News & Analysis for the Beverage Industry
Beverages are becoming one of the most innovative growth drivers for US restaurants, with consumers seeking new flavours, experiences and wellness, according to a new industry report.
Data on the drugs’ side-effects has highlighted potential risks
Beverage innovation in the GLP-1 space is moving faster than regulations, meaning drinks companies could be facing “significant complexity” new research has warned.
Up the food chain
PepsiCo nutrition senior director, Dr Sue Gatenby, discusses reformulation, positive nutrition, GLP-1s, and the challenges facing the industry’s next generation
The guidance aims for more scientific standards
Protein sodas are set to drive the next wave of innovation in the US market, according to a new report from Mintel
As formulators race to stabilise creatine for RTD formats, the ingredient is moving beyond sports nutrition into mainstream wellness, yet evidence gaps and dosing challenges could shape its true potential
Emerging research suggests GLP-1 drugs could move beyond diabetes and metabolic health to treat multiple diseases, meaning millions more consumers will rethink how – and what – they eat
From flavour and functionality to fun: here are the five crucial areas every functional beverage must address
FBIF 2026
Cranberry specialist Ocean Spray is leveraging multiple health benefits and bright red red visual appeal to tailor products for China, aligning innovation with local tastes
Brands are reformulating everyday foods with more protein, fibre and functional ingredients as consumers look to support strength, digestion and long-term wellbeing through daily eating habits
The longevity trend is moving from beauty and wellness into food and drink, and the opportunities are big
Coffee alternatives are rising not as replacements, but as functional upgrades
New research from APC Microbiome Ireland suggests coffee-driven changes in the gut microbiome may relate to brain function and behaviour.
Co-founder and personal trainer James Smith talks innovation, growth and social media stardom... and his hands-on approach to customer service
UK-based CBD drinks brand TRIP has expanded its night-time offering with the launch of new Dream Gummies and Dream Powder, formulated without the brand’s flagship ingredient.
Aussie brand Savvy has released a ready-to-drink functional beverage targeted at reducing stress and anxiety while maintaining mental performance, which also responds to a growing need for menopause support among women.
Energy is reaching new audiences and opening up new opportunities
The category has taken US shelves by storm over the last couple of years: but what will it look like in 2026 and beyond?
It’s an exciting area of innovation - but are consumers ready?
Alcohol was once what held social occasions together. Now alcohol-free has the opportunity to take up the mantle
Flavor innovation has been key for Spindrift’s sparkling water: and now the brand has expanded into soda and iced tea as it continues to embrace opportunities for growth...
From protein shakes to collagen coolers, brands are reinventing beverages for the GLP‑1 era and the race for dominance in this fast‑growing $3.5bn category is just beginning
CEO Ramon Laguarta outlines plans to reduce sugar and sodium, boost protein and fiber, and “restage” core brands to drive higher value per consumption
Alcohol consumption is in decline, and not just because of the allegedly health conscious young
Widespread demand for clean label is finally reaching the alcohol category
It’s hoped EFSA’s proposed limits will offer clarity for manufacturers and regulators alike
A rising star in the US canned mocktail category, Free AF is betting on a big alcohol-free future
Consumers want to be healthier; so they’re cutting back on alcohol. But is it really that simple?
The new launch uses prebiotic fiber to help create a creamier, more luxurious brew: an innovative new take on the decaffeinated coffee category
Diet Trends
From Dry January to everyday routines, alcohol-free beverages are integrating into wellness diets with functional, mood-enhancing ingredients
Diet Trends
Consumers want healthier food but struggle to trust nutrition information, creating both challenges and opportunities for brands, according to new data from the International Food Information Council
Packed with a proprietary blend of adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals, Hiyo makes social connection the center of its brand
Boisson’s revived mission goes beyond stocking the best in alcohol-free: it’s about building the category with a community of mindful drinkers
As the world’s leading independent non-alcoholic spirits brand, CleanCo knows just how quickly drinking trends are changing...
Consumers are cutting back on alcohol year-round. Is January still important for alcohol-free brands?
New US drinking recommendations now simply state that less alcohol is better
Finance professional turned food entrepreneur Masuma Zahara Bukhari brings an exotic flair to the fast-growing functional dairy-free category
The beverage industry has long argued that soda is singled out unfairly when it comes to soda taxes. But now there’s pressure to extend measures across ultra-processed foods
Healthy beverages
Lipton is expanding into concentrates and herbal teas to meet growing demand for flavorful, functional and convenient tea formats, while keeping pace with trends like GLP-1 wellness and stress management
Sprouts Farmers Market’s approach to NPD keeps it on a constant search for the hottest beverage innovations
Report calls for ban on ingredient found in thousands of common food and beverage products
Once just a bottle shaker staple, protein is taking on new forms and finding its way into everything from soda to chips to macaroni and cheese.
Alcohol consumption has reached a 90-year low in the US. Gallup’s latest poll reveals today’s consumption habits
Kefir’s dairy-free twin has enormous growth potential
With consumers’ focus now on appetite control, new brand Släcka believes it’s perfectly positioned to carve out a new beverage category
Japan’s Otsuka Pharmaceutical is trying to grow its POCARI SWEAT electrolyte drink business through market expansion, including recent entry into India and across the Philippines.
Most of what we ‘taste’ actually comes from smell. So can a beverage be based on that alone? Yes, says Lena Jüngst: a product designer turned beverage entrepreneur who took this simple idea into a bottle that’s built a fan following among kids and young...
The founder of a UK-based cold-pressed hemp drinks brand says the moment is ripe to enter the thriving functional drinks market, armed with Novel Foods exempt drinks that comply with the legal CBD limit.
As consumers turn away from soft drinks and alcohol, they’re being drawn to another beverage - water