The COVID-19 pandemic illuminated consumer interest in vitamins and minerals. Experts note that more of today’s consumers are awakening  to “better-for-you” (BFY) beverage trends as they continue to seek drinks that provide fortification

Consumers are more knowledgeable nowadays; therefore, they hold their food and beverage choices to higher standards, experts note.

With consumers’ brains in overdrive, many are turning to beverages that support their mental well-being.

Given the demand for ingredients that support cognitive health and energy enhancement, ingredient suppliers caution that formulation is more complicated than simply adding into the formula.

With more consumers seeking reduced-sugar or sugar-free drinks, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, monk fruit and allulose to deliver products without sacrificing on taste.

As more and more consumers learn about the gut microbiome and its role in overall health and wellness, experts highlight how incorporating fiber and biotic solutions can help beverage-makers meet consumers’ various need states.

With growing awareness of the connections between individual health and that of nature or the environment, such interests are prompting more consumers to seek out clean label and non-GMO beverages.

As more consumers are recognizing the link between immune-health and overall health, experts note that the demand for functional beverages that support immunity has never been higher.

As consumers become increasingly aware of their sugar intake, beverage-makers must deliver drinks that are sweet with natural sweeteners.

Experts note that convenience, drinkability and protein content are key drivers of the performance beverage market.

As wellness trends have taken hold in the beverage space, experts highlight how natural and organic trends are impacting color choices used in the market.

Experts note that shifts in consumer behavior have caused beverage brands to find new ways to deliver on fortification and personalization.

With consumers’ wellness approach toward weight management, experts highlight how demand for nutritious drinks that support overall well-being is transforming the industry. 

Although on-the-go lifestyles are prompting interest in beverages with an energy and cognitive focus, experts highlight that purity and effectiveness are leading new product development.

Natural sweeteners are looking to deliver sweet solutions while accommodating consumer demands for less sugar content.

Experts note how more and more consumers — not just athletes — are striving to live healthier lives and making conscious decisions about their health.

Experts note that consumers are becoming increasingly aware of how prioritizing gut health impacts the immune system and mental health.

Experts share insights on why consumers are drawn to clean label and non-GMO beverages, as well as what beverage-makers can do to appeal to such preferences.

With its complex formulas helping consumers further their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the functional beverage market has thrived. Detox drinks have benefited from this interest, but is not without its challenges.

The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) returned to McCormick Place for the IFT FIRST: Annual Event & Expo where exhibitors were presented an array of ingredient literature as well as prototypes featuring these solutions.

When it comes to trends influencing the beverage market, consumers’ preferences for various sweeteners is being expressed through their drink purchases.

Today’s performance beverages have evolved beyond providing energy, but also are supporting broader health and wellness goals.

Breckenridge Brewery, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, unveiled its Oktoberfest Lager.

American Metal Whiskey, an extension of American Metal Customs shop celebrated for its custom cars and motorcycles, unveiled its new whiskey innovation: The Disciple. 

Bruichladdich Distillery announced the release of its next Octomore series: Octomore 15. 

REBBL announced the return of its Protein Spiced Pumpkin Pie functional beverage, available for a limited time. 

Beverage Industry has selected eight new beverage products introduced in October 2024. Vote below to let us know which new product is your favorite!

Wynk, an award-winning cannabis seltzer, announced the launch of its newest limited-edition flavor: Cran-Blood Orange.

Through its new global brand platform and U.S. ad campaign, White Claw is inspiring even more people to seek out genuine, real-world connections — and “Grab Life By The Claw.” 

Fireball, a brand of Sazerac Co., Louisville, Ky., is set to gallop into this year's classic horse racing events with bespoke, fiery hats dubbed “Hot Lids,” bringing a dash of cinnamon spice to the typical race day experience.

From offering consumer insights, enhancing product development to supply chain optimization, experts weigh in on how AI solutions are transforming the beverage industry. 

The Arizona Bowl, which brings together teams from the Mountain West Conference and Mid-American Conference each year, announced a multi-year sponsorship deal, titling the event the “Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl Presented by Gin & Juice By Dre and Snoop,” to air at 2:30pm MST on Dec. 28. 

On the heels of Kathy Hilton’s musical debut in SMASH TEA PARTAY: A Smirnoff ICE Musical, the reality TV star and Smirnoff ICE are back to spill the tea on the brand’s latest flavor offerings of Smirnoff ICE SMASH Tea.

Malibu, a brand of Pernod Ricard, New York, unveiled its new summer campaign in partnership with TV personality Paige DeSorbo to bring the vacation anytime, anywhere. 

In conjunction with National Iced Tea Month, Bethesda, Md.-based JUST ICE Tea announced its summer campaign: Tea Marks the Spot. 

The highly anticipated Season 3 of FX’s “The Bear” is just days away, and Stella Artois is returning for its starring role at the dining table.

Seagram's 7 Crown, a brand of Diageo North America, New York, is toasting timeless American staples with an icon in America – the 7&7— with the launch of its new ad campaign, Timeless Taste.

Consumers have hit the road and air this summer, creating more eyeballs on out-of-home ad campaigns. Clear Channel Outdoor offers insights on how beverage brands can create campaigns to help support their summer sales goals.

As brands look to employ creator-generated content as part of their advertising campaigns, understanding how consumers engage and receive this influencer content can be vital to support their brands.

Chicago-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. is partnering with actor Lamorne Morris to host an interactive pop-up event: Mike’s Jobstacle Course. This immersive experience will prove that every job has its hard days. And a hard day deserves a refreshing-tasting Mike’s Hard Lemonade, the company says.

With all the current buzz around brand collaborations, experts highlight some of the opportunities, challenges, and factors to consider when embarking on a licensing partnership.

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), Burlington, Mass., and Frisco, Texas, has teamed up with Soccer United Marketing (SUM) to unveil a new multi-year partnership with the Federación Mexicana de Futbol (FMF), making Keurig Dr Pepper an official partner of the U.S. tours for the Mexican Men’s and Women’s National Teams.

SONIC Drive-In, Atlanta, is casting a spell on taste buds nationwide this Halloween season with the launch of its Witch’s Brew Slush Float. 

Piper-Heidsieck, Reims, France, announces the launch of its Twist the Script campaign, a tribute to the brand’s creativity and history, it says.

Mango Shotta, a brand of Sazerac, Louisville, Ky., announced its latest initiative, inspired by Arturo, the brand’s eerie skeleton dog mascot. In the spirit of Halloween fun and commitment to shelter dogs, Mango Shotta unveiled its search for the “Scariest Spokesb*tch."

With its complex formulas helping consumers further their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, the functional beverage market has thrived. Detox drinks have benefited from this interest, but is not without its challenges.

Califia Farms unveiled its Organic Almond Creamers, made with simple ingredients and no gums or oils. 

Caribe Juice, makers of WTRMLN WTR, announced the launch of WTRMLN ADE, a clean cold-pressed ultra-hydrating lemonade that harnesses the superpower of real watermelon.

Aplós announced the launch of Aplós Cocktails, a lineup of ready-to-drink non-alcohol canned cocktails.

Jones Soda Co., Seattle, announced the launch of Mary Jones Hemp Delta-9 (HD-9) Shooters. The new product joins the brand's HD-9 craft sodas and gummies, featuring the same pure cane sugar formulation and classic taste of Jones Soda, adapted for HD-9.