Kings Lynn Drink Amino using science to launch new range

Simon Carty, from Kings Lynn, founded Amino Drinks in 2019, building the business from scratch during the first lockdown.

With a background in sports and biochemistry, he wanted to create an alternative to classic protein shakes which could be absorbed by the body in minutes, rather than hours.  

Brother and sister Simon Carty and Samantha Martell, co-founders of Drink Amino in Kings Lynn (Image: Drink Amino)

His research led him to amino acids – the ‘building blocks’ of all protein - which are known to help build muscle, reduce fatigue, and cut down on post-workout muscle soreness.

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The problem? They taste foul and in their natural form, don’t dissolve easily in water.

Mr Carty said: “Amino acids aren’t mainstream yet because they’re so difficult to turn into a marketable product.

“But we found that the benefit of choosing something so hard to work with was that there wasn’t really anyone else doing it.

“Every sports brand has a protein product, but amino acids are what everyone will be after in the next few years because its based on science.”

Together with his sister and business partner Samantha Martell, Mr Carty created two powdered drinks – one designed for pre-workout and the other to aid recovery.

The recovery mix from Kings Lynn-based drinks company Drink Amino (Image: Drink Amino)

Later this year, they will add another two products to the range, focused on improving sleep and maximising hydration.

And with sales growing week on week, the company will move to a bigger warehouse in Kings Lynn next month.

Mr Carty said: “If you look at the impact that Gym Shark had on Birmingham, it shows what a business can do for the local community.

“That’s where we want to be with this, creating jobs in Norfolk but also showing kids growing up here that there are opportunities to do something they’re passionate about.”