Beverage innovation is essential for meeting evolving consumer expectations and staying competitive in a rapidly changing market.
At the same time, consumer preferences are shifting toward healthier, functional, and more personalized drinks. Innovations in formulation – like low-sugar, plant-based, or adaptogenic beverages – help meet these demands while opening new market opportunities. And innovation enables brands to adopt eco-friendly practices without compromising on quality or taste.
Ultimately, innovation isn’t just about novelty: it’s about shaping the future of the beverage industry.
Here’s some of the new launches in the beverage aisle.
Suntory -196 vodka seltzer
Having made its debut in the US earlier this year, Suntory Global Spirit’s -196 vodka seltzer portfolio is launching a new combo flavor variety pack.
At the heart of -196’s distinct positioning is its proprietary ‘Freeze, Crush, Infuse (FCI)’ process: a method perfected in Japan where whole fruits are flash-frozen at exactly -196°C using liquid nitrogen, crushed, and blended with premium vodka and soda.
This technique delivers a ‘uniquely bold, fruit-forward flavor profile’ to stand out in the competitive RTD space.
The pack comes with four new dual-flavor expressions: Strawberry & Watermelon; Lemon & Lime; Strawberry & Pineapple; and Lemon & Raspberry.
Celsius fizz free
Better-for-you energy drink brand Celsius is launching two new fizz free flavors.
Fizz-Free Pink Lemonade introduces a classic summer flavor that ‘tastes like it was poured straight from a lemonade stand’ and is available at 7-Eleven locations across the US.
Meanwhile, Fizz-Free Dragonfruit Lime blends the flavors of exotic, sweet dragon fruit with a tang of lime.
It is available at Circle K locations across the US.
PHX blends hydration and energy
PHX, a new functional beverage blending hydration and energy, has launched in the US.
Sales data from Circana shows that 71% of energy drink shoppers also purchase sports drinks. PHX combines both in one can: blending 700mg of electrolytes with 200mg natural energy from green tea alongside 100% daily value of eight essential vitamins.
PHX comes from One 11 Brands, a new start-up incubator focusing on functional beverages, led by founder Daniel Blake (a beverage industry veteran who spent over a decade with Anheuser-Busch) and supported by entrepreneur and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy.
The new zero sugar drink comes in six flavors: Peach, Lemon Lime, Watermelon Lime, Blueberry Lemonade, Wild Berry and Orange.
Coffee with a cause
Manatee Coffee, the Florida-founded ‘coffee with a cause’, has added two organic, eco-friendly blends to its portfolio.
Eco Brew (medium roast) and Coastal Reserve (Dark Roast) launch via an exclusive partnership with The Fresh Market.
Eco Brew (Medium Roast) offers a smooth, balanced finish with notes of chocolate, toasted nut, and delicate floral, while Coastal Reserve (Dark Roast) delivers a bold, full-bodied profile featuring rich chocolate, smoky plum, and toasted nut.
Founded in 2010, Manatee Coffee champions partnerships with non-profits dedicated to the protection of endangered manatees and their habitats with more than $79,750 contributed to date.
Kava Maté
Botanic Tonics, kava-centric botanical supplement brand, has launched Kava Maté to unite two ancient botanical traditions (noble kava root and yerba maté).
The pairing, designed to ‘create an energy experience greater than the sum of its parts’, delivers sustained, grounded energy without the crashes and jitters of conventional stimulants.
Noble kava root, ceremonially cherished throughout Pacific Island cultures for more than 3,000 years, provides mental clarity while maintaining calm. Yerba maté, valued by indigenous South American communities for centuries, delivers natural sustained energy.
Cameron Korehbandi, CEO of Botanic Tonics, says: " We’ve eliminated the false choice between energy and calm by harnessing the complementary properties of these time-honored botanicals. The daily commute, the afternoon work slump, routine tasks… these ordinary moments become opportunities for presence and purpose with Kava Maté."
Kava Maté is packaged in Botanic Tonics’ signature blue glass bottle with a gold top, containing two servings per bottle.
Kava Maté joins Botanic Tonics’ existing line of premium botanical supplements, including feel free CLASSIC and feel free.
Laird Superfood coffee
Laird Superfood has launched two new functional mushroom coffees: Perform Whole Bean Coffee and Perform Decaf Coffee.
Pairing coffee with functional mushrooms (including chaga, lion’s mane, maitake, and cordyceps) promotes energy, focus, and overall balance.
As with all Laird Superfood coffee, the new additions are USDA Organic, shade-grown at high altitudes and hand-picked, providing a smooth and rich flavor experience.
Designed for those who prefer to grind their own coffee beans, Laird Superfood Perform Whole Bean is the brand’s first functional whole bean coffee offering. It also contains AquaminTM, a calcified sea algae that contains 72 trace minerals, nutrients often lacking in our diets.
Meanwhile, Laird Superfood Perform Decaf is decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process: a premium, chemical-free method that removes 99.9% of caffeine while preserving the coffee’s rich flavor and character.
