Keeping up to date with new product development is critical in a fast-evolving, consumer-driven market. Health and wellness, sustainability and functional benefits are constantly reshaping what consumer want.
And in a highly competitive market, innovation with new flavors and formats is the key to staying ahead, or even could open doors to new categories and opportunities.
So what’s new on shelf?
Bloom Pop
Bloom Nutrition is launching Bloom Pop exclusively at Walmart stores across the US.
The drink is a ‘delightfully fizzy, flavor-packed and guilt-free soda’ with 3-4g of sugar, 20 calories and clinically-backed prebiotics for gut health benefits.
While many functional sodas rely on high doses of fiber that can be hard to digest and offer limited benefits, Bloom Pop is formulated with PreticX XOS, a patented prebiotic that’s designed to be highly effective in small amounts. That means the drink can support digestion and metabolism without common side effects like bloating or gas.
The launch comes on the back of Bloom Sparkling Energy in July 2024, which ranks in the top 5 of energy drinks at Walmart and Target and has sold more than 35 million cans to date.
Pressed Juicery
Pressed Juicery’s newest launches are now available in the US: with Blue Pineapple and Cherry Limeade Energy Tonics ($6.95), available online and in stores.
The vibrant new blends combine real fruit juice, plant-based caffeine, and L-theanine for a smooth, steady energy boost.
Blue Pineapple Energy is a tropical, refreshing blend of pineapple, lime, apple, and a hint of spirulina for a naturally bold blue hue.
Meanwhile, Cherry Limeade Energy is a sweet-tart fusion of cherry, lime, and apple with a subtle pink tint from pitaya powder.
Benefits of the drinks include balanced energy (120mg of caffeine from green tea and guarana) and 240mg of L-theanine for calm, focused energy; alongside 100% daily value of vitamin C and six essential B vitamins (B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B12) and 50% daily value of B9 to support nutrient metabolism.
The drinks also contain 5-6g of prebiotic fiber from inulin (25% of daily fiber) to support digestion.
Aussie coconut water
Raw C, Australia’s #1 coconut water brand, has officially debuted in the US.
Raw C Sparkling Refresher Infused with Lychee is available at select Costco locations across Los Angeles in time for summer.
The drink contains 100% natural coconut water, lightly sparkling and blended with real lychee juice and with no added sugar or artificial flavors.
Kenya cider launch
African Originals, a Kenyan-based cider, spirits and soft drinks company, has launched KO Dry Cider: a crisp new sessionable dry cider in 330ml bottles and 500ml cans designed to compete with the mainstream beer category.
In Kenya, the cider category has grown by more than 200% in volume and since 2020, according to AO/Kantar data, against a backdrop of some 1% in beer (2018-2023)
African Originals’ growth has been driven by its appeal to both men and women aged 28 to 40 who are looking for bolder local flavors and vibrant brands that reflect their lifestyle and identify.
The launch comes as the company celebrates several milestones: becoming the first gin and cider brewer in Africa to achieve B Corp certification; launching Kenya’s first locally-produced RTD gin and tonic, and introducing its cider to the Ugandan market.
Hydro Dust
Functional beverage brand Spacegoods has launched a new electrolyte drink with a refreshing watermelon taste: Hydro Dust.
The drink is a refreshingly balanced electrolyte blend with Himalayan pink salt, coconut water and watermelon fruit powders for optimal daily hydration. With no added sugar, it contains a blend of essential electrolytes, B vitamin complex and minerals that work together for energy and mental clarity, reducing oxidative stress and providing effective hydration.
Virtue Drinks: Electrolyte sachets
UK clean energy drink brand Virtue has entered the hydration market with the launch of Virtue Electrolytes Hydration.
This new product line features three zero-sugar sachets: Lemon Lime, Strawberry Lemonade, and Mango Passionfruit. Each delivers 2,540mg of all six essential electrolytes along with added immunity support. Designed to support daily hydration, recovery, and performance, the sachets contain zero calories and feature a clean formula with ingredients like Himalayan pink salt and marine-sourced magnesium and calcium.
Founder Rahi Daneshmand emphasizes the product’s superior electrolyte content (6.5 times more than leading tablets). Priced at £1.50 per 5g sachet, the range marks Virtue’s expansion from clean energy into the broader active wellness category.
The launch is backed by high-profile investors including England footballers Eberechi Eze and Chris Smalling, and BrewDog founder James Watt. Initially available online, the product will roll out in grocery convenience and forecourt retailers this summer, building on Virtue’s existing distribution in stores like Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Morrisons, Whole Foods Market, Motor Fuel Group, and Ocado.
