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Caffè Nero has partnered with sports nutrition brand MyProtein to launch two new protein-based drinks across its UK estate.

The collaboration sees the introduction of the Iced Vanilla Protein Matcha Latte and Iced Vanilla Protein Latte, both of which contain fewer than 160 calories.

The Iced Vanilla Protein Matcha Latte contains 24g of protein, while the Iced Vanilla Protein Latte delivers 25g, positioning the drinks among the highest-protein beverages available on the UK high street, according to the brands.

The launch marks the first products to emerge from the new partnership, with further recipes expected to be announced in January.

The Iced Vanilla Protein Latte combines Caffè Nero’s Classico coffee blend with skimmed milk, sugar-free vanilla and MyProtein’s signature protein powder.

Meanwhile, the Iced Vanilla Protein Matcha Latte combines matcha with skimmed milk, sugar-free vanilla and added protein.

Both drinks will be hand-crafted by Caffè Nero baristas and use MyProtein’s protein powder.

The products target growing consumer interest in protein, while also tapping into continued demand for iced beverages.

Caffè Nero said iced drinks now account for 14.7% of its total drinks sales, compared with 8.1% five years ago. Sales of iced drinks also increased by 52% during its most recent financial year.

Neil Mistry, CEO of THG Nutrition, said: “Protein has moved from the gym bag into everyday life, and coffee is the natural next step.”

He added that protein lattes have already gained popularity in the US, while MyProtein customers are increasingly adding protein to coffee at home.

The partnership will bring the format into foodservice, allowing consumers to order protein-enhanced coffee and matcha drinks across Caffè Nero’s more than 600 UK stores.

For MyProtein, the collaboration represents a further move into offline foodservice and follows a series of partnerships designed to extend the brand beyond its traditional sports nutrition positioning.

Recent launches have included a whey protein milkshake inspired by Krispy Kreme’s Original Glazed doughnut, as well as Impact Whey Protein products developed through a licensing partnership with Mars Wrigley.