Functional Beverages

Functional Beverageis a drink product that is non-alcoholic and includes in its formulation ingredients are herbs, vitamins, minerals, amino acids or additional raw fruit or vegetables.

Health BenefitsOften claimed to provide specific health benefits

Promotion of hydration (contains antioxidant and fruit extracts

Energy and rejuvination

Wellness

Weight Management

Popularity Functional beverages have become

popular due to its appeal to consumers who are seeking specific health benefits in their foods and beverages with their 'healthiness-on-the-go' idea.

Functional drinks are promoted with benefits such as heart health, improved immunity and digestion, joint health, satiety, and energy-boosting

Industry Functional beverages is the fastest

growing sector . In 2008, the market share of functional beverages accounted for 48.9% of the $118.3 billion-worth non-alcoholic industry for US alone.

Current Product Trends Hybrid drinks with functional and sensory benefits such

as thirst quenching ability with daily dosage of vitamins or other nutrients

Probiotics exemplified by activia yogurt, for gut health and boosting natural defenses or immune system

Memory and mental sharpness is also coming into focus with Function Brainiac

Children's functional drinks also receive much attention in recent years with leading brand Nestlé's Boost Beverage

Energy-boosting functional beverage products, such as Red Bull and 5-Hour Energy are rated number one in growth in the functional beverage market