An improved carbonated protein beverage/drink composition which provides a relatively high protein content, ranging from about 2% by weight to about 15% by weight, while simultaneously employing a carbonation concentration between about 0.1 volumes of carbonation (per volume of liquid drink solution or liquid drink suspension) to about 4 volumes of carbonation. Preferably the protein is whey protein. The carbonated protein beverage may contain an additive which provides energy generation enhancement. The carbonated protein beverage is heat treated to inactivate microbes in the presence of the carbonation. Typically, the treatment for microbe inactivation is carried out in the individual package used for storage and handling of the carbonated protein drink.