During 2017, the beverage industry experienced a boom in the demand for functional beverages. In line with this demand, consumers also are becoming more aware of what they eat and drink, and they’re looking for products with ingredients they understand. Among those resonating with consumers are antioxidants. In fact, Memphis, Tenn.-based Evergreen Packaging’s 2016 EcoFocus Trend Study found that 60 percent of consumers were looking for beverages that are good sources of antioxidants — third only to products offering calcium fortification (63 percent) and reduced-sugar beverages (61 percent).
Further expanding on this, Adam Cooper, vice president of marketing at Los Angeles-based The Wonderful Co., highlights antioxidants’ broad appeal. “Seventy-one percent of baby boomers, 73 percent of Gen-Xers and 66 percent of millennials are all seeking antioxidants,” he says.