“"

Ingredient: stevia-free sweeteners

Assorted functional beverages showing energy, hydration, protein, gut health and sugar-free formulation categories

What Are Functional Beverages? They Are the Hottest Global Trend in Wellness. Here Are 2026 Market Trends and Formulation Opportunities.

August 12th, 2026

Quick Take: A functional beverage is a drink made to provide a benefit beyond water. Functional beverages deliver specific benefits like energy, hydration, gut health or focus by adding functional ingredients like caffeine, electrolytes or fiber. Most functional beverages carry little or no sugar. In 2026, the category is valued at more than $170 billion […]

Continue Reading >