Functional beverages – Making every sip matter

In today’s beverage landscape, consumers are seeking more than just hydration. Beverages now play a vital role in supporting health and wellness goals, offering a variety of functional benefits.

Mayuresh Bedekar from Glanbia Nutritionals notes that consumers are increasingly interested in the ingredients that make up their beverages, looking for options that cater to their specific needs, such as protein for muscle health or performance-enhancing ingredients for brain health.

Fiber-enhanced beverages are on the rise, with soluble corn fiber offering benefits beyond digestive health. Tate & Lyle’s Amanda Sia highlights the broader potential of soluble corn fiber in supporting healthy blood glucose levels and bone health.

Protein remains a key player in functional beverages, with different types of proteins delivering various physiological outcomes. FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ Sophie Zillinger Molenaar emphasizes the importance of matching the right protein to the desired health benefit.

Incorporating fat into functional beverages is also essential, especially for specific consumer groups. AAK USA Inc.’s Erhan Yildiz notes the importance of specialty fats and oils in supporting brain function, reducing inflammation, and promoting heart health.

Various functional ingredients like creatine, ashwagandha, and B-vitamin blends are gaining popularity in the beverage industry. These ingredients offer a range of benefits, from supporting focus and mental energy to boosting immunity and energy levels.

Mocean\’s product formulation features a blend of functional ingredients, like caffiene from green tea, along with echinacea and elderberry, which are botanical extracts associated with boosting immunity.

| Photo: Mocean

Functional beverages like Mocean are formulated with a variety of ingredients to offer multiple benefits. Echinacea, elderberry, perilla extract, and organic green tea extract are just a few examples of botanical extracts that support immunity and overall wellness.

Fruit concentrates are another valuable addition to functional beverages, providing not only nutritional benefits but also color, flavor, and sweetness. Ingredients like cranberry concentrate offer natural vitamin C, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting digestive wellness and immune health.

Incorporating a range of functional ingredients into beverages requires careful consideration of taste, stability, and processing. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the desired health benefits while ensuring an enjoyable drinking experience.