Our latest collab product with OG Happy Way ambassador Ashy Bines has officially arrived at Happy Way, and we’re so excited to have this new addition join our collection of products that not only taste good but DO GOOD for your mind and body.

This is our first collaboration with Ashy Bines in years, and after partnering on three delicious choc-flavoured protein powders (attention chocoholics!), we’ve made the biggest SPLASH of the year, creating a product that changes the hydration game with every sip.

Our Ashy Bines + Happy Way Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water is 100% natural, packed with vitamins and minerals, and has the added bonus of electrolytes that help to boost hydration and improve both physical and mental performance. Available in both whey and vegan varieties, our whey formula also contains collagen, which helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass and promotes healthy, youthful-looking skin.

So, to educate you on all things protein water, we’re empowering you with all the features and benefits of the ingredients and sharing our favourite ways to include this fresh, fruity and flavourful supplement in your day-to-day.

Like Ashy says, “It’s natural, delicious, convenient, and provides so many health benefits all in one!”

WAYS TO USE PROTEIN WATER

Just like the name suggests, our new Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water amps up your H2O, adding a slightly sweet yet fresh, fruity bubble gum flavour that’s reminiscent of the grape Hubba Bubba days of the 80s. It’s more than just a flavour booster for your daily drink bottle though—you can add a scoop to your morning smoothie, create fruity popsicles for the kids (see above), or even make flavoured ice cubes that are a great addition to any chilled beverage (or cheeky cocktail!). Want some recipe inspo? See our suggestions below. 

GRAPE BUBBLE GUM PROTEIN WATER

INGREDIENTS

• 1 scoop (30 g) Ashy Bines + Happy Way Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water (whey or vegan)
• 250 ml water (or more if you want it less sweet)
• Handful of ice

METHOD

1. Fill a shaker, tall glass, or drink bottle with ice and approximately 250 ml of cold water (repeat the ratio as necessary if filling a drink bottle). 
2. Add a scoop of protein water powder and either shake or blend well with a hand blender.
3. Sip and enjoy!

FRESH FRUIT SMOOTHIE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 scoop (30 g) Ashy Bines + Happy Way Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water (whey or vegan)
• Frozen mango
• Frozen berries
• 250 ml cold water or coconut water
• Handful of ice
• Handful of fresh mint leaves (optional)

METHOD

1. In a blender, add ice, water, frozen fruit, a scoop of protein water powder and a few fresh mint leaves (optional).
2. Blend until smooth and pour into a Stainless Steel Shaker to keep cool and fresh—enjoy!

PROTEIN WATER & BERRY ICE CUBES

INGREDIENTS

• 1 scoop (30 g) Ashy Bines + Happy Way Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water (whey or vegan)
• 250 ml cold water
• Frozen berries

Method

1. Combine 250 ml of water with a scoop of protein water powder in a shaker and mix well.
2. In an ice tray, add frozen berries to each section.
3. Pour the protein water mix into the ice cube tray and place in the freezer.
4. Remove when frozen and add to your drink of choice!

*Check out our juicy Protein Water Gummies and Protein Water Ice Blocks recipe. 

INGREDIENTS & BENEFITS

IN BOTH…

AMINO ACIDS

Amino acids are considered the building blocks of protein and are essential for healthy bodily function. There are 20 essential amino acids that we need for optimal health and well-being, with our bodies producing the majority of them naturally. There are, however, 9 that our bodies can’t make and therefore need to be sourced from the foods we eat. These are…

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Valine

All of these essential amino acids are found in both our whey and vegan protein water powders and provide a heap of nutritional benefits. These benefits include boosting energy, assisting with muscle growth and repair, protecting the immune system, maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails, and supporting digestion.

CHICORY ROOT FIBRE

A herb found throughout the world that’s been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine, chicory root is made up of 68% inulin which is a type of prebiotic/carbohydrate fibre and found in many foods we eat, such as bananas, onion and wheat. Chicory root fibre not only supports healthy digestion and can help to regulate appetite, keeping us feeling fuller for longer, but it also promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which can reduce inflammation and boost immunity too. You'll often find chicory root in prepackaged foods to increase the fibre content.

COCONUT WATER POWDER

100% natural, coconut water powder is made from the liquid of fresh coconuts, and it goes through an evaporation/freeze-drying process to convert it into powder form. Low in calories and low in carbs, coconut water powder is packed with vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron and vitamin D, and is also a great source of antioxidants that protect from illness and chronic disease. Coconut water powder is also filled with electrolytes that help to balance hydration levels, as well as improve mental focus, enhance skin health, improve energy and performance and support muscle maintenance. 

MCTs

MCTs or medium-chain triglycerides are naturally occurring fatty acids that are most commonly sourced from fresh coconut oil and provide many health benefits. Quickly absorbed by the body, MCTs are digested in the liver, where they’re used as energy first, with any excess stored as fat. Found in many foods, in particular, various oils such as coconut or palm oil, whole milk, butter and supplements, MCTs can boost energy levels, promote good gut health and improve brain function and focus.

ELECTROLYTES

Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for the healthy function of the body, helping to regulate nerve and muscle function, provide hydration, support blood health and repair damaged tissue in the body. It’s important to keep the electrolyte levels balanced in the body, especially during and after exercise or if you’ve been unwell. The most important electrolytes needed for nutritional health are…

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Bicarbonate
• Magnesium
• Chloride
• Phosphate

When your electrolyte levels are on point, there are many benefits to be gained in both the mind and body. These include...

• Enhancing exercise performance
• Strengthening muscles and bones
• Improving brain function
• Boosting immunity
• Supporting blood and heart health
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Encouraging a restful sleep

VITAMIN C

We all know how good vitamin C is for us, so we’ve included it in our protein water to give you those added health benefits. Necessary for the development and repair of all tissues in the body, vitamin C is an antioxidant that can protect against harmful free radicals and support the proper functioning of the immune system. It also enhances the natural production of collagen in the skin, helps with the absorption of iron in the body, assists with healing wounds and supports the overall health of bones and teeth. 

NATURAL SWEETENERS

Like all of our products at Happy Way, our protein water is made without any nasty stuff, such as artificial flavours, preservatives or sweeteners. Instead, we use steviol glycosides and thaumatin for an all-natural way to provide that subtle sweet flavour you know and love. 

Steviol glycosides, or stevia, is a plant-based ingredient native to North and South America and is considered 200-300 times sweeter than table sugar. Being super low in calories makes it a healthy choice for those with weight loss goals, and you’ll often find it as an ingredient in many products where it will provide a naturally sweet flavour.

Thaumatin is sourced from an African fruit called katemfe fruit and is considered a protein, not a carbohydrate, unlike many other sweeteners. With a very concentrated level of sweetness (2000-3000 times sweeter than sugar), it’s super low in calories and is often used (in minimal quantities) to balance out the flavour profile in many foods, providing a flavour that builds gradually rather than being too intense. 

BEETROOT EXTRACT

A delicious veggie that’s packed with flavour and benefits, beetroot extract is low in calories, rich in vitamins and minerals and delivers a vibrant, rosy colour that you will get a hint of in our protein water. A great source of fibre, iron, potassium and vitamin C, beetroot extract supports healthy digestion, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost energy, increase stamina, improve overall heart health and help lower blood pressure. 

BLUE SPIRULINA

A super nutritious type of blue-green algae, blue spirulina can be found in our protein water in relatively low quantities, however, it still provides several health benefits. A rich source of protein, copper and B vitamins, and low in calories and fat, blue spirulina has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which support good health and can prevent illness and disease. Other benefits include increased energy, improved performance, and support with digestion and overall gut health.

IN WHEY…

GRASS-FED WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE

Just like our other whey protein powders, our whey protein water is made with grass-fed whey protein concentrate sourced from a farm here in Australia. Considered a complete protein, being that it contains all 9 essential amino acids needed from our diet, whey protein concentrate not only contains high levels of quality protein (approximately 70-80%), but it’s also relatively low in lactose, carbohydrates and fats (the remaining 20%) as it has gone through less processing than whey protein isolate. Because of this, it’s believed that whey protein concentrate has retained more of the natural nutrients, which deliver benefits such as increased energy, support in building and maintaining muscle, help with muscle recovery and repair, and enhancing digestive health.

HYDROLYSED BOVINE COLLAGEN

In our whey protein water only, we've added bovine collagen to the mix!
Collagen is a protein that’s found in the body, with bovine collagen most commonly sourced from cows. This is why it's only found in our whey variety, as it’s not vegan-friendly. In each 30 g serving of protein water, you'll find 12 g of collagen, which is a key ingredient that contributes to the rich source of quality protein and the mixable texture of the product.

At Happy Way, our traditional whey protein powders contain higher levels of whey protein concentrate which results in a more milky/creamy texture, perfect for smoothies and shakes. The bonus of adding this form of collagen in our protein water powder is that it allows the product to dissolve and blend seamlessly when mixed with water.

Bovine collagen has been found to increase and support collagen production in the skin, meaning that it’s particularly helpful in boosting skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increasing moisture levels in the skin. Including collagen in our whey protein water may also help relieve joint pain, prevent bone loss and promote overall heart health. 

IN VEGAN…

HYDROLYSED PEA PROTEIN

For all the plant-based lovers, our vegan protein water is made with pea protein, which is made from yellow split peas and is considered low-allergen and gluten-free. A rich source of iron, pea protein does contain all of the 9 essential amino acids (although it’s relatively low in methionine), however, the amino acid profile in our vegan formula is boosted due to the addition of the amino acid blend (as mentioned above). Pea protein is also thought to be easily digestible, making it a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or with sensitivities, and has a smooth texture which ensures it blends easily. Much like whey protein, pea protein supports muscle growth and recovery, enhances energy and performance, encourages healthy digestion, boosts immunity and helps control appetite. 

So, if you haven't picked up your stash of Grape Bubble Gum Protein Water yet, make sure you 'add to cart' when you next stock up on your Happy Way essentials to ensure added benefits and fruity flavour next time you're getting your hydration fix!