Functional beverage

Drinks in the functional beverage category are non-alcoholic and frequently branded with gradient, pastel colors, and 1970s-style logos, and contain no alcohol. Functional beverage brands include Ruby, Superfrau, Dune Glow Remedy, Droplet, Brighter, Evexia Kafe, Sunwink, and De Soi. Companies in this sector may assert that their seltzers, juices, and tonics have health benefits through the inclusion ofincluding prebiotics, mushrooms, apple cider vinegar, collagen, ginger, antioxidants, amino acids, nootropics, and "adaptogens."

"Adaptogen" is not an accepted scientific term despite its prevalent usage in the wellness and beverage industries. Some of these ingredients are well-known home remedies and supplements recommended by doctors, whereas others, such as adaptogens, are more questionable and may be utilized primarily for marketing purposes.

Some researchers have proposed that the role of functional beverages in gut microbiota management and restoration of gut microbiota could contribute to the prevention of numerous chronic diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer, gastric ulcers, functional bowel diseases, obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. These beverages may also modulate the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of certain micronutrients, further extending their role in maintaining health.

The large growth for of the functional beverage market has led to the production of various different types of drinks addressing specific health concerns. These types include dairy-based beverages, probiotic drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, meal replacers, caffeinated beverages, and vegetable and fruit beverages. Depending on their content and production methods, functional beverages have been marketed as reducing cancer risk, boosting the immune system, improving physical and mental conditions, and showing antistress, antiaging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The rise of the functional beverage trend is attributable partly to the convenience of handling this type of product, shelf stability, ease of distribution and storage, and ability to meet consumer demand. The popularity also stems from these products' marketed functional cosmetic features, such as improved eye, skin, and hair conditions, replenishing bodily fluids, and managing body weight.

The prebiotic in most prebiotic sodas is inulin, a type of soluble fiber found in many plants, including chicory root, leeks, garlic, asparagus, and wheat bran. Inulin passes through the stomach and small intestine and is eventually fermented in the large intestine by microbes that transform the fibers into new compounds, such as short-chain fatty acids. Studies have shown that these fatty acids can have beneficial effects on inflammation, appetite, and blood sugar levels.

According to other experts, the notion that prebiotic sodas can have significant benefits for gut health may be exaggerated. Geoffrey A. Preidis, an assistant professor of pediatric gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine, said, “There is no evidence to suggest that any of these products are superior to simply having a well-balanced diet that is rich in fiber,” cautioning that “These products should not be seen as a shortcut for people.”

David Artis, a professor of immunology and microbiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, pointed out that two people could take the same dose of an inulin supplement and have different responses. According to Artis, this constitutes a problem for this group of products, as some people have positive views of inulin effects, and other peopleothers argue that it has no clinical benefit.

Based on these findings, it was concluded that inulin at low doses was likely beneficial for health, but that consuming more than 20 grams of the substance daily could be harmful. It was also pointed out that the health effects vary among people.

Prior to the prebiotic functional beverage trend, the functional beverage label had been used to designate drinks with effects beyond taste and hydration, such as energy drinks and vitamin-infused water. The term has since become aligned with the non-alcoholic category.

Some researchers have proposed that the role of functional beverages in gut microbiota management and restoration of gut microbiota could contribute to the prevention of numerous chronic diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, colon cancer, gastric ulcers, functional bowel diseases, obesity, diabetes, inflammation. These beverages may also modulate the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of certain micronutrients, further extending their role in maintaining health.

In 2019, the functional beverage industry was the largest functional food sector, including food, beverages, and supplement sectors, and was estimated to be the fastest-growing market in the food sector. The global functional drinks market grew by 3% in 2010, and a substantial increase was observed in 2014 with a growth of 7.8%.

The large growth for of the functional beverage market has led to the production of various different types of drinks addressing specific health concerns. These types include dairy-based beverages, probiotic drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, meal replacers, caffeinated beverages, and vegetable and fruit beverages. Depending on their content and production methods, functional beverages have been marketed as reducing cancer risk, boosting the immune system, improving physical and mental conditions, and showing antistress, antiaging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The rise of the functional beverage trend is attributable partly to the convenience of handling this type of product, shelf stability, ease of distribution and storage, and ability to meet consumer demand. The popularity also stems from these products' marketed functional cosmetic features such as improved eye, skin, and hair conditions, replenishing bodily fluids, and managing body weight.

Some functional beverage brands claim to have mood-enhancing or relaxing effects. For instance, Three Spirits claimed that its non-alcoholic aperitif Livener can “reduce inhibitions and lift spirits,” and the functional beverage brand Kin that its spritz contains “mood-boosting ingredients” that “stimulate clarity, creative freedom, and focus.”

Drinks in the functional beverage category are frequently branded with gradient, pastel colors, and 1970s-style logos, and contain no alcohol. Functional beverage brands include Ruby, Superfrau, Dune Glow Remedy, Droplet, Brighter, Evexia Kafe, Sunwink, and De Soi. Companies in this sector may assert that their seltzers, juices, and tonics have health benefits through the inclusion of prebiotics, mushrooms, apple cider vinegar, collagen, ginger, antioxidants, amino acids, nootropics, and "adaptogens."

"Adaptogen" is not an accepted scientific term despite its prevalent usage in the wellness and beverage industries. Some of these ingredients are well-known home remedies and supplements recommended by doctors whereas others, such as adaptogens, are more questionable and may be utilized primarily for marketing purposes.

According to data firm Spins, between November 2020 and November 2021, sales of functional beverages increased by almost 16 percent, making it one of the fastest-growing non-alcoholic drink categories in the United States at the time.

The functional beverage brand Olipop claimed that its prebiotic sodas have benefits for digestive and gut health. Another brand, Vina, claimed its prebiotic sodas are beneficial “for the brain, gut, and the connection between them.” Vive Organic markets its prebiotic soda as an “immunity sparkling drink,” and Poppi suggests on its website that its prebiotic sodas can have beneficial effects on weight loss, cholesterol levels, and complexion.

Joanne Slavin, a professor of food science and nutrition at the University of Minnesota, was paid by Olipop and served on the company's scientific advisory board. She spoke in support of functional beverages, highlighting the practicality of selling health-focused drinks in spaces where normal soda is sold.

The prebiotic in most prebiotic sodas is inulin, a type of soluble fiber found in many plants, including chicory root, leeks, garlic, asparagus, and wheat bran. Inulin passes through the stomach and small intestine and is eventually fermented in the large intestine by microbes that transform the fibers into new compounds such as short-chain fatty acids. Studies have shown that these fatty acids can have beneficial effects on inflammation, appetite, and blood sugar levels.

According to other experts, the notion that prebiotic sodas can have significant benefits for gut health may be exaggerated. Geoffrey A. Preidis, an assistant professor of pediatric gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine said, “There is no evidence to suggest that any of these products are superior to simply having a well-balanced diet that is rich in fiber,” cautioning that “These products should not be seen as a shortcut for people.”

David Artis, a professor of immunology and microbiology at Weill Cornell Medicine, pointed out that two people could take the same dose of an inulin supplement and have different responses. According to Artis, this constitutes a problem for this group of products, as some people have positive views of inulin effects and other people argue that it has no clinical benefit.

In one small study carried out at Stanford Medicine, researchers studied healthy adults who ate varying amounts of two fiber supplements, inulin, and arabinoxylan, a type of fiber found in grains. In the study, it was found that arabinoxylan lowered cholesterol levels, while inulin at low doses tended to increase Bifidobacteria, a group of beneficial gut bacteria. However, consuming higher doses of inulin (approx. 30 grams daily) caused a spike in inflammation. In addition, several participants showed a significant increase in an enzyme called alanine aminotransferase, which can indicate liver damage.

Based on these findings, it was concluded that inulin at low doses was likely beneficial for health, but that consuming more than 20 grams of the substance daily could be harmful. It was also pointed out that the health effects vary among people.

Carbonated drinks of this type have been largely popularized through marketing campaigns on TikTok, where creators on the platform are paid to promote them, highlighting their health claims.