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The functional properties of antioxidants and superfoods are gaining traction lately as consumer interest in health and wellness grows as the result of the pandemic.

Although consumers were indicating high stress levels before, the emergence of the pandemic has exacerbated the issue, prompting beverage-makers to turn to a collection of ingredients to help reduce stress hormones.

As consumers “take control of their weight,” beverage-makers are employing a diverse group of ingredients such as functional offerings and new age sweeteners.

Consumers’ increased focus on health and performance has been exacerbated by the pandemic’s influence on immunity-focused consumers. Meanwhile, beverage-makers are innovating ways to fortify beverages in ways that also deliver on taste and texture.

In new beverage development, the trend of manufacturing with clean-label ingredients has sparked the creation of a new generation of color concepts.

As consumers place greater emphasis on health and wellness, performance beverages are adding more to their arsenal. From lower sugar, to better flavor and increased functionality, consumers demand that performance beverages outperform their former selves.

Low- and no-sugar beverages continue to resonate with health-minded consumers, prompting beverage-makers to seek new age sweeteners for today’s beverages.

Consumers seeking better-for-you beverages, along with those with interesting taste profiles are drinking up botanicals. Adding flavor and function, botanicals are experiencing wide adoption and success in the beverage market.

Although current health trends have placed greater emphasis on immune-boosting ingredients, beverage-makers have been fueling this trend for years.