Ascent launches ready-to-drink protein beverage

Ascent is pairing protein and electrolytes together.

The Denver-based company, known for its sports nutrition products, announced the launch of Recovery Water.

Made using its proprietary native whey protein formulation process, the beverage aims to combine form and function to deliver muscle recovery and hydration, the company said.

“This is a big day for our Ascent family across the country,” Paul Vraciu, general manager of Ascent Protein said. “Four years ago, we began this brand with a simple but powerful promise to deliver purer and cleaner protein to the market. We started with three flavors of our Native Fuel whey protein, and, thanks to the support and passion of our customer-athletes across America, we've grown into an exciting portfolio of products that help athletes improve their performance without artificial ingredients. And now, Recovery Water represents the most transformative and innovative addition to that lineup in our brand's history. Recovery is an essential part of the training process, and we believe this product has all the ingredients that matter — taste and form, 100 calories and high protein — and none that don't.”

In addition, the beverage contains 20 g of whey protein, 2.5 g of leucine to trigger muscle protein synthesis, 100 calories, is made without the use of artificial ingredients, free of gluten and soy, and does not contain rBST/rBGH, the company said.

Available in watermelon and pineapple coconut flavors online, the beverage can also be found at Amazon.com, vitaminshoppe.com and will see expanded national distribution at Kroger and Albertson’s in spring.