Drink Nutrition Elmhurst 1925 Introduces Clean Protein™ in Canada
Elmhurst® 1925, a plant-based food and beverage company known for its focus on simple ingredients and dairy-free nutrition, is expanding into Canada with the launch of its Clean Protein™ ready-to-drink plant-based protein beverages. The new product line brings together high protein content, recognizable ingredients and convenient single-serve packaging, giving Canadian consumers another option in the growing functional beverage category.
Clean Protein is formulated to provide 27 grams of complete plant protein in every 11-ounce carton while containing just 190 calories. The beverages are made without gums, seed oils or artificial sweeteners, reflecting Elmhurst 1925’s emphasis on straightforward formulations and clean-label plant-based nutrition.
The Canadian launch follows early momentum for the Clean Protein range in the United States. Elmhurst will officially introduce the line to Canadian consumers and industry professionals at CHFA NOW Toronto on September 26 and 27, where the company will showcase the products at Booth #417/419.
A New Approach to Ready-to-Drink Plant Protein
Ready-to-drink protein beverages have become an increasingly visible part of the functional nutrition market, but many products depend on thickeners, emulsifiers and other formulation aids to create their desired texture. Elmhurst’s Clean Protein line takes a different approach by focusing on a short ingredient list and a nut-based foundation.
The beverages are built around real cashews or pistachios and use a combination of mung bean and pea protein. Each 11-ounce serving provides 27 grams of plant protein, equivalent to up to 44% of the daily recommended value. The drinks contain no more than 4 grams of sugar and 190 calories per carton.
In addition to protein, Clean Protein provides iron and contains naturally occurring fibre, calcium and potassium. The products are also Certified Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO and Kosher, making the line suitable for consumers following a variety of dietary preferences and requirements.
The beverages are packaged in convenient four-packs, allowing consumers to keep them available for breakfast, post-workout nutrition, afternoon snacks or other occasions when a quick source of protein is needed.
Clean Ingredients Without Compromising Texture
Elmhurst is positioning Clean Protein around what it describes as a simpler approach to functional beverage formulation. The line contains no gums, seed oils, carrageenan or cellulose gels and does not use artificial sweeteners.
Instead, the beverages are sweetened with cane sugar and stevia leaf extract. According to the company, the formulation is designed to provide a smooth and indulgent drinking experience while avoiding the chalky texture that can sometimes be associated with high-protein beverages.
Dan Bukowski, President of Elmhurst 1925, said the Canadian introduction represents an important step in the company’s efforts to expand access to plant-based nutrition.
“We’re thrilled to bring Clean Protein™ to the Canadian market. This launch marks a major milestone in our mission to provide shoppers with cleaner, more nutritious plant-based options,” Bukowski said.
He added that growing interest in functional wellness products creates an opportunity for beverages that combine nutrition, taste and ingredient transparency. The company also highlighted the role of its retail and distribution partners in supporting the expansion of its plant-based beverage portfolio across North America.
Four Flavours Designed for Everyday Nutrition
The Canadian Clean Protein lineup includes four flavours, each designed to combine the nutritional profile of the product with a distinct taste experience.
Pistachio is one of the most prominent varieties in the launch. The flavour combines pistachios with real vanilla extract for a creamy profile. The product has also received recognition in the United States, including a 2026 NEXTY Award for Dairy Alternative and Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Award for Best Protein Drink.
Chocolate Sea Salt offers a richer take on a classic protein beverage flavour. It combines real cocoa with cashews and a touch of salt to create a chocolate-forward profile with a balance of sweetness and savoury notes.
Vanilla uses real vanilla extract and whole cashews to create a smooth, creamy beverage with a naturally sweet character. The familiar flavour is designed to work as an everyday protein option or as part of a broader breakfast or snack routine.
Strawberry combines real strawberry puree with cashews. The result is a fruit-forward beverage intended to deliver a bright and familiar strawberry flavour without relying on artificial ingredients.
Together, the four varieties give consumers a choice between nut-forward, chocolate, vanilla and fruit-inspired profiles while maintaining the same protein and formulation standards.
Powered by Elmhurst’s HydroRelease Technology
A central part of the Clean Protein formulation is Elmhurst’s patented HydroRelease™ method. The process uses water to separate and recombine the nutritional components of nuts, grains or seeds.
Elmhurst says the technology helps preserve the integrity of the original ingredients without requiring gums, oils or emulsifiers to achieve the desired formulation. The company also says the process incorporates waste upcycling into energy production and operates using 100% renewable hydropower.
The approach is consistent with Elmhurst’s broader positioning around plant-based products made without carrageenan, gums, oils or other emulsifiers. The company’s portfolio is also dairy-free, vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified and OU Kosher.
By combining its processing technology with plant-based protein sources, Elmhurst is seeking to differentiate Clean Protein from conventional ready-to-drink protein beverages while addressing consumer interest in both functionality and ingredient transparency.
Expanding Across the Canadian Retail Market
Clean Protein is now available for distribution throughout Canada through UNFI Canada. The products will be sold in four-packs, with the beverages expected to reach select Canadian retailers in the coming weeks.
Initial retail availability is expected to include Loblaws, Sobeys, Metro, Farm Boy, Save-On-Foods, Longo’s and Fortinos, among other retailers.
The expansion gives Elmhurst an opportunity to introduce its ready-to-drink protein platform to a broader Canadian audience while building on the company’s existing plant-based beverage portfolio. The company’s products are also available through natural and conventional grocery channels across North America.
As interest in convenient protein products continues to influence the functional food and beverage market, Clean Protein enters Canada with a combination of high protein content, plant-based ingredients and a formulation designed around a shorter ingredient list.
With four flavours, single-serve cartons and distribution through major Canadian grocery channels, Elmhurst is positioning Clean Protein as an everyday option for consumers seeking convenient plant-based nutrition.
For Canadian shoppers interested in the company’s wider portfolio, Elmhurst’s plant-based milks, creamers and other products are available through participating retailers and online channels, including Elmhurst1925.com and Amazon.
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