According to Cambridge Dictionary, the idiom “pick up steam” means to gain momentum, signifying increased intensity and faster progress, akin to a steam engine accelerating.

Similarly, as beverages continue to be a low-risk, high-reward space for innovation, drinks with added benefits are gaining momentum, according to a recent insight from Flavorchem.

The insight, “Steeped in Innovation: Trends Driving the Next Generation of Drinks,” spotlights key trends shaping tea, alcohol, as well as functional wellness beverages.

When it comes to what’s shaping the tea market, Flavorchem points out that tea is undergoing a transformation well beyond traditional hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened formats.

“Global flavors, health and wellness benefits, and innovative formats are repositioning tea as a compelling alternative to soda and coffee, offering sustained energy without the crash,” the insights states.

Flavorchem further notes that yerba mate-based beverages and high-caffeine loose-leaf blends underscore tea’s functional energy appeal. Meanwhile, health-focused innovation continues with beverage brands targeting cognitive benefits, while consumers are drawn to offerings for clean label attributes and fruit-forward flavors.

Tapping into these trends, Spindrift Beverage Co. recently unveiled it is entering the tea market with the launch of Spindrift Tea, a line of non-carbonated iced teas made with real brewed tea and real squeezed fruit. Available in four varieties — Lemon Black Tea, Blood Orange Black Tea, Raspberry Black Tea, and Peach Green Tea — the proprietary blends were designed specifically to complement real fruit ensuring both ingredients shine in every sip, the company says. 

“From day one, Spindrift has been built around simple ingredients you can recognize and taste,” said Dave Burwick, CEO of Spindrift, in a statement. “Tea felt like a natural next step. We looked at the category and asked: what would iced tea taste like if it were made the Spindrift way — with real brewed tea and real squeezed fruit instead of sugar-heavy formulas? The answer is something cleaner, brighter, and delicious.”

As for next-gen trends in beverage alcohol, Flavorchem notes that despite continued growth in non-alcohol beverages and alcohol alternatives, innovation in traditional alcohol remains strong.

“Global flavor influences persist, while market pressures are also driving increased interest in locally and regionally distilled spirits, such as Sugarlands Distilling Co.’s new Broken Antler flavored whiskey line featuring flavors like blackberry and hot honey,” the insight states.

Moreover, better-for-you cocktails are gaining traction, according to Flavorchem, while mindful indulgence continues to shape the category.

Building on this momentum, Owl’s Brew, an award-winning, ready-to-drink (RTD) brand, recently unveiled Spiked Pop, a bold new take on hard soda. Designed for today’s drinkers who crave flavor, fun, and transparency, Spiked Pop delivers a nostalgic nod to classic soda flavors and some modern spins — reimagined through Owl’s Brew’s real-ingredient, better-for-you lens, it says.

“As the better-for-you, non-alcoholic soda category continues to explode, we see a clear opportunity to bring that same philosophy into the alcohol aisle,” said Maria Littlefield, co-founder and chief marketing officer at Owl’s Brew, in a statement. “Spiked Pop gives retailers a clean-label, flavor-forward hard soda that meets modern consumer expectations while delivering on fun and familiarity.”

When it comes to functional beverages in general, Flavorchem anticipates that these drinks will maintain their rapid momentum in 2026, as consumers continue to gravitate toward beverages that deliver mental and physical benefits without sacrificing clean, craveable flavors. 

“Innovation from brands like wildwonder blends culturally inspired fruits with herbs and botanicals drawn from traditional Chinese tonics, while functional mushrooms gain traction through offerings from Trip and Arden’s Garden focused on mental clarity and overall well-being,” the insight notes. “At the same time, Hop WTR is moving beyond the NA beer space with adaptogen- and nootropic-infused sparkling waters, and Bloom continues to expand its women-centric lineup with the introduction of a clear protein powder.”

Earlier this year, wildwonder launched its latest flavor: Pink Pomelo Limeade, featuring pink pomelo — a citrus fruit native to Southeast Asia — paired with lime and chrysanthemum florals. Like all wildwonder beverages, Pink Pomelo Limeade pairs flavor with functional benefits, delivering 1 billion live probiotics and 5 grams of prebiotic dietary fiber in each can, the company says. Each USDA Organic drink is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, caffeine-free, and just 40 calories in each serving, it notes.

“Pink pomelo is one of my favorite fruits, and I was waiting for the right moment to add it to our carefully curated portfolio of flavors,” said Rosa Li, founder and CEO of wildwonder, in a statement. “Not only does it carry incredible immunity boosting nutrients, but it is so uniquely delicious. It is also such a symbol of abundance in Asian culture. I’m excited to finally share our take on it.”

As consumers continue to seek out drinks that deliver added functional benefits and support health and wellness goals, it appears that innovation across categories is key to driving market growth.