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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Fable announced the nationwide launch of its signature line of premium THC/CBD-infused botanical cocktails.

Chobani LLC, New Berlin, N.Y., launched its first-ever shelf-stable low-fat dairy milk: Chobani Super Milk. This latest product innovation is nutrient rich and is made specifically to be donated to support people impacted by disasters as well as help some of the most vulnerable in Chobani’s hometowns, the company says.

In partnership with 20th Century Studios, International Delight is teaming up with film favorite “Home Alone” to give consumers a nostalgic taste this holiday season.

Athletic Brewing Co., Milford, Conn. and San Diego, is teaming up with Arsenal, becoming the club’s first Official Non-Alcoholic Beer Partner. Starting this August, the partnership will see cans of Athletic’s award-winning Run Wild IPA available at Emirates Stadium, London, for all men’s and women’s matches.

Forca Foods announced the launch of MILKish Watermelon Seedmilk, a new plant-based milk made from watermelon seeds.

In beverage warehouses, the rise of automation has prompted conveyor manufacturers to continue to make advancements to ensure that the speed and pace are in sync and processes are running efficiently.

For beverage manufacturers looking to tackle the challenge of building a new facility, experts highlight the ins and outs of planning to get the job done, as well as current trends that are shaping the need to build or revamp a facility.

The challenges of today’s labor market have made automated guided vehicles (AGVs) a growing solution for beverage warehouses.

As operational complexity increases in today’s beverage warehouses, experts highlight how voice picking and guided work solutions are helping to achieve goals in fast-paced environments.

Teeling Whiskey and Notre Dame Athletics have collaborated on a special, limited-edition bottle featuring Teeling’s Small Batch whiskey.

Liquid Remedy announced a brand enhancement in its United States market, which includes updating its name, logo and packaging from Remedy Drinks to Liquid Remedy. 

With Halloween lurking, Bacardí has reimagined its limited-edition bottle. Bacardí’s newest limited-edition mummified Halloween bottle features a mysterious glow-in-the-dark design.

Johnnie Walker is unveiling a limited-edition bottle design of Black Label with numbers ranging from 001-456, the number of players featured in the series “Squid Game,” which returns to Netflix on Dec. 26

The signing of California AB-2316 and AB-418 have placed greater interest on natural color solutions as beverage manufacturers consider impact of state’s legislation.

On The Rocks Premium Cocktails unveiled its latest offering: the Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour, a limited-edition cocktail now available in select markets nationwide.

ADM unveils global consumer trends outlook report while NutriLeads announced a new clinical research paper regarding its BeniCaros ingredient.

BENEO, a functional ingredient manufacturer, has increased global capacity for its prebiotic chicory root fibers by 30%, while also reducing specific energy consumption by 35%.

Ingredient suppliers release innovations to support immune health, plant-based food and beverages.

Ingredient companies continue to advance operations with new product launches, facility expansions, as well as a diversified workforces. 

Ingredient suppliers are making moves to aid today’s beverage-makers. Monin Americas released a Spicy Agave Sweetener, while Kyowa Hakko USA announced the launch of CENTR Enhanced sparkling water.  

The company notes that these functional beverages provide both energy and the “added benefit of mental focus.” The 12-ounce servings contain 100 mg of natural caffeine, as well as 100 mg of natural L-theanine.

Ingredient companies announced new hires as well as case studies detailing consumer trends influencing new product development.

Ingredient companies announced new research on ingredients performance as well as company progress toward ESG.

As beverage-makers seek out prebiotics and stevia solutions, ingredient suppliers are increasing production capabilities to support these needs.

To give innovators a leg up on the competition, ingredient suppliers are expanding their services as well as product lines for beverage development.

Ingredient suppliers are sharing the latest on safety opinions as well as announcing platform expansions and division sales.

Ingredient suppliers are prioritizing sustainability with new hires and innovations.

Ingredient suppliers are prioritizing sustainability and new facilities.

Ingredient suppliers announce acquisitions and pinpoint consumer trends driving color concepts.

At this year’s IFT First Annual Meeting and Expo in Chicago, PLT Health Solutions Inc., Morristown, N.J., will highlight its growing portfolio of beverage-friendly ingredients that provide a broad range of science-backed benefits for the burgeoning functional beverage market, it notes. 

Ingredient suppliers announce headquarter moves, while awareness of Uganda -sourced vanilla grows.

BENEO announces its new CEO while HOWTIAN introduces SoPure Andromeda.

Ingredient manufacturers launch new platforms to expand their capabilities to support the organic and natural beverage sectors.

Ingredient manufacturers announce facility expansions and openings.

With the countdown to summer officially on, MTN DEW wants everyone to celebrate the great outdoors by unveiling three new limited-time MTN DEW RED, WHITE & BLUE offerings.

This year’s State of the Industry report on carbonated soft drinks explores how flavor and functionality innovations entice consumers. 

The Coca-Cola and OREO brands have teamed up as “besties” to create two exclusive and limited-edition products: OREO Coca-Cola Sandwich Cookie and Coca-Cola OREO Zero Sugar Limited Edition. 

Atlanta-based The Coca-Cola Co. will discontinue production of Spiced, a permanent flavor that was introduced in February of this year.

Zevia, a zero sugar beverage company, announced the launch of its new Salted Caramel Soda, a limited-edition flavor sold only on Amazon and Zevia.com.

In time for the holidays, Sprite announced it is bringing back its iconic Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry.

Shock Top, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, announced the return of its seasonal brew: Shock Top Twisted Pretzel. 

The limited-edition L0VE.L0VE Heineken 0.0 packaging is available exclusively at the U.S. Open to celebrate the start of every match and the endless outcomes when enjoying a zero alcohol brew.