With consumer demand for plant-based and enhanced beverages on the rise, now is the perfect time to begin experimenting and searching for ways to add them to your menu.
Once upon a time, animal milk was the only option for certain recipes. Today, that’s no longer the case, and you can find plant-based dairy alternatives made from a variety of grains, nuts, and legumes. Consumers have lots of reasons for choosing these products, ranging from their health to concerns about sustainability, climate change, and animal welfare to curiosity about something new. These versatile ingredients are making their way into breakfast foods, coffee, sauces, and even desserts— and more people than ever are interested in trying or buying them.
Consumer demand is also currently fueling the growth of functional, or enhanced, beverages. In a nutshell, functional beverages are drinks that contain significant levels of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients with the intent of providing health benefits to consumers. 58% of consumers say they're more likely to purchase beverages that support a healthy immune system, and 22% of them are willing to pay more for them than a customary drink.
Consumers want to feel good about their beverage choices, but also want drinks to be flavorful and delicious. 80% of consumers say they are interested in functional juices: so, add some superfood ingredients such as green tea, berries, or ginger, which are high in antioxidants, or probiotic-loaded kombucha. And turmeric, popular for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has also become a popular ingredient in lemonades. Try serving functional beverages over ice, or as part of signature menu items like smoothies, slushies, or cocktails.
Continue reading on the following pages for more tips to enhance your beverage program.
Sources: Dairy Alternatives Market Share & Growth Report, 2021-2028. Market Study Report. Grand View Research; Datassential Buzz Report 2022; Datassential Menu Trends 2021; Technomic, Beverage Consumer Trend Report, 2020; Datassential, Functional Beverages, March 2021
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