Did you know the functional beverage market is worth a whopping $150Â billion? Read on for the inside scoop on why functional drinks have become so popular.Â
Key Takeaways
- Functional beverages are typically formulated with added ingredients beyond basic nutrition, such as vitamins, minerals, or botanicals.
- They include sports drinks, probiotic-rich beverages, some herbal teas or herbal extracts, drinks fortified with certain functional ingredients, some cocoa mixes, and more.
- Some functional beverages are marketed as containing ingredients that may help with focus, relaxation, or general well-being.
See Related: 7 Health Benefits of Cacao You Need to Know
Understanding Functional Beverages
Functional beverages are all the rage right now. You've likely seen someone drinking one or touting the benefits. But what, exactly, makes a drink "functional"?
After all, every drink has functions. They quench thirst, of course. Ideally, they taste good, too.
Many drinks also contain nutrients. But that's still not really enough for a drink to be called a functional beverage.
Instead, functional drinks are generally considered to be those that were formulated to provide health benefits beyond hydration. Many functional beverages are formulated to align with certain lifestyle goals, such as promoting relaxation, supporting alertness, or aiding hydration.
Functional Ingredients
Of course, functional beverages must contain functional ingredients. These are what differentiate functional beverages from, well, normal ones.Â
Functional beverages usually include specific functional ingredients to offer specific health benefits. For example, several of our drink mixes, like our Lemon-Lime mix and Mindful Calm Cocoa, contain L-Theanine. This amino acid is thought to help promote relaxation and support mental focus.Â
Potential Health Benefits
There are many different types of functional beverages, each specifically formulated with different health claims and aims. As such, it's important to drink the appropriate beverage; you don't want to take a beverage designed to promote restful sleep right before going to work!
Cognitive Function
As we mentioned, several of our drink mixes contain L-Theanine. Research suggests it has a potential role in supporting attention and focus.
Calming
Preliminary research has explored how L-Theanine may influence markers associated with relaxation. For example, one study found that L-Theanine induced changes to the brain that are indicative of a calming response.
Some functional beverages include ingredients like CBD, which consumers often associate with relaxation. However, research on CBD in beverages is still ongoing, and regulations vary.
Sleep
It's hard to get good sleep when you can't relax. Our Mindful Evening Cocoa Mix combines L-Theanine, GABA, and Melatonin to support nighttime routines.
One scientific review of over three dozen studies concluded that melatonin may play a role in circadian rhythm regulation and its potential impact on sleep timing
Energy Drinks
Another hugely popular category of functional beverage is the energy drink. Consumption of energy drinks has skyrocketed in recent years, as has the number of these drinks available.
Unfortunately, studies suggest many energy drinks are packed with sugar, additives, and other ingredients, which you may want to avoid.Â
Energy drinks don't necessarily need all that to provide energy-boosting benefits. Research has shown that B vitamins, for example, are closely connected with energy production in the body.
In one study from 2023, participants given vitamin B supplements for one month were able to run longer and produced fewer exercise fatigue metabolites than control subjects.Â
We blend B vitamins with several other nutrients and minerals in our GoMindfully Lemon-Lime drink mix.
Gut Health / Digestive Health
Research has shown just how important gut health is to overall well-being. In short, our guts are absolutely critical, and not just for digesting food.
Our guts are connected to our brains, for example, to the extent that some experts refer to our guts as a "second brain." The gut is also intimately connected with the immune system.
Plenty of functional beverages aim to support a healthy gut. Many contain probiotics, which are live beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. Others may include prebiotics, or other nutrients thought to support gut health.
Polyphenols, for example, are thought to have a prebiotic effect. In other words, they can support gut health. Cocoa, like that in our Grandma's Cocoa mix, is a great source of these powerful compounds.
Skin
Collagen has become an increasingly popular supplement. In 2023, an analysis of 26 studies concluded that hydrolyzed collagen "can have positive effects on skin health."
Our Mindful Keto Cocoa contains collagen peptides to help maintain normal skin function — as well as normal connective tissue, hair, and nail function. You can even try our similar formula, the Mindful Organic Hot Chocolate Mix.
Functional Beverage Trends
The rise of functional beverages has been quite something. The idea of "functional" food and drinks was only coined in the 1980s. But today, millions of people around the world include functional beverages in their daily diet.Â
Functional Beverage Market
In 2024, the worldwide functional beverage market was worth almost $150 billion. By the end of the decade, experts think it'll have grown to almost $250 billion.
That's a lot of functional drinks!
Bonus: How to Heat Milk For Hot Chocolate in the Microwave
Conclusion
Functional beverages are rapidly growing in popularity. It's not hard to see why. These drinks are often a convenient way to stay hydrated and enjoy a delicious treat, while also supporting overall health.
In short, they've become an important part of the daily routines of health-conscious consumers looking to support their healthy lifestyles.
The specific functional benefits of these drinks vary based on the specific ingredients used, so make sure you're getting the drink you want.
Keep Reading: How Many Calories Are in Hot Chocolate?
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Mindful Nutrition is a veteran-owned company with a passion for wellness. We use natural ingredients in our products, including melatonin, GABA, ashwagandha, and L-Theanine. Our hot cocoa blends are vegan, non-GMO, and plant-based, crafted to be a comforting addition to your daily ritual. We utilize third-party testing on all products to ensure purity, quality, and safety. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or health concerns.
