2023 brought a wave of innovation across non-alcoholic drink categories, from an increased use of mood-enhancing functional ingredients to better-for-you innovation across traditionally indulgent drink segments. Below, we’ve rounded up 5 Trends to Watch to inspire innovation and creativity in the new year.

Check out our 5 Trends to Watch in 2024 featuring Non-Alcoholic Beverages:

     1. Functionality Becomes a Standard.

82% of consumers desire to see functional ingredients in their drinks (Beverage Daily Innovation Webinar), and are willing to pay extra for it. Considering the growth of pro/prebiotic sodas, adaptogen ingredients and more, consumers will continue to expect more from NA beverage companies.

     2. Flavors of Refreshment and Liveliness.

Consumers associate citrus flavors with refreshment and liveliness as hydration continues to be top of mind as a result of pandemic mentality. While lemon and lime naturally top the list in terms of flavor launches, this opens the door for increased activity in exotic citruses, like yuzu, blood orange, and pink grapefruit. Other flavors to watch are watermelon, strawberry, mango, passionfruit, and blueberry. (Innova Market Insights)

     3. Growth of Plant-based Waters.

60% of consumers in North America state they consume bottled plant-based waters for health purposes. Coconut, aloe, cactus and watermelon waters drove launches throughout 2023. Expect to see exploration of more plant-based waters paired with functional ingredients to meet consumer health desires in 2024.

     4. Non-alcohol Alternatives Beyond Beer.

The non-alcoholic market continues to see a slow yet steady growth in the US, as brands look beyond beer for alcohol alternatives. Spirit-less spirits, relaxation waters, NA wine and other categories are exploring avenues to meet consumers desire for moderation while maintaining socialization.

     5. Beverages Rise to, or Make, the Occasion.

Across the US, consumers reach for different (or multiple) types of drinks at different times in the day. As hybrid beverages continue to blur the line between drink categories, we can anticipate the evolution of new use occasions, like a post-meal peppermint watermelon water.

From non-alcoholic spirits and beers to premium soft drinks, Synergy’s collaborative environment enables you to create great-tasting beverages with our natural flavors, extracts, essences and taste modulation solutions. The technical challenges involved in creating low and no drinks mean that consulting a flavor and beverage specialist like Synergy Flavors is key to your product’s success.

Contact us to learn more about how we can help you inspire taste in beverage.

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