The “healthy halo” mantra certainly has gained traction within the beverage marketplace in recent years. As consumers continue to look for functional beverages that deliver health benefits and a clean label, they also seek out ingredients that deliver on taste. Beverage-makers are recognizing these trends and incorporating domestic and exotic fruits in their formulations to give consumers healthy benefits along with great taste.
Familiar fruits like blueberries, pomegranates and grapes commonly are seen on store shelves, while exotic fruits like dragon fruit, passionfruit and citrus varietals are becoming more popular beverage ingredients.