A true influencer for today’s beverage formulations is sweeteners as more consumers are looking at sugar content and sources when making purchasing decisions.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned both in-person and online with a new and improved lineup of content and programming as part of IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo.

Capri Sun, a brand of Kraft Heinz Co., Chicago, announced the roll-out of its original juice drink pouches with an average of 40% less sugar than the current product. Each single serving now will have on average, 8 grams of total sugars and 5 gram of added sugars. All flavors will hit retailer shelves this August in new packaging highlighting the reduction.

This year’s State of the Industry report on sports and protein drinks notes that the category has adapted to the market alongside functional and hybrid beverages.

This year’s State of the Industry report on juice and juice drinks notes that the category sees increasing competition from emerging beverage categories and as such is looking to reimagine itself.

Current trends for health-and-wellness, plant-based, reduced-sugar and functional beverages, for example, easily can affect the taste, mouthfeel and overall beverage experience. Thus, beverage formulators engage masking ingredients to fight off any unwanted effects.

Given today’s inflationary climate, experts note that consumers are more likely to reach for flavor profiles they know they will enjoy, as such, Lemonade, the longtime star of summertime beverage consumption, is leveraging its appeal to help other beverages shine.

With a mission to take sugar out of society, Swoon, the zero-sugar beverage company, believes that healthy living starts by consumers replacing their favorite sugary drinks — without sacrificing sweetness.

The beverage category has always pushed the envelope… but the emergence of an entire beverage culture has propelled these products to the forefront of the industry's most defining trends.