Although the U.S. Dietary Guidelines encourage Americans to eat more fruit, more than half are traditional options, such as bananas, apples, strawberries and oranges. Yet, as the beverage landscape has gotten more complex and exotic fruits have become more mainstream, consumers are experimenting with exotic fruits, including guaraná, lychee, dragon fruit, tamarind, pomegranate and mango for their exotic appeal, natural sweetness and enhanced, functional capabilities, according to ingredient suppliers.
Experts note that exotic fruits are becoming more of a staple in juices, flavored sparkling waters, energy drinks, spirits, ready-to-drink (RTD) teas and even coffees. They also are used in combination to flavor even more beverage applications, they add.