GOLDEN GAYTIME PROTEIN ICED COFFEE IS HERE, AND IT PACKS 30G OF PROTEIN
If your mid-afternoon slump calls for something sweet, a new protein iced coffee might be about to become your favourite fridge staple.
Dare has teamed up with Golden Gaytime to create an iced coffee that tastes of toffee and biscuit, with 30g of protein in every bottle.
The new flavour, called Dare Protein x Golden Gaytime, is rolling out now, according to trade publication Food & Drink Business, which reported the launch on November 12.
It joins the existing Double Espresso and Mocha flavours in the Dare Protein range.
Why this protein iced coffee has people talking
Few Australian treats are as nostalgic as the Golden Gaytime.
The ice cream was created by Streets back in 1959, and generations of us have grown up with its toffee and vanilla centre, chocolate coating and crunchy biscuit crumb.
Over the years it has inspired everything from tubs and cones to ice cream sandwiches, doughnuts and dessert mixes.
The collaboration brings together Bega Group, which owns Dare, and The Magnum Ice Cream Company, which owns the Golden Gaytime brand.
Kalli Swaik, marketing director at The Magnum Ice Cream Company, told Food & Drink Business the partnership takes "that iconic toffee and biscuit flavour beyond the stick".
Radio stations across the country were quick to share the news, with LAFM declaring that a Golden Gaytime protein iced coffee "now exists".
Where to buy it
The new flavour is heading to Woolworths, independent supermarkets, convenience stores and local outlets.
It is being stocked in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
Western Australia and the ACT were not named in the launch details, so it is worth checking with your local store.
Pricing and bottle size have not been confirmed in launch reports, so keep an eye on shelves and online listings over the coming days.
If you cannot wait, the existing Dare Protein Mocha is already available at Woolworths in a 500ml bottle with 30g of protein.
The rise of the protein iced coffee
Protein has become one of the biggest food trends of the year, and supermarket shelves are filling up with high protein yoghurts, snacks, bars and drinks.
Dare first added protein to its range with Double Espresso in 2024, followed by a protein Mocha in early 2026, as reported by Inside FMCG.
At the time, Bega marketing manager Patrick Davis said protein was driving strong growth in functional drinks.
Bega also says Dare is Australia's top-selling iced coffee brand by value in grocery, based on Circana scan data for the quarter to August 9, 2026.
For busy women juggling work, school runs and everything in between, a grab-and-go drink with a protein boost has obvious appeal.
Smart ways to enjoy it
A flavoured protein iced coffee is still a treat, so it pays to read the label before making it a daily habit.
Check the sugar content on the nutrition panel, as flavoured milk drinks can contain naturally occurring milk sugars as well as any added sweetness.
Look at the caffeine content too, particularly if you are sensitive to it or enjoy one in the afternoon.
Pair it with a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts if you are using it as a snack between meals.
Most of us get plenty of protein from everyday foods such as eggs, dairy, legumes, fish and meat, so a drink like this works best as a convenient extra rather than a replacement for meals.
If you are managing a health condition, are pregnant or are watching your protein intake for medical reasons, speak to your GP or an accredited practising dietitian.
A sweet treat for summer
With warmer days on the way and the festive season fast approaching, a chilled iced coffee is a welcome pick-me-up.
Try pouring it over plenty of ice in a tall glass, or blitzing it with a frozen banana for a quick, creamy smoothie.
Whether you are a die-hard fan of the original ice cream or simply curious about the latest protein craze, this nostalgic new protein iced coffee is likely to be one of the most talked about drinks in the fridge this summer.
