Elton John has entered the alcohol-free wine category with his own 0% brand, in the wake of fellow singers including Kylie Minogue. This comes as low-and-no alcohol options continue to gain global traction.
But that’s not all there is in the world of beverage new product development, functional hydration and high-protein formats dominate the better-for-you space. While premium spirits brands are doubling down on provenance and craftsmanship, and coffee creamers are leaning into indulgent flavours with clean-label credentials.
Sparkling water and flavoured hydration are also seeing strong momentum, with brands introducing low-calorie, zero-sugar options to meet consumer expectations for taste without compromise.
Across all drinks categories, the common thread is innovation driven by lifestyle trends: wellness, flavour exploration and premiumisation.
Read on to see the latest in beverage new product innovation…
Molson Coors eyes Guinness
Molson Coors is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Caffrey’s Black Stout, now rolling out across the UK on-trade. The 3.4% ABV stout is positioned as a value-driven alternative in the category, offering operators a distinctive option at an accessible price point.
The move comes as Diageo increases the price of Guinness by at least 5.2%, creating an opportunity for competitors to capture share through value. Caffrey’s Black Stout aims to leverage the brand’s heritage dating back to 1897, while appealing to a new generation of stout drinkers.
Tasting notes highlight roasted malt and cocoa flavours, complemented by caramel and a hint of liquorice, with nitrogen infusion delivering a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
Recover 180 lands two new flavours
Recover 180 has expanded its functional hydration range with two new flavours – Tropical Ice and Orange Cream – available nationwide in 16.9 fl oz bottles (rsp: $2.49–$2.79) and 12-packs online at $32.99.
The launch marks a significant step for the premium organic hydration brand as it continues to target athletes and active consumers seeking clean, better-for-you options.
Both flavours are formulated with organic coconut water, essential vitamins and minerals, and contain no added sugar or artificial ingredients. Tropical Ice combines coconut, pineapple and lemon for a crisp, cooling profile, while Orange Cream delivers a blend of citrus and vanilla for a nostalgic twist.
The brand, led by founder and CEO Lance Collins, aims to capitalise on growing demand for functional beverages as consumers move away from traditional sugary sports drinks, it says. Retail expansion is planned throughout 2026, supported by online availability via Amazon and the brand’s website.
Bodyarmor Caffeine Zero
Bodyarmor has expanded its sports drink portfolio with the launch of Bodyarmor Flash IV Caffeine Zero Sugar. Available nationwide in-store and online in the US, the new line comes in two flavours – Pineapple Passionfruit and Watermelon Punch – and is designed to deliver advanced hydration and functionality for active consumers.
Each 500ml serving contains 95mg of caffeine, zero sugar and 2,290mg of electrolytes. The formula also includes zinc and vitamins B and C to support immune health, alongside natural flavours and no artificial sweeteners or dyes.
The launch builds on the existing Flash IV range, which includes ready-to-drink beverages and Hydration Boosters.
Elton John Zero’s 0% wine
Elton John has entered the alcohol-free category with the launch of Elton John Zero Blanc de Blancs in the UK. The 0% ABV sparkling wine is now available nationwide in Sainsbury’s stores at an RSP of £10 for a 70cl bottle.
Produced from Chardonnay grapes grown in northern Italy, the wine is designed to replicate the structure and aroma of a traditional blanc de blancs while remaining alcohol-free. It uses a controlled fermentation process with select bacteria instead of yeast to achieve its profile, which includes notes of apple, citrus blossom and honeysuckle with a mineral finish.
Sales and distribution will be handled by Benchmark Drinks, which has a strong track record in celebrity wine partnerships, including ranges from Kylie Minogue Wines, Gary Barlow and Graham Norton.
DripDrop Zero Sugar
DripDrop Hydration has unveiled Zero Sugar Plus, a new electrolyte drink mix designed to deliver complete hydration without sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Developed using the sodium–amino acid co-transport system, the product is formulated to accelerate fluid absorption for faster, longer-lasting hydration. Each serving contains six key electrolytes, B-complex vitamins, zinc, vitamin C, magnesium and potassium, while remaining low in calories at 30 per serving. It also provides 2g of carbs and 1g of fibre.
Zero Sugar Plus is available in two variety packs – 8ct and 16ct – featuring flavours such as Watermelon, Raspberry Lemonade, Tropical Punch, Tangerine, Strawberry Kiwi, Peach, Cherry Limeade and Wild Berry. The packs are available via DripDrop.com and Amazon.
High West Cask Strength
High West Distillery has launched Cask Strength, a limited-edition blend of straight bourbon whiskeys available nationwide in restricted quantities. Bottled at 58.5% ABV (117 proof), the non-chill filtered bourbon carries an SRP of $69.99.
The small-batch blend comprises bourbons aged between six and 20 years, finished in new, charred American white oak barrels. The mash bill includes multiple recipes sourced from Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee, combining high-rye spice with malted barley richness for layered complexity.
Tasting notes highlight sweet plantains with cinnamon, dried apricots, peach crumble and seasoned oak, while the nose offers butter-poached green apples, candied Meyer lemons and cornbread with honey.
Highland Park Heather
Highland Park has introduced Cask Strength: Heather, a limited-edition single malt whisky crafted with 100% Orkney peat-smoked barley.
Bottled at a cask strength of 63.6% ABV, the release represents the brand’s most pronounced expression of Orkney’s distinctive heathered peat character. It is available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at an RRP of £60 for a 700ml bottle.
The whisky has been matured in first-fill European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks, complemented by select refill casks to balance sweetness and smoke. Non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, the expression delivers a rich and aromatic profile with notes of bonfire smoke, vanilla pods and brandy butter on the nose, followed by marshmallow sweetness, macadamia nuts and peppery spice on the palate. The finish lingers with vanilla and perfumed smoke.
Cask Strength: Heather is the first in Highland Park’s refreshed cask strength series, which will explore bold interpretations of the brand’s Orkney provenance.
Sanpellegrino’s Ciao! Limoncello
Sanpellegrino has expanded its Ciao! Flavoured Sparkling Water range with the launch of Ciao! Limoncello. The new variant offers a citrus-forward profile inspired by Italy’s lemon tradition, combining real fruit juice, natural flavours and a pinch of Sicilian salt for a crisp finish.
Ciao! Limoncello contains five calories per can and zero alcohol, positioning it as a light, refreshing option for consumers seeking flavour without compromise. The product will retail at $6.49 per six-pack and is available on Amazon from this month.
Posca Hydrate
Australian functional beverage brand Posca Hydrate has made its GCC debut at Gulfood 2026, introducing a sparkling hydration drink formulated with halal-certified grape vinegar.
The product combines electrolytes, prebiotics and natural ingredients to deliver zero-sugar hydration with added gut health benefits, targeting consumers seeking clean-label, functional options.
The launch follows strong domestic growth for Posca Hydrate, which has secured 3,000 retail points and major distribution partnerships in its first year.
Co-founded by flavour expert Merrick Watts and beverage executive Ed Stening, the brand positions itself as a differentiated player in the hydration category, blending ancient inspiration with modern functionality. The range is designed for performance, recovery and everyday wellness.
Benefitt High Protein
Lactasoy Co has launched Benefitt High Protein UHT Milk, Thailand’s first high-protein UHT milk, in SIG SmallBloc 350ml carton packs. The product is now available nationwide through 7-Eleven stores and delivers 31g of protein per pack, targeting the growing demand for convenient, high-protein beverages.
Unlike traditional pasteurised high-protein milks, which require cold-chain distribution and tend to have a shorter shelf life, Benefitt uses aseptic processing and packaging to offer an ambient, ready-to-drink solution. The formulation provides a smooth, low-viscosity texture with no added sugar.
Natural Bliss creamers
Nestlé’s natural bliss brand has unveiled a refreshed look alongside three new dairy creamer flavours aimed at adding indulgence to everyday coffee occasions. The new variants include Chai Vanilla Latte, Chocolate Caramel Truffle and Hazelnut Cookie Crumble with zero grams of added sugar. Each is made with just four ingredients, real milk and cream.
The Chai Vanilla Latte flavour combines vanilla sweetness with warming spice, while Chocolate Caramel Truffle delivers a rich blend of chocolate and caramel notes. Hazelnut Cookie Crumble offers a nutty, buttery profile without added sugar, catering to consumers seeking lower-sugar options without compromising taste.
The new flavours join the existing Natural Bliss range, which is also rolling out in updated packaging designed to stand out on shelf. All products are available US-wide in 32 fl oz bottles at an MSRP of $5.99, with prices varying by retailer.