Beyond Basic Beverages

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the content in our upcoming white paper, which is all about how to translate the latest trends into buzzworthy beverage products.

Being called “basic” isn’t a compliment anymore. With the beverage category growing increasingly competitive, brands need to find ways to stand out. With consumers changing their minds about their cravings so frequently, the industry is cycling through trends faster than ever. That can make it difficult to determine which trends to embrace and how to innovate in ways that will excite and delight picky consumers. Looking at what’s beginning to pick up steam in foodservice to get inspired is the best way to get ahead of consumers’ cravings. Grab consumers’ attention – and keep them coming back for more – by innovating to create buzzworthy beverages that are anything but basic. Keep reading for our experts’ takes on how to translate the latest trends into exciting new beverage products.

Focus on Functionality

These days, enjoying a beverage isn’t just about staying hydrated and refreshed. It’s also about what your beverages can do for you. Consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious, and they’re looking for beverages that can help support specific health and wellness goals. As a result, drinks that offer to address specific health concerns or that feature ingredients that are trending for their potential health properties have seen major surges in demand among consumers.

Among the top health concerns that consumers are seeking to address through beverages is immunity support. Pay close attention to the ingredients that are trending for the potential support they provide to the immune system. Most recently, spices like turmeric, ginger, cayenne, and cinnamon have received much attention from consumers for their potential benefits related to immunity and overall health and wellbeing. Consider featuring these spices in everything from smoothies and teas to flavored waters and wellness shots.

Support Healthier Habits

Beyond functional ingredients in beverages, consumers are making healthier choices in general. They’re spending more time researching ways in which to improve their diets – and they’re also spending more time reading ingredient labels. Providing better-for-you beverages is one way to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. Right now, consumers are focusing on cutting back on artificial sweeteners, so featuring natural alternatives, like agave and honey, is a surefire way to show these consumers that your brand understands and supports their health and wellness goals.

Hungry for more? Be sure to download our new white paper as soon as it is released!