7 Beverages With a Focus on Function

Consumers these days expect their beverages to do more than just quench their thirst. They want drinks that energize, nourish and support their immunities—attributes shoppers sought more in a pandemic year when personal health was at the forefront for many. CPG companies are listening, and here we round up some of the recent functional beverages to hit store shelves.

Pom Wonderful is adding two new flavors to its Pom Antioxidant Super Tea lineup: Pomegranate Elderberry Boost Tea and Pomegranate Orange Blossom White Tea. Each bottle of Pom Antioxidant Super Teas is gently brewed to preserve its antioxidants. “Now more than ever, consumers are looking to incorporate more antioxidants in their daily routines. Pom Teas are an easy and delicious way to do just that,” said Adam Cooper, SVP of Marketing for The Wonderful Co.

Numi Organic Tea’s new Stay Healthy line consists of herbal tea blends designed to support immune health, combat common cold symptoms and encourage relaxation. Seven blends are available: Immune Boost, Immune Support, De-stress, Throat Soother, Congest Away, Dandelion Detox and Sweet Slumber. Numi’s Stay Healthy Line became available on the company's website and Amazon in March, and will be at natural and conventional grocers nationally in fall 2021.

Lucky Jack Coffee has launched Nitro Cold Brew Lattes made with oatmilk. The single-serve drinks come in Mocha, Golden Milk & Turmeric, Caramel and Vanilla flavors. “The Lucky Jack Nitro Cold Brew Oatmilk Lattes offer consumers a coffee beverage with functional and plant-based ingredients,” said CEO Raymond Cole. “In addition to the functional ingredients, our product is just 80 calories, 5 grams of sugar, and low carbohydrates, making this the healthiest coffee latte on the market.”

Lifeway Foods has released 3.5-ounce Functional Shot Multipacks in four flavors: Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Banana and Mixed Berry. The functional shots aim to support immunity and help consumers improve overall health, the company said. Each serving contains 12 live and active probiotic cultures and 4 grams of protein.

Perrier is launching Perrier Energize, its first line of carbonated energy beverages. The drink is made with plant-based caffeine from organic green coffee and yerba mate extract. Made with no artificial sweeteners, Perrier Energize comes in Pomegranate, Grapefruit and Tangerine flavors for an SRP of $6.49 per 10-pack and $1.99 for a single can.

A grab-and-go energy and nutrition beverage combining the benefits of coconut water and MCT oil, Vita Coco Boosted comes in three cafe-inspired flavors: Vanilla Latte, Coconut Chocolate and Chai. Each variety contains 40 milligrams of caffeine from tea, as well as B vitamins for an added boost.

Zyn is a curcumin beverage formulated with turmeric root to help lower cholesterol and support heart and gut health. Four all-natural flavors are available: Pomegranate Cranberry, Lemon Ginger, Mixed Berry and Mango Lychee. Zyn is an ideal functional beverage for alternative health enthusiasts, athletes looking for faster recovery and those seeking an added health kick, the supplier says.