SupplySide West highlights the future of functional beverages

Functional beverages continue to trend. Whether it’s a new probiotic soda that evokes traditional soda flavors or a vitamin-packed energy drink that promises increased focus and cognition, product developers are being tasked with creating better-for-you beverages that offer added health benefits.

If you’re wondering exactly what functional beverages are, and more importantly, what sets them apart from traditional drinks, look no further than this two-hour-long education offering at SupplySide West. “The science behind functional beverages: Innovate and differentiate next-gen drinks,” scheduled for Oct. 29 from 9-11 a.m., will explore the trending ingredients that support gut health, athletic performance, sleep and cognitive function.

A panel of CPG founders and a food scientist will discuss the science behind these ingredients, their health benefits, mechanisms of action and proper dosing. Speakers include Jeffrey Dietrich, founder and CEO of Rarebird Inc.; Dalton Honoré, founder of Dreamland Koffucha, John Valiton, co-founder and CEO of Illicit Elixirs; and Candace Smith-Lee, senior beverage scientist at ofi.

Smith-Lee said that functional beverages provide a range of added health benefits — from added protein to boosted hydration — giving them a leg up on traditional beverages. She also detailed some of the trending ingredients, which include pro-/prebiotics, protein and mushrooms.

“We’re also seeing some new and emerging ingredients, such as buckwheat, coming into the protein category,” she explained to Scott Miller, staff writer at SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal. “It’s very high in protein and it has a lot of fiber and other nutrients that are very interesting to make it compete with the nut and pea proteins.”

Smith-Lee also touched on challenges when formulating these drinks and why they’re primed to continue changing the landscape of the beverage market. Learn more in this video.