A Nutritional Beverage Boost

Nutrition On the Go

Health conscious, on-the-go consumers are looking to get their nutrients from everyday products. In fact, according to Datamonitor Consumer, 61% of U.S. consumers somewhat or actively use food and drinks to improve their health.

As a result, the healthy beverage market has seen steady growth. Retail sales of functional beverages in the U.S. reached approximately $18 billion in 2014, according to Statista.

Here’s a look at some recent products that demonstrate broader trends and themes in the marketplace.

Soft Drinks Redefined

In the U.S., the carbonated beverage category is expected to decline due in part due to negative associations with sugary soft drinks.

Looking to reinvent the category with healthy, natural ingredients, Bai Brands LLC has gained a significant following. The company manufacturers an antioxidant infused beverage range featuring coffeefruit. An expanded ranges includes a Sparkling Antioxidant Infusion line offered in Gimbi Pink Grapefruit, Bolivia Black Cherry, Peru Pineapple, Waikiki Coconut, Jamaica Blood Orange, Indonesia Nashi Pear, and Guatemala Guava.

Each contains only 1 gram of sugar and 5 calories per serving; they are also vegan, low-glycemic, gluten-free and non-GMO.

Super Smoothies

High protein smoothies attract a sizeable following. Following the success of Orgain, a doctor-developed ready-to-drink, organic nutritional shake, RTD smoothies have proliferated in popularity.

Stonyfield Farm, Londonderry, NH, has developed a new range of organic smoothie under the Stonyfield OP (Organic Protein) brand. Available in Strawberry, Chocolate, and Vanilla flavors, the product contains 15 grams of protein. It is also Kosher and free of artificial ingredients, sweeteners, and gluten.

Almond Milk

Consumers with allergies and/or intolerance to cow’s milk or soy milk have been adopting nut milks as alternatives.

Bolthouse Farms, has launched a new Almond Milk Smoothie available in a Blueberry Banana flavor. The non-dairy beverage claims to be low in fat and high in fiber (3 grams).

Coconut Water

Tapping into demand for coconut water and protein, Whey Coco promotes its brand of premium whey protein and coconut water beverage as “Nature’s Recovery Fuel.”

The Chocolate-flavored variety is 100% natural, vegetarian, gluten-free, high in potassium and protein and recommended for post workout hydration and muscle recovery.

The Protein Push

With the success of protein in general, and Greek yogurt specifically, Powerful Men, LLC, Bronx, NY, has developed a protein drink under its Powerful Yogurt brand. Available in Vanilla Maple, Blueberry Acai, and Chocolate varieties, the product features 20 grams of protein.

While its spoonable Greek yogurt targeted a male audience, this product could help the company expand its base.

Kombucha

The health halo around kombucha has led to widespread adoption among consumers. Alongside interest in probiotics beyond yogurt, the Hain Celestial Group has tapped into demand for exotic and inventive flavors.

For example, the company has added Coconut Lime Hibiscus to its Celestial Organics brand. The product is organic, gluten-free, and contains probiotics.

Cold Pressed & Raw

Following the success of cold pressed, refrigerated juices, Robinson Beverages has launched its Crude brand of 100% juices, which the company offers in Red #1 (blend of pear, beet, ginger, aloe vera, & coconut water), Green #1 (blend of spinach, honeydew, lime, carrot, orange & spirulina), and Orange #1 (blend of sweet potato, apple, camu camu, lemon & cardamom) flavors.

Each organic, gluten-free, GMO-free juice is HPP treated to retain nutrients and is made with no added water, sugars, concentrates or flavors. The name Crude itself suggests natural or unrefined, supporting the healthy, natural beverage platform.

Spices

Use of turmeric/curcumin has grown substantially in recent years thanks to new clinical research, consumer awareness and delivery solutions that are able to boost bioavailability.

A Datamonitor Consumer Survey in 2015 found 56% of consumers globally considered that turmeric will have a positive impact on their health.
Tu Me Beverage Company markets its turmeric-infused water as a natural sports drink that vitamin C and antioxidants. It is available in Turmeric With Citrus, Turmeric With Mango, and Turmeric With Berries.