Beverage Industry logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Beverage Industry logo
  • NEWS
    • R&D News
    • Supplier News
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products
    • Reader's Choice Poll
  • CATEGORIES
    • Alternative Drinks
    • Beer
    • Bottled Water
    • Cannabis Beverages
    • Carbonated Soft Drinks
    • Energy Drinks & Shots
    • Juice & Juice Drinks
    • Plant-Based Beverages
    • Sports Drinks
    • Tea and Coffee
    • Wine & Spirits
  • R&D
    • Beverage R&D Features
    • Ingredient Spotlight
  • PACKAGING
    • New Packages
    • Packaging Equipment
    • Packaging Material
  • OPERATIONS
    • Distribution
    • Plant Focus
  • TOP LISTS
    • Beer Market Report
    • Executive of the Year
    • State of the Beverage Industry
    • Top 100 Beverage Companies
    • Truck Report
    • Wholesaler of the Year
  • MEDIA
    • eBook
    • Podcast
    • Polls
    • Videos
    • Webinars
  • DIRECTORIES
    • Annual Manual
    • Contract Packaging Guide
    • Take a Tour
  • MORE
    • Classifieds
    • Channel Strategies
    • eNewsletters
    • Events
      • Membrane Technology Forum
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
    • Market Insights
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archived Issues
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Ingredient Spotlight

Ingredient Spotlight

Citrus continues to help beverage-makers reach on-trend profiles

Regional, exotic flavors emerge across categories

By Lauren Sabetta, Managing Editor
citrus ingredients that contain vitamin C

Image courtesy of Getty Images

August 2, 2022

Known as an author and educator, American chemist, biochemist, chemical engineer, and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1954, the late Linus Pauling once said: “I believe that you can, by taking some simple and inexpensive measures, lead a longer life and extend your years of well-being. My most important recommendation is that you take vitamins every day in optimum amounts to supplement the vitamins that you receive in your food.” 

Today, as people are increasingly seeking out ways that proactively support overall well-being, experts note that consumers are more attentive to the ingredients included in their beverage purchases.

“Specifically, among the top ingredients that consumers associate with supporting immune function, vitamin C is tied for the top place, along with protein, iron and probiotics,” says Micah Greenhill, beverage marketing director at Chicago-based ADM.

At the same time, as many consumers associate citrus with vitamin C, citrus ingredients in products that contain vitamin C continue to draw attention, Greenhill says.

“Beverage brands can leverage citrus to build consumer-perceived clean-label and premium products,” he explains. “Those that also transparently share where citrus ingredients are sourced from will find favor with the conscientious shopper.”

In its report, titled “Citrus Market Forecast 2021-2031,” London-based Future Market Insights (FMI), notes that, as demand for authentic and natural products is gaining ground, citrus flavors are capturing the attention of consumers due to these flavors’ nutritional value.

According to the report, the citrus flavors market value is estimated at $2.98 billion in 2021. The FMI study also projects the citrus flavors demand to surpass $4.9 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% for 2021-31.

“The market rose at a CAGR of 3.6% between 2016 and 2020. Forecasts for growth remain optimistic, with the citrus flavors sales predicted to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% between 2021 and 2031,” it states. “Major food and beverage companies are stockpiling products with citrusy flavors.

“Product development and innovation are ongoing processes that have shaped the beverage industry,” it continues. “Recent years have witnessed the introduction of new beverage concepts such as infused beverages, functional beverages, fusion beverages and flavored water, among others.“

 

Blood Orange Tangerine
Blood Orange Tangerine is the latest addition to Spindrift's sparkling water line. Spindrift’s taste-forward real fruit portfolio also includes the new Spindrift Spiked hard seltzers.
Image courtesy of Spindrift

 

Citruses’ captivating appeal

Although tried and true citrus flavors such as orange, lemon-lime, pink grapefruit and blood orange continue to hold consumer attention, more regional and exotic flavors are emerging, notes Jennifer Zhou, senior director of product marketing of North America at ADM.

As many shoppers still reach for timeless flavors when considering beverage purchases, red grapefruit and bitter orange also are “enticing consumers for their tart-forward notes, adding a bit of zing to sparkling waters, cocktails, juices and more,” Zhou says. 

“Intriguingly, more regional flavors are emerging, especially as consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where ingredients and flavors are grown and sourced,” she explains. “Beverage brands leveraging regional citrus like Sicilian lemon and Valencia orange will find success with consumers seeking ingredient transparency.

“Adventurous citrus profiles are also coming into the limelight, with a focus on finger lime for its fresh and zesty profile, or yuzu for its intriguing mixture of sourness and sweetness with a lovely floral and fragrant quality,” she continues. “Consumers turning to more exotic flavors are enthralled by the opportunity to tantalize their taste buds with profiles from different regions.” 

Further, as beverages specifically allow for fascinating citrus combinations, Zhou notes that exploration among formulators is typically more widespread. 

 

citrus flavored, ready-to-drink (RTD)
Flying Embers recently announced its expansion into a new product category with the launch of its new line of citrus flavored, ready-to-drink (RTD), Margarita and mojito-style sparkling canned cocktails.
Image courtesy of Flying Embers

 

“Sourced from around the world and created through our cutting-edge, gentle cold extraction process and distillation techniques, we build each of these classic and emerging flavors with true-to-fruit authenticity,” she says. “[ADM’s] flavor experts pair our quality citrus varietals with nuanced flavor profiles, helping beverage manufacturers reach on-trend profiles and accelerate development of innovative drinks.

“Notably, fresh, natural pineapple is having a moment in the marketplace, and pairing the distinctly sweet, tart pineapple with bitter orange adds a new complexity to a classic matchup,” Zhou continues. “Bringing the intensity of finger lime together with crisp, cooling cucumber makes a complementary blend for refreshing hard seltzers or ready-to-drink (RTD) iced teas.” 

Specifically in the cocktails and mocktails space, Zhou notes that vegetables also are popping up on the scene.

“Marrying the unexpected green sweetness of beets, carrots or peas with the tart and juicy notes from red grapefruit, yuzu or Sicilian lemon can create a delightful balance with surprising taste appeal,” she says.


Citrusy combinations extend across categories 

As the low- and no-alcohol category is especially exploding with citrus-forward innovation, experts note that flavor extensions are gaining traction

“The acidity derived from citrus can help to mimic the ‘burn’ found in traditional spirit drinks, ADM’s Greenhill notes. “Sophisticated pairings of rosemary with blood orange or fennel with pink grapefruit lead to elevated zero proof elixirs.

“Bubbling up in the hard seltzer category are hard seltzer teas with the sparkling zest of lemon,” he continues. 

In its article, “How is the hard lemonade trend evolving?,” London-based IWSR Drinks Market Analysis notes that, as consumer demand for refreshing, effervescent flavored drinks continues, beverage alcohol players are catching wind of it, launching their own versions of hard lemonade.

“The most prolific adopter is the hard seltzer category,” it states. “With flavor innovation proving to be a necessary way to extend the longevity of the category, there are now a number of hard seltzer brands that are channeling the tart, citrus-forward flavors of lemonade.

 

Sparkling Hydration drink Orange Blast
Optimum Nutrition recently added a new flavor to its AMIN.O. ENERGY + ELECTROLYTES Sparkling Hydration drink lineup: Orange Blast. The lightly carbonated drink features 5 grams of amino acids and electrolytes to support energy, focus and hydration, it says.
Image courtesy of Optimum Nutrition

 

“Other hard lemonade adopters are looking to stand out from the crowd by using vitamins or antioxidants and adding ‘all natural’ claims, which gives their products a functional edge,” it continues. “With large and small players alike moving into the hard lemonade space, the category is likely to further fragment into numerous sub-styles. Some level of saturation is inevitable, but since IWSR data shows that consumers perceive RTD premiumization mainly through flavor and branding, hard lemonades present an opportunity for parent brands to enhance the perceived value of their products.”

Additionally, functional carbonated soft drinks that are low in sugar and contain a citrusy combination of pre- and probiotic ingredients are capturing consumers’ attention, ADM’s Greenhill notes.

“Pairings of ginger lime and watermelon grapefruit are helping to push these categories forward,” he says. “Plus, fantasy flavors are creating exploration in kid-friendly sparkling waters, such as lime and pine-like notes combined with fruit punch to emulate yetis.” 

Moreover, citrus is prominently, represented in the energy drink category, Greenhill notes.

“New refined experiences are being developed for consumers seeking energy, with citrus pairing with tropical fruits and dark berries,” he says. “Plus, citrus notes found in classic cocktails, such as mojitos or mimosas, are being brought into energy drink development, leading to elevated flavor experiences in new energy drink offerings.”

Further, as health-conscious consumers also are progressively shopping based on their values, Greenhill notes that, they not only want products that are good for them, but also for the planet. 

“With that, consumers are desiring more information about how and where their food and beverage purchases are produced, honing in on ingredients derived from natural sources,” he says. “Plus, many consumers say that simple, recognizable ingredients impact their purchasing decisions. Citrus ingredients can help check these boxes for consumers, as most citrus, from orange and lemon to red grapefruit and finger lime, are perceived to be ‘closer-to-nature’ by consumers.”

Overall, as consumers take more proactive measures that support well-being, the demand for citrus is anticipated to remain steady, Greenhill says. “Particularly in functional beverage offerings that incorporate whole citrus fruits,” he concludes.


KEYWORDS: citrus flavor trends immune health lemon orange

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Sabetta lauren

Lauren Sabetta, managing editor for Beverage Industry, writes for the magazine’s print and online components. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication, Journalism from Appalachian State University.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
to unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • top 100 beverage companies

    Top 100 Beverage Companies of 2024

    For the global beverage market, mergers and acquisitions...
    Carbonated Soft Drinks
  • Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla shakes

    Classic flavors provide reliable, consistent results for beverage-makers

    Classic flavors of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry...
    Ingredient Spotlight
    By: Chloe Alverson
  • Free Spirits Instant Bar Bundle

    Lifestyle trends drive growth for non-alcohol category

    As lifestyle trends continue to drive growth for the...
    Alternative Drinks
    By: Lauren Sabetta
Manage My Account
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • eMagazine Subscription
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Beverage Industry audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Beverage Industry or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • Fourpeople toasting with cocktails made with low-sugar ingredients, celebrating healthier drink options.
    Sponsored byCargill

    What’s Hot in Sugar Reduction: Beverages

  • chocolate milk
    Sponsored byCargill

    Sweetening the Future for Dairy and Dairy-Alternative Beverages

  • woman pouring a drink
    Sponsored byFFP

    Building a Beverage System: Meeting Consumer Demand for Precision Wellness

Popular Stories

Celsius Fizz Free

CELSIUS launches new Fizz-Free flavors

PepsiCo.jpg

PepsiCo advances AI agenda

Narragansett Beer 1975 cans

Narragansett Beer celebrates 50 years of ‘Jaws’

Top 100 Beverage Companies of 2024

Events

April 16, 2025

2025 State of the Industry Series: Alcoholic Beverages

On Demand In Beverage Industry’s annual State of the Industry: The Alcohol Beverage Market, analysts at S&D Insights LLC delve into these trends and how they’re shaping the industry.

July 15, 2025

Understanding the Best Material Type for Your Conveyor Systems

Leveraging decades of beverage production expertise, join Regal Rexnord’s Jeremy Fryman, Beverage Industry Marketing Manager and Tom Eure, Senior Account Executive as they dive into the landscape of plastic conveyor belt materials on the market and how to select the proper material type by application.

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Retail Coffee Segment

What retail coffee segments will fare well into the next year?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

Milk and Dairy Foods Nutrition, Processing and Healthy Aging

Milk and Dairy Foods Nutrition, Processing and Healthy Aging

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Almond Milk

    Beverage-makers tap into ever-growing plant-based trend

    See More
  • Adaptogens, botanical extracts

    Adaptogens, botanical extracts help beverage-makers meet consumers’ need states

    See More
  • new flavored beverages

    Citrus’ popularity in beverage continues to expand

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • nanotech.jpg

    Nanotechnology in the Beverage Industry 1st Edition

  • brewing.jpg

    Handbook of Brewing, Third Edition

  • beer.jpg

    The Chemistry of Beer: The Science in the Suds, 2nd Edition

See More Products

Events

View AllSubmit An Event
  • September 10, 2024

    An Award-Winning Postbiotic for a Healthy Lifestyle

    On Demand IMMUSE is the next generation of immune health that is a step ahead of other immune support ingredients. 
View AllSubmit An Event
×

Elevate your expertise in the beverage marketplace with unparalleled insights and connections.

Join thousands of beverage professionals today. Shouldn’t you know what they know?

JOIN NOW!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • eNewsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing