Traditionally known for its skin-soothing benefits, aloe vera can be found in a multitude of consumer packaged goods (CPG) products, including tissues, soaps and lotions. It’s even being infused into items like bed sheets and socks. However, all of these applications revolve around the topical application of aloe vera. When it comes to the oral consumption of aloe vera, additional benefits come into play, thereby making it a trendy ingredient in functional beverages.
Last year, more than 225 beverages containing aloe vera were launched in various locations around the world, according to Chicago-based Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This marks a 7 percent increase compared with tracked launches in 2012. However, only 10 of the aloe drinks launched in 2013 were released in the United States, which denotes a 52 percent decrease from the previous year, according to GNPD data.