What is a Functional Beverage?

Understanding Functional Beverages and Why They’re Trending

In our increasingly health-conscious world, many customers are seeking ways to boost their nutritional intake.

Functional beverages are taking the food and drink industry by storm — and for good reason. They offer a convenient way to capitalize and deliver on this growing demand. From probiotics and vitamins to antioxidants, these drinks are packed with health-boosting ingredients. Plus, functional beverages provide endless delicious varieties to delight your customers.

Discover the “why” behind the functional beverage trend and what’s driving it. Then, you’ll see how integrating these options into your menu can do wonders for your business.

What Is a Functional Beverage?

A functional beverage is a nonalcoholic drink that offers additional health benefits beyond basic hydration and essential nutrients. These drinks contain a variety of functional ingredients, including:

• Vitamins and minerals
• Probiotics
• Amino acids
• Phenolic compounds
• Unsaturated fatty acids

The inclusion of bioactive components from plant, animal and probiotic microbe sources provides these nutritional benefits. Functional beverages typically fall into three groups — plant-based, dairy-based, and energy or sports drinks.

Types of Functional Beverages

Functional beverages can contain various ingredients and antioxidants — fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, caffeine, ashwagandha, L-theanine, melatonin and so much more. Here are a few examples within the broad functional beverage category:

• Meal replacement and sports protein drinks
• Yogurt-based beverages and smoothies
• Functional waters, juices and carbonated beverages
• Functional teas, coffees and matcha
• Probiotic drinks like kefir and kombucha
• Dairy-alternative beverages, such as soy, coconut, almond and oat milk

The Benefits of Functional Beverages

These drinks provide a simple, convenient way for health-conscious individuals to reap the nutritional benefits they desire — whether improved gut health, weight loss or better sleep. Consumers often turn to functional beverages to:

• Manage and prevent health conditions: Some people may increase their intake of functional ingredients to manage health conditions, such as high cholesterol or digestive complications. Research also suggests that bioactive ingredients, like amino acids, peptides, vitamins and minerals, can help prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
• Boost energy levels and cognitive health: Functional beverages can also improve focus, mood and energy levels. Some specific ingredients known to increase brain function are kale, broccoli, soy, berries, avocados and coffee.
• Enhance sleep quality: For people who struggle with insomnia or sleep difficulties, certain functional ingredients can promote relaxation and better slumber. Some examples are chamomile tea, cherry juice and kiwi.
• Aid in weight management: Those looking to lose weight may prioritize functional beverages in their diet regimen. For example, a smoothie with kale or spinach, blueberries, strawberries, and Greek yogurt can be highly effective, as these ingredients are known to support weight loss.
• Support muscle, joint and bone health: Functional beverages also appeal to those with fitness goals centered around bone, joint and muscle health. For example, protein shakes and powders are excellent for those looking to build and maintain muscle mass.

In many cases, however, serving functional beverages in your restaurant can be expensive. These drinks often cost more than their traditional counterparts due to specialized — often natural or organic — ingredients that offer specific health benefits. These ingredients are usually more expensive to source and process. The high demand for healthier, more natural foods also drives this premium pricing.

A Glimpse Into the Functional Beverage Market

Despite a higher initial investment, functional ingredients and beverages can yield long-term financial gains. The global functional drink market is projected to reach $261.26 billion in 2025. Many suppliers, restaurants and event venues are taking advantage of the growing functional beverage trend to boost their revenue stream.

With low-ABV beverages and mocktails featuring functional ingredients on the rise, there are unlimited opportunities to set yourself apart in the highly competitive food and beverage market. Many consumers are looking to limit their alcohol consumption or cut it out altogether, and functional beverages are a great way to capitalize on this trend.

Consider these specific functional beverage brands and products, which are terrific options to serve in restaurants, bars and event venues.

Gunna® Functional Sodas

Serving Gunna® Functional Sodas at your establishment is a fantastic opportunity to tap into the promising potential of functional beverages. These low-sugar drinks are bursting with vitamins and minerals for immune support, making them a more attractive alternative to standard soda options.

Consumers crave beverages that balance quality flavor with health benefits, and Gunna® Functional Sodas deliver just that. These sparkling lemonades come in four refreshing flavors — raspberry, mango, lime and ginger — giving your customers fun, flavorful and refreshing varieties to choose from. Consumers can also take advantage of the following benefits:

• All natural ingredients, including real fruit
• Vegan-friendly
• Only 60 calories and 3.9% sugar per can
• 30% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for nine essential minerals and vitamins, including 100% RDA of zinc and vitamin C
• Eco-friendly aluminum packaging

Tractor Beverages

Tractor Beverage Co. is committed to thoughtfully crafted, sustainably sourced drinks. The company manufactures a range of craft beverages, teas and lemonades, which are USDA Organic-certified and made with non-GMO ingredients. Tractor beverages are free from chemicals, sweeteners and other artificial ingredients, giving your health-conscious customers more peace of mind.

These ultra-refreshing drinks also come in a range of fruity flavors — including peach, mango, passion fruit, watermelon, orange, coconut, strawberry and dragon fruit — making them perfect for anyone craving a sweet yet functional beverage.

Why Partner With Feeser’s for Functional Beverage Distribution?

Looking to quench your customers’ thirst with functional drink options like Gunna® or Tractor beverages? Choose Feeser’s Food Distributors as your wholesale supplier. We can help you source the finest beverages — including soda, juice, tea, coffee and more — from leading local and national brands.

Since our humble beginnings as a produce stand in 1901, we’ve served fresh, locally sourced foods and beverages for over 100 years, partnering with small and large businesses throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition to refreshing beverages from quality brands, we can supply you with machines for brewing, dispensing and serving hot and cold drinks. We offer various equipment for coffee, tea, juices and flavored waters.

Feeser’s also has other food options to cater to your health-minded consumers, including:

• Organic products
• Fresh produce
• Products for special dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian and kosher options

Contact Us Today

As more consumers recognize the value of functional beverages for their health, well-being and lifestyles, there’s no time like the present to hop on this trend. The functional drink market is booming, presenting exciting opportunities for restaurants, bars and event venues to thrive.

Fortunately, Feeser’s can help you meet the increasing demand for these health-enhancing beverages. We’re your one-stop shop for quality ingredients, drinks and supplies at competitive prices.

Contact our team today, and let’s discuss your food and beverage needs. We look forward to working with you!