Functional beverages offer consumers hydration and more: helping provide additional benefits for both physical and mental health.
So what’s the latest in NPD in this category? We take a look at some of the new launches around the globe...
mio Unwind
Liquid water enhancer brand, mio, has launched a new innovation called mio Unwind.
mio Unwind is a magnesium and Vitamin B-infused water enhancer designed to help relax and reset. Magnesium helps regulate cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and B vitamins support your mood and energy.
mio Unwind is available at retailers across the US for $3.99.
More than half of college students report chronic stress, especially around college exams and finals, according to Media Decision. And students are actively looking for relief - searches for “Magnesium” have grown nearly 20% year over year as more people look for natural ways to manage stress.
mio Unwind is available in Blood Orange Hibiscus, Blueberry Lemon, and Berry Dragon Fruit and is sugar-free and made without artificial dyes.
mio Unwind joins the brand’s expanding lineup of functional offerings, including mio Energy and mio Hydration.
Hip Pop Berries & Cherries
UK brand Hip Pop has introduced a new flavor to its soft drinks range: with a lightly sparkling Berries & Cherries.
The drink is packed with juicy flavors from real fruit, bringing together sweet cherries, blueberries and strawberries for a taste of summer.
Like the rest of the Hip Pop range, Berries & Cherries is made with live cultures that support gut health, along with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a boost of fibre – a proper good pop.
Already live with Bidfood and Booths, the new flavor officially launched at the Farm Shop & Deli Show in Birmingham this month.
Phizz Daily Energy
UK hydration enhancer brand Phizz has launched Phizz Daily Energy: tablets with a specialized hydration formula to tackle fatigue and supercharge energy levels.
Phizz Daily Energy contains the usual seven key electrolytes and a multivitamin complex, including a B-vitamin complex to help the body convert food into energy. That’s along with added caffeine and guarana extract, with 75mg total caffeine per tablet (Guarana berries contain 3x more caffeine than coffee but it is released slowly).
The new launch is available in tubes of 20 tablets (£7.99) and packs of 60 (£19.99) at Waitrose, Tesco, Amazon and Boots.
Phizz was co-funded in 2015 by PhD neuroscientist Dr Paul Anastasiades to create a ‘smarter, more effective way’ to stay hydrated and energised. Today, it’s seeing 232% YOY sales growth with more than 63 million tablets sold to date.
PLEZi Hydration
PLEZi Nutrition, the Public Benefit Company co-founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama, has launched PLEZi Hydration, a healthier sports hydration drink.
The new launch was created with four-time NBA Champion Stephen Curry: and is the latest collaboration from PLEZi Nutrition’s partnership with Stephen and Ayesha Curry, who are both co-founders and brand ambassadors of the PLEZi Hydration product.
PLEZi Hydration contains 2x the electrolytes, half the sugar and 7x potassium compared to the leading regular sports drink, says the brand. It has no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Available in three flavors — Lemon Lime, Tropical Punch, and Orange Mango Twist — PLEZi Hydration is available for $2.29 per 16.9oz bottle and can be found in California at Walmart, Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, and Pavilions locations, or nationwide on Amazon.
Prebiotic RTD tea
Halfday, the better-for-you iced tea brand, has dropped a new flavor inspired by the iconic Arnold Palmer.
Halfday’s Half & Half flavor blends the smooth and refreshing taste of iced tea and the citrusy flavors of lemonade - without the overload of sugar that traditionally comes with it.
Halfday Half & Half is low calorie, low sugar and packed with added prebiotics to support gut health (including the brand’s signature GOODAY Prebiotic Blend).
V8 Passionfruit Orange Guava
V8 Energy is expanding its lineup with a limited-time Passionfruit Orange Guava flavor, tapping into the growing demand for functional beverages with natural ingredients.
The new addition to the Campbell’s Company brand blends tangy passionfruit, zesty orange, and sweet guava with caffeine from black and green tea, offering a refreshing, plant-based energy boost.
With just 50 calories, 12g of carbs, and 80mg of caffeine per 8 fl oz can, V8 Energy is designed to deliver a boost without the crash.
Passionfruit Orange Guava joins Watermelon Guava, Sparkling Pomegranate Blueberry and Sparkling Orange Pineapple in the V8 lineup.
