New taste and health functions have become a new trend in beverage research and development

According to relevant market research in the beverage industry, consumers' attention to health has a significant trend of improvement, and some experts said that the formula of healthy taste should boldly try innovative combinations and forms
.
By integrating healthy flavors into beverage applications, beverage brands can emphasize their focus on
targeted nutritional categories such as immunity, brain health, aging, and digestion.
Especially since the pandemic, beverages with functional flavors have become popular among consumers
.
Current influential ingredient categories include antioxidant-rich superfoods/berries, super powders, teas, medicinal mushrooms, and ingredients
containing healthy fats.
The actual product categories that drive functional flavors are kombucha and fermented products, protein and green drinks, herbal teas and cold-pressed juices, among others
.

innovation

Health and functionality are not important factors
driving beverage innovation.
Experts say brands continue to focus on reducing sugar
.
In fact, the International Food Information Council's (IFIC) 2020 Food and Health Survey found that 74% of respondents tried to limit or avoid sugar
in their diet.

The beverage industry is leading the way in reducing sugar content, with a 2.
9% reduction in sugar across all retail categories, a trend that has translated into other food and beverage categories
.
For example, energy drink brands reduce sugar by adding vitamins
.
Juice brands are also addressing consumer concerns
about sugar by promising natural sweeteners and clean formulas.

Back to nature

Another taste trend to watch out for is "back to nature," with experts noting that labels like "natural" are appealing to consumers
.
Following functional and feel-good tastes, unpretentious and natural tastes are the trend
.

From a consumer's perspective, natural ingredients are better for you, so brands can easily associate
them with products when choosing flavors that meet label requirements.
Spices made with natural flavors, natural extracts and certified organic continue to gain popularity
in new product development.

Emerging and exotic flavors

While traditional flavors are a major trend in beverage development, experts point out that as consumers become more adventurous, they are increasingly interested in emerging and exotic flavors
.

Experts point out that plant extracts such as pepper, chamomile, cinnamon, eucalyptus, elderflower, green tea, hibiscus, peppermint and rosemary, among others, are becoming flavors for relaxing and hydrating drinks
.
In addition, mixing and matching ingredients can be used for creative functional flavor development inspiration
.
Pairings such as spices and herbs with fruits can create more complex and exciting flavors
.

With international travel halted due to the pandemic, consumers are looking for globally inspired food and beverage flavors
.
"People always need more traditional flavors, but we are also looking at exotic fruit flavors and floral flavors
," the expert said.
For example, consumers are interested in
lavender and hibiscus.
”

Under the influence of healthy diet and green consumption concepts, coffee drinks and functional drinks have a lot of room for innovation, consumers also have high expectations for these two categories, functionality, natural ingredients, adventure taste, etc.
have become important dimensions for beverages to attract a new generation of consumers, which also provides innovative ideas and motivation
for beverage developers.