online at proteinpop.com and on Amazon, with brick-and-mortar placement at Target and other major retailers set for mid-September.
The Product Profile
Balance's protein blend combines 10 grams of clear whey protein isolate with 5 grams of collagen — the same collagen-forward positioning used across the Protein Pop Max format. The formula adds a prebiotic complex alongside the 5-gram fiber count, targeting the gut-health functional-beverage occasion that has drawn significant retail shelf space over the past two years. The can contains no caffeine, no gluten, and no artificial sweeteners, relying instead on a stevia leaf extract blend (Reb A, Reb M) for sweetness. Four launch flavors — Lime Slush, Tropical Pineapple, Watermelon Lime, and Fruit Punch — position the SKU against sparkling-water and better-for-you soda crossovers rather than traditional opaque protein shakes.
Where It Fits in the Portfolio
Protein Pop Balance slots in as the lightest-protein, gut-health-focused tier in a three-product lineup. The original Protein Pop delivers 22 grams of whey protein isolate in a non-carbonated clear format; Protein Pop Max (formerly Protein Pop Plus) leads the range at 30 grams of protein with bovine collagen in a carbonated can. The stepped architecture — 15g, 22g, 30g — gives retail buyers a clear merchandising story and allows Rise Wellness to address separate usage occasions: gut support and light refreshment (Balance), everyday protein intake (original), and performance or post-workout (Max).
"Protein Pop Balance is all about giving people a lighter way to stay on track," said Darin Perry, CEO of Rise Wellness. "Balance brings together prebiotics, protein, collagen, and fiber in one can that's easy for consumers to grab and go."
Segment and Retail Context
The launch lands as the functional-beverage segment continues to fragment into increasingly specific health claims. Prebiotic sodas — led by brands such as Olipop and Poppi — have demonstrated that gut-health positioning can command premium retail real estate and strong repeat rates. Adding protein and collagen to a carbonated, clear, soda-like format is a logical adjacency move for operators sourcing RTD options for convenience and impulse channels. For foodservice and non-commercial buyers evaluating grab-and-go cooler resets, Balance's zero-sugar, no-artificial-sweetener profile aligns with wellness-oriented beverage programs increasingly common in healthcare, fitness, and college-dining environments.
USANA's broader portfolio context matters here: Rise Wellness sits alongside Hiya Health Products (children's wellness, 78.8% controlling stake) as a growth vehicle for the Salt Lake City–based parent. Expanding Protein Pop's SKU count and retail footprint contributes to Rise Wellness's top-line contribution ahead of what USANA has framed as an asset-light brand-building strategy across its subsidiary portfolio.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine's "Top 40 Under 40" for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
