Imbibe will be closed on October 3, 4, 17, 18, 25, and 26. Please expect delays in responses during this time.

Beverage trends highlighted at N.R.A. Show

Tamarind, kumquat, caraway seeds and star anise may be featured in new beverage formulations. These are among trending food and drink ingredients cited by Ilana Orlofsky, marketing manager at Imbibe, a Chicago-based beverage development company.

Unusual flavors, textures and preparations are elevating coffee, tea and cocktail menus across the country, offering hydration with a splash of inspiration.

“Use your platform to bring fringe ingredients to the forefront,” Ms. Orlofsky said during a presentation at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held May 18-21 in Chicago. “Fringe is in.”

An emerging ingredient is butterfly pea flower tea, which has a midnight-blue hue that transforms into a vibrant magenta when citrus is added. The acidity in a squeeze of lemon alters the pH, Ms. Orlofsky explained.

Read the full article on Food Business News.

Keep Reading:

Nostalgia, Hydration Shape 2026 Beverages

Across the globe, nostalgia-driven flavors, upgraded hydration solutions, and functional nutrition claims are converging to redefine how people connect with what they drink and eat.
READ MORE

Cellular Health: The Next Big “Everyday Function” Trend (2026–2031)

Cellular health is emerging as the next everyday function, with new ingredients and formulation challenges shaping future food and beverage innovation.
READ MORE

Are You Ready for the Shift to Natural Food Colors?

For many, readiness depends less on regulatory intent and more on practical realities like formulation stability, flavor impact, cost targets, or supply chain constraints. How ready is your team? Take a two-minute assessment to find out!
READ MORE

Notice: Holiday Closure

Imbibe will be closed April 2, 3, 8, and 9. Please expect some delays in our response during these dates.

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.