New York-based Elmhurst 1925 has expanded into the ready-to-drink protein beverage category, launching its new Clean Protein line exclusively at Sprouts Farmers Market across the United States.
The four-SKU lineup delivers 27g of plant protein per bottle at 190 calories and as few as 3g of sugar. Flavors include Pistachio Crème, Sea Salt Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberries and Cream. The Pistachio Crème variety received a 2026 NEXTY Award, a natural products industry recognition presented at Expo West. Sprouts serves as the line’s first national retail partner, with bottles priced at $4.99 SRP.
A clean-label position in a crowded category
The RTD protein market is well-established, with brands including Orgain, Ripple, and Evolve competing on protein content, taste, and ingredient simplicity. However, Elmhurst leans into the clean-label angle, formulating the shakes without gums, seed oils, artificial sweeteners, or artificial flavors.
The products are made using the company’s patented HydroRelease method, which uses water to separate and recombine the nutritional components of nuts or seeds. The process avoids gums, oils, and emulsifiers, and the company states it upcycles production waste into energy using 100% renewable hydropower. The Clean Protein line is certified vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO.
Elmhurst was originally founded as a conventional dairy operation in 1925 before pivoting to plant-based beverages in 2017. Its core portfolio includes a range of nut and grain milks sold at major US retailers.
Spouts as ideal retail partner
Jack Warren, National Sales Director at Elmhurst 1925, stated, “Sprouts Farmers Market is the ideal partner for the retail debut of Clean Protein. Their shoppers are focused on ingredient transparency and nutritional discovery, aligning perfectly with our mission.”
