A report recently published by Packaged Facts describes six top beverage trends that grew during the pandemic and are expected to gain even more traction in the future. These include:

1. Dairy-free and plant-based alternatives

Dairy-free plant-based alternative beverages form a growing niche that continues to take a share from traditional dairy beverages. Although dairy alternatives were developed for vegans, the market now targets a broader range of consumers including flexitarians and omnivores who are concerned about their health, animal welfare, and climate change.

2. The next wave of “better-for-you” beverages

“Better-for-you” beverages feature clean labels, natural ingredients, less sugar, fewer calories, and caffeine alternatives. Products with these qualities have been in high demand, and the pandemic only heightened people’s focus on wellness, immunity, and stress reduction.

3. Sugar reduction

More consumers are working to reduce their sugar intake, driving beverage makers to release new, reduced- or no-sugar varieties. Soda, juice, energy drinks, and RTD tea manufacturers have all jumped on the bandwagon.

4. Hybrid beverages

New products that blend the best qualities of different drinks blur the lines between product categories is another growing trend. For example, energy drinks increasingly include electrolytes and advertise hydration, while sports drinks contain caffeine and other stimulants. Sparkling waters may contain caffeine from tea and flavour from a juice.

Courtesy of Bizcommunity – read full article here.