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

#Trendspotting December: Brain Boosting and Body Enhancing Ingredients to Watch in 2018

December 2017 Trendspotting: Brain Boosting and Body Enhancing Ingredients to Watch in 2018 from Imbibe on Vimeo.

Balanced Body and Mind

 

 

Floral ingredients like lavender, which supports stress relief, and elderflower, which has anti-inflammatory properties, will be more common in beverages like teas, lattes, juices and cocktails.

Who does it well: Belvoir Fruit FarmsSippLori’s OriginalLavender Pond Farm

   

Curcumin (the main active ingredient in turmeric) has anti-inflammatory properties and will be found in beverages, or as an extracted ingredient.

Who does it well: AryaTemple Turmeric

   

Adaptogens generated buzz in 2017 because of their ability to help the body adapt to stressful situations by lowering cortisol levels. Keep an eye out for adaptogens like ashwagandha and maca in 2018.

Who does it well: REBBLBlue BuddhaCalifia Farms

   

Mushrooms like chaga, cordyceps, and reishi are also adaptogens, and the next “it” ingredients from the mushroom family. They’re rich in antioxidants, and are associated with stimulating the immune system.

Who does it well: Four SigmaticHealth-Aid KombuchaREBBL

Performance Boost

 

 

Another novel application for mushrooms is MycoTechnology’s vegan mushroom protein PureTaste. It secured $35 million in funding to go to market, which suggests new products that incorporate mushroom protein are on the horizon.

 

 

Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCT) oil are suggested to support cognitive health, and to convert energy into carbs faster because they’re easier to digest. Expect to see MCT oil in coffee (specifically butter coffee) and creamers.

Who does it well: Caveman Coffee CoOn ItKnow Brainer

 

 

As demand for cognitive function grows, expect more nootropic ingredients like L-Theanine, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, B12 and Ginko Biloba in beverages.

Who does it well: truBrainNeuroLGND 

Beauty and Detox

 

Beauty enhancing ingredients are becoming more mainstream, and collagen is the rising star. Collagen supports the enhancement of hair, skin and nails.

Who does it well: Vital ProteinsBeauty and GoEviva

 

Activated charcoal is garnering a lot of attention because it is said to absorb everything that hits your digestive tract, which can be very detoxifying.

Who does it well: Dirty LemonSol tiTGI Fridays (LTO)

We’ll be releasing more predictions in the New Year. Keep an eye out for January Trendspotting for 2018 Trends to Watch!

Want help developing a plant-based beverage? Contact us today.

Keep Reading:

Combatting Microplastics: A Roadmap for Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Some studies suggest that adults ingest about 900 particles per day. Minimizing plastic usage and improving manufacturing processes can help.
READ MORE

Discover What A Galaxy Tastes Like.

Ever pondered the taste of the cosmos? Discover the fascinating world of flavor chemists and how they bring imaginative, even imaginary, tastes to life.
READ MORE

Functional Energy Beverages Not Slowing Down

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