Functional beverages come in the form of isotonic drinks, medicinal tisanes, meal replacements and meal management supplements that offer many health advantages. Such benefits may include weight management drinks with pro-biotics/pre-biotics for digestion health benefits; cognitive and immune boosters as well as mood enhancing drinks.
Bars often experience success by offering seasonal functional beverage menus based on customer trends and needs. Private label manufacturers can assist in the production of drinks tailored specifically to these demands and shopping habits.
Boost Hydration
Hydration is essential to overall health and functional beverages are an ideal way to meet various healthy lifestyle goals. Many of these beverage products feature ingredients which promote normal body functions such as immune function, cognitive performance and energy levels – with claims being approved by authoritative bodies so consumers can feel secure purchasing these products.
Customers looking to increase their hydration may turn to electrolyte-infused beverages or herbal infused waters as an effective means to do so. Many brands also provide products with specific nutritional benefits like probiotics, reduced sugar content or plant-based components.
There remains a gap between interest in functional beverages and actual consumption, possibly due to a lack of awareness about what these drinks provide, or due to current economic pressures which have forced households to limit spending. Yet wellness-aligned beverages remain popular.
Support Digestive Health
Functional beverages offer more than just rehydration and energy boosts – they also support digestive health! “Functional drinks are non-alcoholic beverages containing bioactive components from plant, animal or marine sources which contribute to human wellbeing” (Gayathry & John 2021).
As health trends evolve, brands are using adaptogens and nootropics as part of targeted wellness solutions. While such ingredients can aid cognitive health by supporting memory consolidation or stress relief, when selecting products make sure they offer transparent label information, contain moderate sugar and caffeine levels and fit with your wellness goals.
Consumers’ growing focus on digestive health can be seen through the rise of gut-targeted functional drinks. According to One Inch Whale’s survey results, eight out of ten respondents believe their digestive health impacts overall physical well-being while three quarters recognize its connection with immunity function. As such, brands are looking for ways to balance health with enjoyment through ingredients like pea proteins and prebiotic fibers while incorporating practices like regenerative agriculture into supply chains.
Support Immune Function
Function drinks have become increasingly popular among consumers who prioritize wellness. These non-alcoholic beverages contain ingredients designed to provide health benefits, including probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, vitamins minerals and herbal extracts with bioactive effects on the body.
Immune health has become a hot trend in functional drinks, with increasing interest for beverages that help to boost immune system performance and promote mental clarity. Shiitake mushroom, reishi mushroom and ashwagandha are commonly included as ingredients within such products.
Functional beverages have long been recognized for their ability to support immunity while simultaneously aiding in hydration and recovery following exercise. Beverages containing electrolytes as well as ingredients like L-theanine and chamomile can help athletes maximize their workout results.
Support Mental Health
Consumers are increasingly turning to functional beverages that can enhance their mental and physical wellbeing, evidenced by the rising popularity of adaptogen drinks, probiotics and clean energy beverages. Retailers must keep abreast of micro-trends to ensure they stock products that meet consumers’ functional needs.
Functional beverages provide more than hydration and gut health benefits; they can also support cognitive function by offering natural energy boosts without the crash associated with caffeine or sugar. Nootropics and botanicals such as mushrooms, ginseng and Rhodiola are increasingly popular choices to support cognitive function without the crash associated with caffeine or sugar; other popular ingredients include L-theanine derived from tea leaves promoting relaxation without drowsiness is also an increasingly popular ingredient used to increase alertness and focus. Herbal ingredients such as these make functional beverages perfect for stress-relieving teas and sleep aids!
