The Kyiv establishment Honey has long featured a nutritional menu, and this summer the team is delighting patrons with a new addition – protein shakes. Both the menu and the new items were developed by endocrinologist Yevheniia Rohalska. Together with Anna Zavertailo, co-founder of Honey, they note that conversations today are increasingly less about restrictions, and more about viewing food as a source of energy and nutrients. We spoke with Yevheniia Rohalska and Anna Zavertailo about the flavors of the shakes, the development approach, and their stance on modern wellness trends.
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“I see it both in myself and in our guests,” says Anna Zavertailo, co-founder of Honey. “Just a few years ago, people primarily asked about calorie content. Today, they are interested in the ingredients, protein, and fiber. We are gradually moving from a culture of dieting to a culture of mindful eating.”
To enhance the nutritional menu this summer, the team focused on quality ingredients and a high protein content. “Updates are added to the menu based on three factors: the scientific basis of the food trend, taste, and actual benefit to the guest,” explains Anna. If a trend doesn’t pass at least one of these filters, it doesn’t make it onto the menu.
The first additions to Honey’s protein menu were protein shakes. “From a medical perspective, liquid protein combined with the right nutrients is the easiest form to digest,” notes endocrinologist Yevheniia Rohalska. “It allows for rapid fulfillment of amino acid needs and stabilizes blood sugar levels without overburdening the digestive system.”
The mission was not just to create delicious protein shakes, but also to break down prejudices about this type of product, often associated solely with fitness, restrictions, or a specific taste. “We wanted to move away from this perception, so our shakes genuinely taste like shakes, without the protein flavor,” remarks Anna Zavertailo.
Each shake contains 22 grams of egg protein, fiber, and amino acids. The menu features four flavors designed to suit different needs, such as a shake beneficial after a workout, or a formulation that promotes relaxation and a slower pace. The flavor profiles are curated to cater to diverse preferences: pineapple-coconut, chocolate-cinnamon, blackberry-raspberry, and lychee-blueberry.
“I like to think of it as a multitasking product. You can drink it after a workout, between meetings, on your way to work, or on a day when you simply didn’t have time for breakfast. It’s not about an ideal life. It’s about real life,” says Anna.
A protein shake can effectively support the body during stressful periods, after sleepless nights, or when you lack the time for a proper meal. “However, protein shakes should not replace full meals,” emphasizes Yevheniia Rohalska. Nevertheless, they are certainly a valuable addition on days when a balanced breakfast or lunch isn’t part of your plans.