Next-Gen Beverages : Fortified, Functional, and Flavorful
From functional and sport drinks, to low or no alcohol beverages, formulate with less sugar, added fiber and protein, and health benefits, without compromising taste.
Meeting Modern Demands for Nutrition, Taste, and Wellbeing
The beverage landscape is evolving rapidly. Consumers now expect more from the drinks they choose. They are seeking not only great taste and refreshment but also improved nutrition and health benefits. Consumers are looking for less sugar, fewer calories, and drinks that do more—such as supporting gut health, boosting immunity, and aiding hydration. In response, the beverage market is addressing these needs with innovative concepts, some of them including prebiotics and fibers.
Market Drivers and Industry Trends
The global beverage segment is being reshaped by several forces.
Sugar reduction
There is increasing pressure, from both consumers and regulators, for clear reduction in sugar in drinks. Recent data highlights that sugar reduction claims have appeared in over 14% of new product launches globally. Equally notable is the rise of “low/no/reduced calorie” beverages, growing at a 4% CAGR.1
Functional health benefits
Consumers are seeking drinks with prebiotics, fiber, added protein, and botanicals. Digestive health, hydration, and immunity-boosting are leading purchase motivations.
Plant-based and sustainability
Vegan and “no animal” claims show a robust 10% CAGR, underscoring a shift toward plant-based and environmentally mindful choices.
1. Mintel “a-year-of-innovation-in-carbonated-soft-drinks-2023,” “The future of juice, juice drinks 2024,” and “The future of Carbonated Soft Drinks 2024”
Challenges in Beverage Development
Despite exciting growth opportunities, developers face three significant challenges:
Sugar Management and Calorie Control
Beverages are a major source of added sugars and calories in many diets. There is increasing pressure, from both consumers and regulators, for clear reductions, while maintaining the enjoyable refreshment of the original products. The challenge is keeping the sweetness (very often addressed with intense sweeteners) and adequate mouthfeel, which might be difficult.
Bringing Cost-Effective, Appealing Solutions to Market
Formulators must address flavor changes, emulsion stability, preservation needs, and nutrition, while delivering cost-effective products. Clean label requirements and plant-based trends add further complexity.
Ingredient Solutions for Every Beverage Subsegment
Functional/RTD (ready-to-drink) Drinks
Meet the need for functional hydration and health with NUTRIOSE® soluble fiber, a sugar-free, non-GMO fiber from maize or wheat. NUTRIOSE® offers clinically proven health benefits including gut health and blood glucose management, high tolerance (up to 45g/day), an off-white color and a bland taste. NUTRIOSE® contributes to the mouthfeel with fewer calories. Its easy integration supports a range of ready-to-drink (RTD) formats: juice, soda, water, and more.
Low/No Alcohol and Sport Drinks
Consumers are expanding their occasions for beverage consumption, wanting healthier alcohol alternatives and sports drinks with better nutrient profiles. Roquette helps you enhance fiber, protein, and even improve glycaemic response. NUTRALYS® plant proteins and NUTRIOSE® soluble fibers create high-performing, plant-based options with excellent solubility and taste. NUTRALYS® plant protein also offers an answer for wine fining as demand for animal-free products rises.
Juices, Waters, and Sodas
With sugar reduction and enrichment at the forefront, Roquette allows you to boost fiber content, address gut health, and even include protein. Our solutions help maintain or improve Nutri-Score and offer clean-label, vegan, and allergen-free options.
Instant Powders
Consumer preferences for convenient, on-the-go formats can be addressed with low-foam, quick-dispersing Roquette PREGEFLO® pregelatinized starches, GLUCIDEX® maltodextrin and NUTRIOSE® soluble fiber. They help build mouthfeel and enable significant sugar reduction, all while delivering indulgence and nutrition.
At Roquette, we are ready to help you meet these consumer demands with high-performing, evidence-backed ingredient solutions for every beverage application. Whether for healthier sodas, nutritious juices, innovative sport drinks, or functional low/no alcohol options, our globally recognized expertise and portfolio set you up for success.