One of the things we love most at No Name Drinks Development is exploring the kind of innovation that doesn’t come with a guarantee. The projects that start with, “Wouldn’t it be amazing if…?” — but also the , “F***, this might not work.”

That space of uncertainty is where real creativity happens and where our brand was borne over a decade ago.

A more recent example of this is our work with Molkosan, a concentrated whey-based beverage that’s been around for decades. Traditionally sold as a 200ml concentrate designed to be mixed with water, it’s rich in calcium and L+ lactic acid, which both support gut health. The flavour, a blend of Aronia Berry and Pomegranate, is delicious and distinctive, but the current format demands commitment: measure, mix, and refrigerate. When we were approached by the brand to modernise the serve we were sold on the project immediately.

What if we could take this established, health-focused classic and reimagine it as a modern ready-to-drink beverage? A perfect daily dose of Molkosan, served cold and refreshing, in a beautifully printed can.

Of course, innovation rarely comes easy. There were hurdles everywhere:

• Carbonation and pasteurisation had to be balanced to preserve Molkosan’s live, active profile.
• Allergen management became a major challenge — few canning partners are set up to handle whey, and many simply say no.
• And then there’s the challenge of staying true to the original — ensuring the final drink remains unmistakably Molkosan, just reimagined for today’s consumers.

For us, this kind of project captures what we’re about: curiosity, persistence, and crafting something that’s never been done before, and might just change how people think about a category. With the trial production in the bag we are now scaling the product with improved margins, an improved shelf but still with that unmistakable Molkosan quality.

Innovation doesn’t always come with a roadmap. That’s what makes it worth doing.

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