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

“Real” ingredients from nature are helping beverage-makers deliver clean-label solutions.

As consumers are increasingly aware of the benefits of fiber-rich diets, along with being concerned about the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies, the demand for functional beverages has grown. Dietary fiber has become a large part of this category because of its potential to support digestion, immunity and more. Additionally, prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics are prompting growing functional food and beverage formulations using these as ingredients.

A surge in ketogenic diets and sugar reduction due to consumers’ increased health-consciousness is impacting demand for hydrocolloids often used to enhance the quality and functionality of beverages.

According to London-based Future Market Insights, floral flavors surpassed global market revenues of $850 million in 2019. Whether its floral, fruity, savory, sweet or tarty, beverage-makers are getting adventurous with flavor selections.

Whether its dairy milks, ready-to-drink (RTD) hot and iced coffees, meal replacement drinks or protein powders, vanilla is one of the most universally accepted flavor profiles around the world. In fact, vanilla is so well-known that its very name means “common.”

As consumers focus on nutrition increases, the beverage market is booming with functional beverages that address sports recovery, and bone and joint health.

Consumers across every age demographic are noticing the increasing importance of brain health.

With beverage-makers increasingly seeking ingredients that deliver a specific function, the functional beverage market is addressing a wide range of product attributes, experts note.