The UK market for protein drinks, milkshakes, and meal replacement beverages is growing rapidly as consumers increasingly seek convenient, health-focused, and functional nutrition options.
A YouGov survey of 2,106 UK adults found that 39% regularly consume functional drinks, with 25% choosing protein shakes, showing these beverages have expanded beyond traditional fitness audiences into mainstream consumption. Fast-growing independent brands such as For Goodness Shakes, Bol Foods (Power Shakes), and Shaken Udder are driving much of this growth, highlighting the appeal of innovative, high-quality offerings. Supermarkets remain the primary purchase channel (65%), while online and convenience store channels continue to gain traction, reflecting changing consumer shopping habits.
This dynamic market, places a premium on packaging that protects product quality, communicates nutritional information clearly, and stands out on crowded shelves – making innovative solutions like shrink sleeves an ideal choice for brands looking to capture attention and build trust.
Challenges Faced by Brands
Despite the growth opportunity, brands face several challenges in this competitive market:
- Shelf Competition: A crowded market with many similar products makes it difficult to stand out.
- Product Safety: Consumers expect tamper-evident packaging that reassures them the product is safe and secure.
- Branding Limitations: Traditional labels can wrinkle or bubble on contoured bottles, and direct printing can be costly, limited in design flexibility, and prone to fading or scratching.
These challenges mean that choosing the right packaging solution is critical to product success.
Shrink Sleeves as a Solution
Shrink sleeves offer a versatile and innovative solution that addresses these challenges. They are full-body labels that conform to any bottle shape. Shrink sleeves combine aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability, making them an ideal choice for protein drinks, milkshakes, and meal replacement bottles.
Key Benefits:
- Full-Body Branding – Provides 360° coverage, giving brands the freedom to create bold, eye-catching designs that attract attention on crowded shelves.
- Versatility Across Bottle Shapes and Sizes – Conforms perfectly to slim, curved, or uniquely shaped bottles, avoiding wrinkles or bubbles common with traditional labels.
- Durability – Maintains its appearance and readability under moisture, handling, and refrigeration.
- Sustainability – Single-piece sleeves can often be recycled with the bottle, reducing contamination and environmental impact.
- Cost-Effective Customisation – Incorporates graphics, QR codes, and nutritional information in a single application, reducing additional labelling steps.
Shrink Sleeves vs Labels vs Direct Printing
- Traditional Labels: Can wrinkle or peel on contoured bottles and often require removal before recycling. Limited design flexibility.
- Direct Bottle Printing: Limited colour options, design flexibility, and durability; expensive and prone to scratching or fading.
- Shrink Sleeves: Combine the best of both worlds – full-body coverage, vibrant designs, can provide tamper-evidence, durability, and recyclability – making them more functional, visually appealing, and sustainable.
Considerations for Brands
When implementing shrink sleeves, brands should consider:
- Material Selection: PET, RPET or PLA options.
- Printing Techniques: High-quality graphics, textures, or QR codes.
- Production Compatibility: Ensuring sleeves work seamlessly with bottling lines.
- Regulatory Compliance: Clear nutritional branding.
Conclusion
Shrink sleeves are more than just a label – they are a strategic packaging solution. For protein drinks, milkshakes, and meal replacement beverages, they outperform traditional labels and direct printing by providing:
- Full-body branding and shelf impact
- Durability and resistance
- Versatility for multiple bottle shapes
- Sustainability and recyclability
- Cost-effective customisation
By investing in shrink sleeves, brands can stand out on shelves, communicate nutritional value clearly, ensure product safety, and reduce environmental impact – all while delivering a premium consumer experience.
Source:
YouGov. How many Brits are consuming energy drinks, protein shakes, and probiotic beverages regularly? YouGov Plc, 2025. Available here.
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