New Active Ingredients in the Functional Drink Space

Are you looking for promising new active ingredients in the functional drink space? Look no further, we've got you covered!

March 1, 2024

These days, functional beverages are a lifestyle choice rather than just a drink. More than ever, people are concerned with their health and wellbeing. Drinks that do more than just quench thirst are becoming increasingly popular because of this trend.

They want beverages that are good for them, give them more energy, or reduce stress and affect mood. We'll look at some fascinating new active ingredients that are causing a stir in the world of functional beverages in this post. These active ingredients aren't just trendy; science has proven them to be effective in enhancing the nutritional value of your beverages.

The Evolution of Functional Drinks

There was a time when drinks were straightforward. People drank milk, coffee, tea, or water, but as times have evolved, so have our beverages. With the emphasis on health among the general population growing, people are looking for drinks that not only provide energy and hydration, but a myriad of nutritional benefits. This marked the beginning of the rise of functional beverages. Companies have been experimenting with new ingredients that offer health benefits like better sleep, improved digestion, or even mental clarity.

The best part? Consumers love these new options. The demand for healthier drink options is driving brands to get creative and continue innovating. That's why we are seeing newer and more innovative active ingredients making their way into our beverages today. These new drinks are not just a fad; they're a response to what people want and need in their busy, health-conscious lives.

Current Trends in Functional Drinks

The market for functional beverages is booming right now. Consumers want something special in their bottles and cans; they're not just shopping for drinks. The use of organic and natural substances is becoming increasingly popular. No more unpronounceable words or weird ingredients. People want drinks straight from mother nature herself.

Energy is a hot topic on everyone's minds these days, but not just any energy. People want energy that won't make them crash hours later. Energy drinks derived from natural sources have become particularly popular for satisfying this need. Consider yerba mate or green tea. They provide you with an energy boost without wearing you out later.

Another important factor in today's trends is gut health. Ingredients that help maintain a strong immune system and healthy gut are in high demand. It makes sense that people would want to maintain the strongest bodies possible given everything that is going on in the world today. You're seeing ingredients like zinc, vitamin C, and even elderberry fruits everywhere. We saw this in full force at Natural Products Expo West this year when Sensapure walked the show floor. Countless booths promoted gut health and superfoods like goji berry, pomegranate, prebiotics and probiotics, which support a healthy digestive tract and are increasingly seen in functional drinks.

Finally, let's not forget about relaxation and stress relief. Drinks that help us relax are becoming more and more popular because of our fast-paced, stressful lifestyles. Key participants in the beverage market these days include ingredients like CBD, lavender, and chamomile.

To sum it up, the trends in functional beverages are all about natural, healthy, and beneficial ingredients. Whether it's boosting energy, supporting health, aiding digestion, or helping us relax, these drinks are designed to meet the demands of our busy, health-conscious lifestyles.

Active Ingredients in Focus

The functional beverage market is constantly evolving, and some exciting new ingredients are starting to make an appearance. Let's take a closer look at these game-changers:

Adaptogens: Natural Stress-Relievers

Adaptogens are the new stars in the functional beverage world. They're like nature's stress killers. When you're feeling the pressure, these active ingredients help your body cope better. Some of the most popular adaptogens nowadays are Ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea.  Not only are they popular, but studies have demonstrated their efficacy in reducing stress.

Nootropics: Cognitive Enhancers

Next up are nootropics. Nootropics will increase concentration, clarity, and focus. L-Theanine, which is present in green tea, and Bacopa monnieri have become some of the most popular ingredients. These are ideal for times when you need to focus, such as during hectic workdays or exams.

A study on nootropics found:

Ginkgo biloba was the most relevant nootropic regarding perceptual and motor functions. Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) modulates anxiety and social-related cognitions. Caffeine enhances attention and executive functions

(source)

Antioxidants: Fighting Free Radicals

Antioxidants are not new, but they're still vital active ingredients. They shield your body from the harmful effects of free radicals, which are produced by pollution and other toxic substances. Two antioxidants that are finding their way into more and more beverages are matcha and elderberry. Not only do they taste amazing, but they are also extremely nutritious.

Probiotics: Gut Health Improvers

Gut health is a big deal, and probiotics are the tip of the spear in this trend. These beneficial bacteria support the health of your digestive system. Some drinks containing probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are becoming quite common, as they're excellent for maintaining the health and well-being of your digestive system.

Plant-based Proteins: Sustainable Nutrition

Finally, we have plant-based proteins like pea protein and hemp protein. These proteins are quite popular because more people are exploring vegan diets or eating less meat. They provide an alternative to animal-based goods, which some view as a sustainable source of protein.

The global plant-based protein beverages market is projected to grow substantially. In 2022, the market size was estimated at around USD 1065.3 million and is anticipated to reach approximately USD 2664.3 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.60%

(source)

These new ingredients demonstrate how closely the functional beverage industry caters to our wellness and health objectives. It's not only about making drinks taste amazing; it's also about making them beneficial to your health.

What Are Active Ingredients

When we talk about these new active ingredients in functional beverages, it's not just guesswork. There's real science behind them. Researchers have been studying these ingredients to see how they affect our health.

Take adaptogens as an example. Rhodiola rosea and ashwagandha have been shown in studies to reduce stress. They function by keeping your body's stress hormone levels in check. Ultimately, this results in less anxiety and better quality of life.

The effect of adaptogenic plants on stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis

(source)

Science also supports nootropics such as L-Theanine. It's been demonstrated that they enhance the activity of the brain. This translates into increased clarity and focus, which is fantastic for situations in which concentration is required.

Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs

(source)

The health advantages of antioxidants like elderberry and matcha are also widely recognized. They target free radicals, which have the potential to harm our cells. Our bodies remain healthier and stronger as a result.

The importance of antioxidants and place in today’s scientific and technological studies

(source)

Another topic with a lot of research is probiotics. The common bacteria found in these drinks, Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, have been shown to enhance intestinal health. Better digestion and even mood enhancement are associated with a healthy gut.

Probiotics: mechanism of action, health benefits and their application in food industries.

(source)

And let's not forget about plant-based proteins like pea and hemp protein. Not only are they good for you, they are also good for the environment. They provide a sustainable source of protein, which is a benefit for all parties involved.

Though these ingredients are valuable, it's crucial to keep in mind that they're only one aspect of the whole picture. A balanced diet and way of living are key for health. Although these beverages are a terrific addition, they function best when paired with other healthy choices.

Market Impact and Consumer Response

Customers' reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. People love that the beverages they drink have positive effects on their health. Not only do they provide hydration, but they also enhance overall wellness. Sales have increased as a result, and there is a lot of curiosity about these new drink varieties.

Brands are also noticing this trend and are quickly investing in R&D to create new functional beverages. This is good news for consumers because it means more choices and higher quality products.

As these drinks become more popular, we can expect to see even more innovative ingredients and products emerge because brands are quickly investing in R&D to create new functional beverages. The future of functional beverages looks bright, and it's all thanks to the new consumer focus on health and quality ingredients.

Challenges and Considerations In Active Ingredients

Although very appealing, there are several considerations and challenges with active ingredients for functional beverages. Sourcing these substances is the first hurdle. It's critical that they come from environmentally friendly sources. For ingredients such as adaptogens, nootropics, and plant-based proteins, this means finding sustainable suppliers.

Then there's the challenge of cost. Some of these ingredients can be expensive, which can make the final product pricey. This poses issues for a large percentage of the consumer base. It's important to find a balance so that these healthy drinks are affordable and accessible to everyone.

Another significant constraint is taste. To be straightforward, several of these ingredients aren't that tasty by themselves. It takes a lot of effort on the part of

companies to create enjoyable and healthy drinks. Maintaining this delicate equilibrium is essential to ensuring that consumers will genuinely prefer these kinds of beverages. That’s where we come in. Sensapure can help you build a great tasting functional beverage with trending active ingredients from the ground up. No more shying away from bad tasting actives, we can help you create the best tasting functional beverage that will have your customers coming back for more.

Conclusion

In summary, there's no denying that the world of functional beverages is becoming increasingly attractive. These drinks contain new nutrients like probiotics, antioxidants, nootropics, adaptogens, and plant-based proteins that offer more than simply quenching thirst—they also improve health.

It's a great time for people who care about what they drink. As more research is done and more products hit the market, we can expect even more amazing options. These drinks are more than just a trend; they're a sign of how we're changing the way we think about our health and what we consume.

In the future, we can look forward to even more innovative and healthy drinks. The functional beverage market is evolving, and it's doing so in a way that meets our needs for health, taste, and sustainability. It's an exciting journey, and we're just getting started.

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