Signal Opportunity · Strategic initiative
YESLY Takes Sparkling Protein Water to 500 Sprouts Stores, Backed by Elite Marathoners
- Location
- Coconut Grove, Fla.
- Industry
- Functional beverages
- Employees
- Not stated
- Opportunity type
- Strategic initiative
What happened
On November 5, 2026, functional beverage brand YESLY launched Sparkling Protein Water, a clear, lightly carbonated drink with 20 grams of whey and collagen protein, zero sugar and 100 calories per 12 oz. can. It debuts exclusively at roughly 500 Sprouts Farmers Market locations nationwide in five flavors, with Amazon and TikTok Shop availability planned for January 2027.
The product is YESLY's first move into a new beverage category, pitched as a lighter alternative to milky protein shakes. Alongside the launch, the brand signed NCAA champion and 2:04 marathoner Charles Hicks and renewed its relationship with elite marathoner Emma Bates. The company says both athletes will appear across digital and social channels, retail initiatives, appearances and brand activations through 2027, giving the rollout a clear endurance-community angle for marketing support.
Relevant services
- Social media
- Paid media
- Content & video
- Events & experiential
Overview
YESLY is a functional beverage company founded by Essentia Water founder Ken Uptain and former Essentia CEO Scott Miller. It makes zero-sugar drinks with electrolytes and vitamins, positioned as healthier alternatives to high-caffeine energy drinks and sugary hydration products. The brand is building a broader product ecosystem for everyday hydration and energy, and invests in long-term partnerships with runners and endurance athletes.
Why this could be interesting
- A new national retail beverage launch needs awareness, shopper marketing and trial.
Best suited for: A CPG-focused agency with social, influencer and retail marketing experience.
Summary by Agency Field Guide from public reporting. Nobody has asked for proposals; this is a reason to reach out, not an invitation to bid.