SkyPop launches protein soda nationwide with rapid retail expansion
SkyPop has officially gone national. The Keurig Dr Pepper portfolio brand announced the nationwide launch of SkyPop Protein Soda, marking one of the fastest expansions ever seen in the modern soda category.
After strong early performance across Albertsons banners and Walmart locations, SkyPop is now rolling out to leading national retailers including Target, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, and Gopuff. With more than 65,000 retail facings secured, the brand is cementing its position as the first protein soda to scale within modern soda sets.
Built for everyday consumption, SkyPop Protein Soda delivers 10 grams of real whey protein, zero sugar, and just 45 calories per can. The brand positions itself as an approachable alternative to traditional protein drinks, offering familiar soda flavors paired with clear, easy-to-understand nutritional benefits.
SkyPop’s flavor lineup blends nostalgic classics such as Root Beer, Grape, and Orange with modern, playful options including Ice Pop, Strawberry Cotton Candy, Fruit Punch, and Peaches & Cream. The variety reflects the brand’s goal of merging performance nutrition with flavor-forward refreshment.
Protein enters the modern soda mainstream
SkyPop is the first brand to introduce protein into the modern soda category at scale, expanding beyond the gut-health-focused positioning that has dominated the segment. The move introduces protein as a tangible, functional benefit that fits seamlessly into daily routines.
The national expansion comes at a pivotal moment for the beverage industry. Consumer demand for protein continues to surge, driven by growing awareness of its health benefits and the widespread adoption of GLP-1 medications, which can make meeting daily protein needs more challenging. At the same time, modern soda brands are experiencing record growth as consumers seek better-for-you options without sacrificing flavor.
SkyPop sits at the intersection of these trends, offering a convenient, functional beverage that delivers both nutrition and taste. The brand’s rapid retail adoption signals strong product-market fit as modern soda evolves into its next phase.
Backed by major investors and elite athletes
SkyPop is supported by a high-profile investor group spanning consumer packaged goods, sports, media, and entertainment. Backers include Keurig Dr Pepper, Madison Square Garden, L Catterton, iHeart Media, LA Libations, and Solyco Capital, providing deep operational and retail expertise.
The brand has also attracted investment from elite professional athletes such as Russell Westbrook, Saquon Barkley, Damar Hamlin, and Lavonte David. Their involvement reflects confidence in SkyPop’s vision of building a category-defining modern soda platform designed for real life.
“Modern soda is entering its next era, and protein is at the center of that evolution,” SkyPop Founder and CEO Mark French said. He emphasized the brand’s focus on balancing taste and functionality, noting that extensive consumer testing helped refine a true soda experience with protein.
NBA star Russell Westbrook echoed that confidence, describing protein soda as a new category rather than a passing trend. Investors also highlighted SkyPop’s early traction, execution, and long-term potential as key reasons behind their support.
