Silk, a brand of Danone, is uniting the power of sports with the power of plants as the official plant-based beverage brand of The Big Ten Conference. Throughout the month of March, starting with the Big Ten Basketball Tournaments, Silk is powering fans with Silk Protein.

At 13 grams of complete plant protein per serving, the new plant-based drink has the highest protein content of any refrigerated plant-based milk on shelves, the Louisville, Colo.-based company says.

Available in Original and Chocolate, Silk Protein contains 3 grams of fiber, 50% less sugar than regular dairy milk and 1/3 less sugar than value-added conventional milk, all 9 essential amino acids as well as calcium and vitamin D to support strong bones.

Bringing that energy courtside, Silk Protein is partnering with professional basketball star, former college athlete and Silk super fan, Monique Billings, to power up fans from the court to the kitchen. The two are celebrating the Big Ten schools by kicking off the partnership with a Big Ten-inspired smoothie, product tastings, prizes, and interactive experiences at the men's and women's Big Ten Basketball Tournaments taking place this month in Chicago and Indianapolis.

"For sports fans, game day is fueled by passion for your favorite team, and what you eat and drink plays a key role in how you show up and cheer them on. We're seeing a major shift as fans, particularly millennials and Gen Z, look for protein-packed options that help to power their health journey," said Kallie Goodwin, plant-based food & beverage lead, Danone U.S. "As the official plant-based beverage partner of the Big Ten, we're meeting that demand head-on with the Silk Protein Power Assist program, giving fans that game day protein punch they want, powered by plants." 

Big Ten fans can now cheer on their favorite teams while sipping on the Big Ten x Silk Protein Power Assist Smoothie, created in partnership with Monique Billings. Visit Instacart for the smoothie recipe and get a free bottle of Silk Protein Original or Chocolate with your Instacart order when you use code SILKPROTEIN at checkout. 

To tip off the biggest month in basketball, Silk also will be showing up on the concourse at the men's and women's Big Ten Basketball Tournaments to power up fans with Silk Protein tastings, prizes and interactive experiences. Fans can visit the Silk Protein booth located near Section 18 in Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis from March 4-8 and near Gate 4 at the United Center in Chicago from March 10-15 to cheer on their favorite team and enjoy their own Protein Power Assist.

Silk Protein is available at grocery stores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $5.99 for a 48-ounce multi-serve bottle..