News & Analysis for the Beverage Industry
Beverage innovation in the GLP-1 space is moving faster than regulations, meaning drinks companies could be facing “significant complexity” new research has warned.
As oral GLP-1s sweep across Europe and the US, research suggests they may do far more than curb appetite
Stress-relief drinks are fast becoming one of the hottest categories in functional beverages, as consumers seek products that support relaxation, mood and emotional wellbeing
Functional ingredients are shaping product launches across food and beverage
It’s taking off in the US, but will European consumers be open to the idea?
IFT FIRST
After years of optimizing protein concentration, ingredient suppliers are shifting the focus toward solutions that deliver broader benefits ranging from satiety and metabolic health to sensory performance and formulation flexibility
Brands that embrace innovation are coming out on top in AI-generated recommendations, according to new research.
Beverage innovation is moving from ‘refreshment’ to ‘purposeful refreshment’ with weight loss medications and protein soda’s driving change, a leading R&D expert has claimed.
Pioneers
Milk already boasts an impressive nutritional profile, but can it compete with kefir, kombucha and protein shakes? Four Leaves Co’s award-winning functional milk offers one answer
High-protein has become dairy’s most powerful growth engine. But where are the biggest opportunities?
The US’s reclassification of cannabis under a “less dangerous” drug schedule is part of a broader trend towards legitimising cannabis production.
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
The retail giant is rethinking its grocery business and chasing consumer preference for healthier products
From flavour and functionality to fun: here are the five crucial areas every functional beverage must address
China’s WALOVI is seeking growth globally in markets from the Middle East to Africa for its traditional herbal teas
With so many choices, could consumers be put off the category entirely?
Coffee alternatives are rising not as replacements, but as functional upgrades
Co-founder and personal trainer James Smith talks innovation, growth and social media stardom... and his hands-on approach to customer service
Gut health, energy and relaxation are booming: but what else are consumers looking for in functional beverages and how can brands meet their needs?
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.
Functional drinks have traditionally concentrated on the body. The next frontier is exploring brain health, cognition, focus, stress-relief and mental wellbeing
New product development
From functional sodas and iced coffee formats to high-proof tequila and design-led whisky, brands are pushing to capture new consumption occasions
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.
Dirtea, the once-niche mushroom coffee pioneer, has been named the UK’s fastest-growing food and drink brand in Alantra’s Food & Beverage Fast 50 with functionality taking over the mainstream poll.
Energy is reaching new audiences and opening up new opportunities
An emerging functional frontier looks at a key consumer need
The category has taken US shelves by storm over the last couple of years: but what will it look like in 2026 and beyond?
Trust is key to building brand loyalty and reaching new audiences
Botanicals are the star of the show
It’s an exciting area of innovation - but are consumers ready?
Clöud Café has launched its coffee and matcha offerings at Ulta Beauty as alternative to leading collagen RTD products and marking the company’s first placement inside a US beauty specialty retailer.
Flavour innovation is top-of-mind for the gut health superstar as US consumers value taste above all
From gut health to energy, there’s a huge range of choice in the functional beverage category. What do consumers actually want?
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
Natural Products Expo West 2026
Pura Soda, Beyond Meat, Nixie, Malk, Tractor Beverage and more unveil their latest innovations in natural and organic drinks
The US gut health soda launches its first international market with its UK debut on March 5
Arla Foods’ record-breaking 2025 was forged by carefully-executed long-term strategy. Here’s how the dairy co-op has gone from strength to strength
From PepsiCo to Nestlé, global giants are racing to cash in on the booming functional food craze, but with trends shifting fast, the stakes have never been higher
Yerba mate is breaking out from its South American roots, fuelled by soaring exports, innovation and booming global demand for natural energy beverages
Functional beverages are popular with wellness enthusiasts: but how wide is their appeal?
When ingredient trends boom, suppliers need a strategy to ensure they meet demand
Functional foods are often ultra-processed – but can they be clean label?
The new launch uses prebiotic fiber to help create a creamier, more luxurious brew: an innovative new take on the decaffeinated coffee category
From the mental health crisis to keeping an ageing population active, state-of-the art ingredients promise to help humanity bio-hack its way to peak performance. Here’s how
Coffee is nature’s original ‘energy drink’: thanks to the caffeine burst that gives energy every morning. But the coffee of tomorrow is going far beyond that...
There’s growing pressure to ban energy drink sales to children: but is it that simple?
With tens of millions of views on TikTok, Trip has found fame with Gen Z and pioneered the calming beverages category. What are the brand’s secrets to success?
Prebiotic sodas, better-for-you energy drinks and Halloween candy give embattled retailer Q3 lift
Targeting the growing demand for functional products designed by and for women, the startup blends clinical science, tradition and taste to normalize self-care during menstruation