Our weekly round-up of NPD is here to help you find the white spaces in the category and follow the top trends in flavor, formats and functionality.
Take a look at the latest in beverage innovation to be inspired...
AriZona Hard expands with premium vodka line
AriZona Beverages is launching AriZona Hard with Vodka: its entry into the spirits category.
The new line fuses cold-brewed tea with premium, six times distilled vodka.
AriZona Hard with Vodka launches in four flavors: green tea, lemon tea, peach tea and raspberry tea.
AriZona Hard with Vodka will be available in signature 22 oz. Big Cans across 24+ markets, distributed by RNDC, with an SRP of $3.49 per can for consumers 21 and over.
NÜTRL Strawberry
NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, the #2 spirits-based seltzer in the US, has launched its latest flavor nationwide.
NÜTRL Strawberry ‘strikes the perfect balance of refreshingly light and subtly sweet while evoking notes of strawberry jam’.
“When innovating, strawberry is a tough flavor to get right. You risk skewing too seedy and bitter or too sweet, said Chelsea Phillips, Group Vice President of Innovation at Anheuser- Busch. “With NÜTRL Strawberry, we’ve struck the right balance to deliver a refreshingly sweet, light tasting seltzer that is made with vodka and real fruit juice.”
The release of NÜTRL Strawberry is the second new flavor this year, following the launch of NÜTRL Lime.
Sweet vs Heat
Captain Morgan Sliced: Sweet vs Heat launches as a new go-to variety pack.
Designed to offer the ‘best of both worlds’, the pack contains chili lime margarita; japapeno paloma; blackberry mojito; and peach on the beach.
“As the sweet-meets-spicy flavor trend continues to grow, the Sweet vs. Heat Variety Pack brings that dynamic to life in a way that’s elevated and convenient,” said Justin Faiber, Director, Brand Marketing, FMB & RTD Beverages.
With 5% ABV, Captain Morgan Sliced Sweet vs. Heat is now available on shelves across the US.
Mountain Dew Baja Cabo Citrus
Mountain Dew is launching a new tropical flavor, Baja Cabo Citrus, featuring mandarin and lime notes ‘that capture spring break vibes in a bottle’.
To round out the summer vibes, there’s also a complementary Doritos Guacamole Flavored Tortilla Chips limited release starting April 28 for the perfect flavor pairing.
Mountain Dew Baja Cabo Citrus is available from April 21 in 20oz bottles and 12oz 12-packs. It comes in regular and zero sugar options.
Maison Perrier Chic
Maison Perrier has launched its first-ever line of premium flavored sparkling beverages, Maison Perrier Chic.
The non-alcoholic drinks blend fan-favorite flavors with Maison Perrier signature grand bubbles: all coming in at 30 calories or less per can.
There are four varieties: Daiqui’red Flavored Sparkling Beverage; Peach Spritzer Flavored Sparkling Beverage; Piña Fizz Flavored Sparkling Beverage, and Citrus Fizz Flavored Sparkling Beverage.
“Maison Perrier Chic brings a new level of sophistication to sparkling beverages while reimagining the cocktail flavor experience,” says Molly Lyons, Senior Marketing Manager.
“Chic is all about celebrating flavor, craftsmanship, and the art of indulgence—without the alcohol. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply indulging in a little everyday luxury, Chic delivers a bold, bubbly experience that feels as special as a perfectly crafted cocktail.”
Mocha melts
Norfolk, UK chocolate producer Gnaw has broadened its range of single-estate Colombian cocoa offerings to include indulgent hot beverages.
A business best known for its bold flavored chocolate bars, chocolate buttons and assorted gifting offers can now be found down the hot beverages aisle, courtesy of its new 3- strong offer of gooey centered chocolate cubes (Salted Caramel, Hazelnut and Double Chocolate) that can be immersed into a morning coffee to create a rich, velvety smooth mocha.
“Coffee and chocolate are intrinsically linked in terms of proud, ethically sourced origins, intriguing blends and indulgent connotations,” said Gnaw MD, Mike Navarro, “so it makes perfect sense that as we seek to grow the brand and broaden our appeal that we extend the Gnaw name to the hot beverages aisle, especially at a time when many younger consumers are rejecting coffee in favor of a quality hot chocolate.”
A box of 12 x 20g Mocha Melts has a RRP of £12.
Just Ice Tea: new flavors
Just Ice Tea has launched three chef-crafted flavors for the summer of 2025: Orange Mango Herbal Fusion, Golden Oolong Tea and Enjoy Mint Tea.
It comes as the brand expands to more than 6,000 new stores in Target, CVS, Walmart and more across the US ahead of the summer ice tea season.
The line of organic, Fair Trade certified teas is one of the fastest growing, top brands in the natural foods sector, according to SPINS data.
Launched in 2022, Just Ice Tea comes from the founders of the iconic Honest Tea brand: which was bought by Coca-Cola in 2011 but then shuttered by the beverage giant in a post-pandemic reshuffle in 2022.
Looking for more beverage NPD?
Pabst Light, Tango Blast and more feature in last week's round-up of beverage NPD!
