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

IMBIBE RELEASES TREND INSIGHTS FROM EXPO WEST

(Niles, Illinois) March 14, 2017 – Imbibe, an industry-leading beverage development company focused on formulating and commercializing cutting-edge products, released insights from Expo West, which took place Mar. 8 to 11 in Anaheim, California. Here are the most prevalent trends our beverage experts saw at the tradeshow:

  • Hyper-customization – Products that fulfill individual needs were pervasive across food and beverage categories, and brands were calling out functions on product labels. The most common functions included immune support, increased energy, enhanced beauty, detox and improved cognition. Examples include a range of wellness shots by brands like Vive, Nootra and Brain Juice, and functional product lines by brands like Coffee Blenders, Tea Riot, and Beauty and Go.
  • Functional botanicals – Turmeric was the most popular ingredient at Expo West, and was in products from golden milk to corn flake cereal. Lavender, elderflower, rose, and ginger were also very common botanicals featured in products like the Ginger People Turmeric and Ginger Latte, The Bu Lavender Kombucha, Cawston Press Elderflower Lemonade, and H2 Rose Beauty Water. Schizandra, an adaptogen, is an emerging botanical that is in Rebbl Elixir Berries & Cream, Goldthread Schzandra Supreme, and Rise Rose & Schizandra Kombucha.
  • Mushrooms – Reishi, lion’s mane, chaga and cordyceps were in products across the show floor as a functional ingredient or as a meat alternative. They were featured in coffee and tea by brands like Rebbl, Wonder Fuel, and Choice, as a powder supplement in Om products and Nutrasumma Plant Protein, and as a meat alternative in Pan’s Mushroom Jerky.
  • Collagen – Collagen was very prominent at Expo. It could be found as a powder supplement, in RTDs and in foods like protein bars, jerky and broths. Examples include Vital Proteins collagen powder, Eviva Collagen Elixir and Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bar. There were more powders than ready-to-drink or eat products at the Expo; however based on the prevalence of the ingredient at Expo we expect more RTDs to be launched in the near future.
  • Organic and/or natural energy drinks – Many brands showcased organic and/or natural energy drinks. Examples include Dark Dog Organic Energy Drink, Zola Organic Hydrating Energy Drink made with sparkling coconut water, and Limitless lightly caffeinated sparkling water.
  • Plant-based Products – Plant-based products were widespread throughout Expo. Innovative nut-milks included Malk Cashew Malk (strawberry flavored and original), Elmhurst Milked Peanuts (original and chocolate/peanut), and 137 Degrees Walnut and Pistachio milks. Other innovative plant-based milk alternatives included Mooala Banana Milk, Oat-ly Oat Milk, and Good Karma Flax Milk. Plant-based protein powders were also prominently featured, and pea protein was the rising star.

For a complimentary copy of the full trend report email thedrinktank@imbibeinc.com.

 

Keep Reading:

Functional Energy Beverages Show No Signs of Slowing in 2025

The high volume of projects in our lab centered on hydration, energy, protein, and coffee confirms the current consumer trend: energy and other functional benefits are driving market interest and innovation.
READ MORE

Flavor Drop for Luck: Irish Cream & Marshmallow Cereal

Irish Cream and Marshmallow Cereal: Timeless flavors for St. Patrick's Day and beyond.
READ MORE
chocolate

Navigating the Cocoa Crisis: Alternative Solutions for Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Are you feeling the cocoa crisis? Imbibe's technical team and flavor chemists can help.
READ MORE