ELMA, NEW YORK – Plant-based dairy innovator Elmhurst 1925 has entered the ready-to-drink (RTD) protein segment with the launch of Clean Protein, a new beverage line designed to deliver high-quality plant-based nutrition with simple ingredients and no artificial additives. The new drinks provide 27 grams of protein per serving, just 190 calories, and as little as 3 grams of sugar, offering consumers a balanced alternative in the growing RTD protein market.
The new range reflects Elmhurst’s long-standing commitment to clean-label food innovation and ingredient transparency. Unlike many protein beverages currently available, Clean Protein is formulated without gums, seed oils, artificial sweeteners, carrageenan, or emulsifiers. Instead, the drinks rely on naturally derived ingredients, including cane sugar and monk fruit, to provide subtle sweetness while maintaining a smooth, creamy texture.
Each 11-ounce carton contains a blend of plant-based proteins sourced from mung beans and peas, delivering up to 44 % of the recommended daily protein value. The beverages also contain naturally occurring nutrients such as iron, fiber, calcium, potassium, and healthy fats, providing a more holistic nutritional profile beyond simple protein supplementation.
The protein drinks are built on a base of cashew milk or pistachio milk, which creates a rich, dairy-free texture without the chalkiness often associated with protein beverages. The products are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified kosher, aligning with the growing demand for clean, plant-forward nutritional products.
“Today’s consumers want convenient ways to meet their protein goals, but they also care deeply about ingredient quality,” said Heba Mahmoud, Senior Director of Brand Innovation at Elmhurst 1925. “With Clean Protein, we wanted to eliminate the trade-offs that shoppers often face—great taste, high protein, and clean ingredients rarely come together in the same product. Our goal was to deliver a protein drink that people would genuinely enjoy while staying true to Elmhurst’s standards for simplicity and nutrition.”
The Clean Protein™ line launches with four flavors designed to balance indulgence with functional nutrition. The range includes Pistachio Crème, Sea Salt Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberries and Cream. Among them, Pistachio Crème has already received industry recognition, winning the Dairy Alternative category at the 2026 NEXTY Awards presented by New Hope Network during Expo West earlier this year.
Elmhurst attributes the smooth texture and nutrient retention of its beverages to its proprietary HydroRelease™ production method, a patented process that uses water to separate and recombine the nutritional components of nuts, grains, or seeds. The technique allows the company to preserve the natural nutritional integrity of its ingredients without adding stabilizers or emulsifiers. The production process also incorporates sustainability measures, including the use of 100% renewable hydropower and the conversion of production by-products into energy.
The company’s entry into the RTD protein market reflects the broader surge in demand for plant-based nutrition products, as consumers seek convenient, minimally processed foods that support healthier lifestyles. Protein beverages, once primarily targeted at athletes and fitness enthusiasts, are now increasingly consumed by mainstream shoppers looking for functional nutrition in everyday diets.
The Clean Protein range is currently available online through Elmhurst1925.com, with a wider retail rollout scheduled to begin April 27 at Sprouts Farmers Market locations across the United States. Additional distribution through natural and conventional grocery retailers is expected in the coming months.
Elmhurst’s broader product portfolio including plant-based milks and creamers is already widely available through national grocery chains such as Whole Foods, Wegmans, Publix, Fresh Thyme, Harris Teeter, and The Fresh Market, as well as online marketplaces including Amazon, Thrive Market, and Hive.
Originally founded as Elmhurst Dairy in 1925, the company transitioned into plant-based foods in 2017 when owner Henry Schwartz made the strategic decision to close the historic dairy operation and focus entirely on developing cleaner, plant-based alternatives. Since then, Elmhurst 1925 has positioned itself as a pioneer in simplified ingredient formulations and sustainable production methods within the plant-based category.
With the introduction of Clean Protein, Elmhurst aims to expand its presence beyond plant-based milk alternatives and establish itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving plant-based functional beverage market.
