Beverage innovation is crucial for driving growth, meeting evolving consumer demands, and addressing global challenges. As tastes shift toward healthier, sustainable, and functional options, innovation enables brands to stay relevant and competitive. It allows companies to create products that align with trends like low-sugar, plant-based, or adaptogenic drinks, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Furthermore, beverage innovation fosters differentiation in a crowded market. Unique flavors, formats, and experiences can capture consumer interest and build brand loyalty.
Ultimately, beverage innovation is not just about novelty: it’s a strategic response to changing lifestyles, environmental pressures, and technological possibilities.
It ensures the industry remains dynamic, responsive, and future-ready.
Our weekly round-up of beverage innovation looks at some of the new launches across the globe
Coca-Cola mini cans in convenience
Coca‑Cola mini cans are arriving in convenience stores in the US as single-serve option.
Coca‑Cola is will bring its 7.5-oz mini cans to convenience stores as single-serve options for the first time, starting January 1, 2026. Previously available only in multipacks, the mini cans offer a compact, portion-controlled format ideal for on-the-go refreshment. With a suggested retail price of $1.29, the new format is designed to pair perfectly with snacks and quick stops.
The lineup includes Coca‑Cola Original Taste, Coca‑Cola Zero Sugar, Coca‑Cola Cherry, Sprite, and Fanta Orange. Seasonal flavors will rotate in, including the return of Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry and the debut of Coca‑Cola Cherry Float, which will be available in mini cans starting April 2026.
The expansion adds a fourth package size to Coca‑Cola’s convenience store offerings, joining the 16-oz can, 20-oz bottle, and 24-oz bottle. The move reflects shifting consumer habits toward smaller portions and trial-friendly formats.
“People want more ways to enjoy Coca‑Cola on their terms – whether that’s a smaller portion, a favorite classic or something new to try,” said Joel Bishop, President, Commercial Leadership, North America Operating Unit, The Coca‑Cola Company.
Mini cans currently account for over 9% of sparkling soft drink mix in large stores, and Coca‑Cola aims to replicate that success in the convenience channel.
Suntory: -196 Zero Sugar Lemon
Suntory Global Spirits is expanding its -196 vodka seltzer portfolio with the launch of zero sugar lemon, a new ready-to-drink flavor that builds on the brand’s strong nationwide debut earlier this year.
The new SKU delivers bold, fruit-forward flavor with a lighter, brighter profile and no sugar. Each 355ml can contains 85 calories and 4% abv, offering a clean-label option for vodka seltzer fans seeking refreshment without compromise.
The product is crafted using Suntory’s proprietary freeze, crush, infuse process, which captures the taste of biting into real fruit.
Zero sugar lemon joins the existing -196 lineup, which includes lemon, strawberry, grapefruit, peach, and a combo flavor variety pack. The launch underscores Suntory’s commitment to flavor-forward innovation and growth in the competitive ready-to-drink category. With its sugar-free formulation and bold citrus taste, the new release is positioned to appeal to health-conscious consumers and fans of fruit-infused spirits.
Zero sugar lemon is available nationwide with an average msrp of $10.99 per 4-pack, further expanding the reach of -196 vodka seltzer across the US market.
Celsius Sparkling Mango Lemonade
Celsius is celebrating its first anniversary in Australia with a new flavor, Sparkling Mango Lemonade.
It’s supported by Celsius’ Live.Fit.Go campaign, encouraging consumers to fuel their goals with energy and intention. Designed for active lifestyles, the brand’s sugar-free energy drinks are formulated with B vitamins and bold flavors to support fitness routines and everyday movement.
Sparkling Mango Lemonade joins Celsius’ expanding portfolio, offering a tropical blend of juicy mango and tangy lemonade. “Sparkling Mango Lemonade is summer in a can,” said Andrew Brooks, Head of Marketing, ANZ, Celsius. “Whether you’re chasing the sun or just need a tropical pick-me-up, this flavor brings the brightness and energy you need to keep moving.”
Celsius has seen strong growth in Australia through its partnership with Suntory Oceania, driven by rising demand for functional energy drinks. The brand is ramping up local engagement with initiatives like its Run & Racquet series, launching in September with Australia’s Racquet Club, and a partnership with Lambros Army, supporting cancer research.
Sparkling Mango Lemonade is now available nationwide in convenience stores and service stations, with Woolworths to follow.
Gatorade Lower Sugar
Gatorade is releasing a new product - Gatorade Lower Sugar - the brand’s first ever sports drink with 75% less sugar than Gatorade Thirst Quencher.
The new innovation contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors from artificial sources, while maintaining the signature Gatorade color.
Gatorade Lower Sugar will hit shelves in the US in spring of 2026 in four flavors: Fruit Punch, Lemonade, Glacier Cherry and Rain Berry.
Gatorade Lower Sugar will be available at a suggested retail price of $1.89-$3.39 and be available in 28-fl. oz, 20-fl. oz and 12-fl. oz bottles.
Lifeway: Pumpkin and kefir LTO
US kefir brand Lifeway Foods is releasing ‘Love Your Gut Pumpkin Spice Smoothie’, a limited edition drink made with Lifeway Organic Plain Kefir and seasonal ingredients, in partnership with LA-based organic grocer and cafe, Erewhon Market.
Organic pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice seasoning and cinnamon, cold brew, organic banana and organic dairy cream make up a ‘delicious, nutrient-rich beverage that tastes like autumn in a cup’.
“This limited-edition blend combines comforting fall flavors with the powerful probiotics of our organic kefir,” said Julie Smolyansky, CEO, Lifeway Foods. “It’s the perfect way to support your immune system and gut health as the seasons change.”
Love Your Gut Pumpkin Spice Smoothie is available exclusively at Erewhon Market locations this month only.
