Top Trends in the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Industry

While consumer trends are continually shifting, one of the most rapidly growing industries today is the non-alcoholic beverage industry. With an emphasis on sustainability, health consciousness, and flavorful options, companies that stay informed about modern developments in this market can take advantage of bountiful opportunities for success. 

So, what should you be aware of when it comes to popular non-alcoholic beverages in your market? Here are seven key trends that promise to shape the industry moving forward.

1. Increased Focus on Health and Wellness Drinks

Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, the non-alcoholic beverage industry has experienced a surge in interest surrounding health and wellness drinks. From smoothies and juices to fancy mocktails, beverage makers are brewing innovative recipes with nutritious ingredients and fresh produce to cater to an ever-growing health-conscious consumer market.

According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the health drinks market is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate of 7.88% between 2023 and 2028. With the rise of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and cancer, more consumers will seek out healthy beverages to maximize their health span.

2. Non-Alcoholic Wine and Spirits are Booming

The desire to live a healthier lifestyle is driving another trend in the non-alcoholic beverage industry: the growing consumption of non-alcoholic wine and spirits. More consumers, especially Millennials and Generation Z, are practicing conscious drinking or abstaining from it altogether. Younger generations are drinking less alcohol, contributing to the growth of the non-alcoholic beverage market.

According to a report by the market research firm, Fact.MR, the global non-alcoholic wine market is projected to grow from $2 billion in 2023 to $5.2 billion in 2033. Increased innovation in the industry is also helping fuel this growth. With options that range from low-calorie, sustainably made, and artisanal products, consumers are increasingly drawn to non-alcoholic wine and spirits for their unique flavors, clean labels, and health benefits.

3. The Rise of Kombucha

Kombucha is taking the non-alcoholic beverage industry by storm due to its unique flavor, fizzy taste, and purported health benefits. This fermented drink is made with black or green tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. While it can be homebrewed, it’s often bottled and sold commercially. Kombucha sales increased from $1 million in 2014 to $1.8 billion in 2019!

With green or black tea as the primary base, these beverages contain probiotics, amino acids, and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits, including better gut health, healthier skin, stress relief, cholesterol regulation, and lower blood pressure. As the non-alcoholic beverage market focuses on creating more unique twists, you can expect to find popular ingredients such as turmeric, matcha, melatonin, aloe vera, herbs, spices, and more!

4. Soaring Popularity of Sparkling Water

Sparkling water is becoming the go-to drink for many health-conscious consumers. The sparkling water market was valued at $32.03 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach $58.41 billion by 2029. This growth is driven mainly by millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly turning away from traditional soda in favor of healthier drinks.

Sparkling water is indeed a healthy drink. Studies have found that sparkling water can improve swallowing ability, increase feelings of fullness, and help relieve constipation. The burning, prickly sensation that sparkling water produces makes it more enjoyable to consume than plain drinking water. It can help those who dislike the bland taste of water to stay hydrated healthily.

5. More Demand for Cold-Pressed Juices

The non-alcoholic beverage industry has seen a surge in the popularity of cold-pressed juices in recent years. This is due to increased awareness of the importance of consuming fresh, raw produce. As most people don’t get the recommended four to five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, many turn to fresh, natural juices to satisfy their dietary requirements.

Cold-pressed juices are packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, and can contain the daily recommended allowance for fruits and vegetables in just one serving. Additionally, cold-pressed juices line up with the popular farm-to-table movement, making them even more desirable to mindful consumers who prefer locally sourced ingredients.

6. The Emergence of Coffee Alternatives

With the growing demand for non-jittery alternatives to coffee, the non-alcoholic beverage market is introducing an influx of new products. And they’re paying off. The global coffee substitute market was valued at $13.06 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $19.80 billion by 2032. Consumers are increasingly seeking energizing drinks that give them good vibes without anxiety.

The most popular types of coffee alternatives include mud water, adaptogen drinks, and matcha latte. Many grocery stores and coffee shops now offer these drinks as a healthier alternative to caffeinated beverages. These drinks not only give you an energy boost but are also packed with vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for your overall wellbeing.

7. Growing Preference for Organic Drinks

We all want to know what we are putting into our bodies. This has resulted in an escalating thirst for clean labels and clarity around the ingredients used by companies within the non-alcoholic beverage industry. Besides health concerns, modern consumers also care about environmental sustainability. This is why organic drinks are rising in popularity.

The organic beverage market is poised to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13% by 2027. Organic drinks are free of antibiotics, synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and GMOs. They are healthier for the body and better for the environment. Organic beverages also have a richer flavor and taste better. All these factors will contribute to the growth of the organic beverage market.

Ship Your Beverages with Gorilla Shipper

The non-alcoholic beverage market is booming, and trends in health-conscious and sustainable drinks will continue to gain traction. With so many options available, consumers can choose drinks that align with their tastes and health goals. As more people embrace non-alcoholic beverages, the industry can look forward to continued growth.

If you manufacture or distribute non-alcoholic beverages, Gorilla Shipper can help you transport your products safely. We produce UPS and FedEx-approved packaging solutions for bottles, cans, and jars of all sizes. You can ship confidently with us, knowing our products have passed all vibration, compression, and free fall tests.

Browse our pulp, foam, and corrugated cardboard shippers to find the perfect packaging solution for your products!