Photo: Founders Matt & Hayley Hunt, who launched The Protein Ball Co in 2015 with a mission to transform snacking, have since grown the brand to over 30 million bags sold, delivering 12 bold flavours and clean, flavour-first nutrition. Photo courtesy of Purple Pilchard.
Worthing’s The Protein Ball Co Accelerates Growth with Bold Rebrand
A Worthing-based success story is gaining serious momentum as The Protein Ball Co reports an impressive 32% growth following its striking “Ballsy by Nature” rebrand. Far from being a fleeting health trend, the husband-and-wife-founded manufacturing business has spent over a decade championing minimally processed, “clean nutrition” products—earning a loyal and growing customer base.
Co-founder Matt Hunt explains that the decision to rebrand stemmed from a realization that, despite strong credentials in clean recipes and nutritional integrity, the company’s branded offering had begun to lose its edge. While private label operations thrived, the brand itself needed revitalization. The result was a shift toward a more playful, rebellious identity—one that better reflects the company’s commitment to balancing taste, convenience, and functional nutrition.
- 32% growth following bold “Ballsy by Nature” rebrand
- Over a decade of clean, minimally processed nutrition leadership
- New “Stuffed” protein ball range with indulgent soft centres
- Clear product segmentation including plant-based and low sugar options
- Strong stance against hidden sugars and artificial additives
- Expansion into 10,000 new North American retail outlets
- New listings with premium chains like Black Sheep Coffee and Caffè Nero
- Appeals to modern snacking trends and smaller appetite consumers
- Innovative format addressing protein bar fatigue
- Launch of “It’s the Dogs” clean-label pet treats
The rebrand, unveiled in Autumn 2025, introduced a bold new visual identity with vibrant photography, a sharper tone of voice, and clearer product segmentation across categories such as original, plant-based, low sugar, and high fibre. Building on this momentum, May 2026 marks the launch of an indulgent new “Stuffed” range. These products feature a dual-texture experience—firm, chewy exteriors paired with rich, velvety centers—offering a more immersive snacking experience.
The company’s growth has also been buoyed by increasing consumer scrutiny of mainstream protein bars, particularly following high-profile criticism of hidden sugars and artificial additives in the category. In contrast, The Protein Ball Co has doubled down on transparency, emphasizing simple, recognizable ingredients such as nuts, seeds, nut butters, proteins, fibres, and freeze-dried fruits.
Another factor behind the brand’s success is its appeal to evolving consumer habits. Its bite-sized format caters to the rising number of consumers seeking smaller, more frequent snacks—particularly within the GLP-1 community—while addressing widespread “format fatigue” associated with traditional protein bars.
Retail expansion has further fueled growth, with new listings across prominent outlets including Black Sheep Coffee, David Lloyd fitness centres, Caffè Nero, and WHSmith Travel locations. Internationally, the brand has secured 10,000 new retail points in North America and continues to expand rapidly across European markets such as Switzerland, Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria.
Adding to its diverse portfolio, the company has also introduced a pet-friendly extension: It’s the Dogs. This peanut butter-based dog treat line—nutritionally formulated and even suitable for human consumption—has recently launched nationwide through Pets at Home stores.
With a clear identity, innovative product pipeline, and expanding global footprint, The Protein Ball Co is positioning itself as a standout player in the competitive health snack market—proving that integrity and indulgence can, indeed, go hand in hand.
