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

Next-Gen Beverages Offer Better-for-You Benefits, Sensory Appeal

The adage, “let thy food be thy medicine,” may be more than 2,000 years old, but the concept has been gradually impacting the beverage industry during the last decade.

Health and wellness continues to be a catalyst for innovation, but what that term means for consumers is a moving target and is impacted by a multitude of factors such as individual need states, age, and socioeconomic status. The ambiguity of the concept creates a lot of opportunity for brands (as well as some confusion) when it comes to creating new products that will resonate with consumers and have market staying power.

The good news is that there are commonalities in what many consumers want from products to help them achieve this ever-changing goal of “health and wellness.” In part, consumers are looking for improved energy, mood and performance.

Read the full article in Prepared Foods.

Keep Reading:

Imbibe-Developed Beauty Hydration Slushie Featured in Food Ingredients First’s SupplySide Global 2026 Recap

Frozen formats add another layer of complexity to functional products, because cold serving temperatures can mute flavor and sweetness perception. A concept that tastes balanced at room temperature may fall flat once frozen.
READ MORE

Clear Protein Is Booming. Is Your Portfolio Keeping Up?

Considerations like format, processing, shelf life, and label constraints all influence how a solution performs in the final product. What works in one system may not translate directly to another.
READ MORE

The Case for Sweet Heat and Layered Flavor

Hot honey, one of the clearest examples of a sweet base carrying real heat, has grown 197% on U.S. restaurant menus over the past four years. Consumers are not choosing between bold and balanced. They are asking for both.
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.