What Are Functional Beverages, And Do They Work?

With around 50% of consumers saying that eating healthy is a top priority for them, and society’s inclination towards convenience, it’s no surprise that functional beverages are becoming increasingly popular. (1)

But with the market changing so fast and new products being added every month, there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to functional beverages.

In this article, we’ll explore exactly what this category of drinks includes, why they’re becoming so popular, and whether they’re actually effective at doing what they claim to do.

[signup]

What are functional beverages, and why are they on the rise?

Functional beverages are drinks that offer some form of added health benefit.

They’re typically enhanced with ingredients like minerals, vitamins, amino acids, dietary fibers, and probiotics — among others. Common examples of ‘functional’ beverages include:

• Sports drinks
• Energy drinks
• Enhanced waters
• Protein shakes

But as demand continues to grow, more forms of functional beverages are entering the market, including: 

• Probiotic drinks
• Adaptogen and nootropic drinks
• CBD drinks

There may be many reasons for the increase in popularity of functional beverages. Not only is it a convenient way to consume certain ingredients, but the ease of distribution and storage conditions for the refrigerated and shelf-stable products make them more accessible as well. (2)

Do ‘functional’ beverages work?

The short answer is that it’s unclear. With so many different types and brands of functional beverage on the market, it’s difficult to assess the efficacy of them all. 

While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates ingredients and requires accurate drink labels — ensuring the safety of these products — it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be effective or suitable for everyone.

Some functional beverages, such as sports drinks, have been shown to replenish glucose, fluids, and electrolytes in adult athletes. Others, like collagen drinks, have very little evidence to support their claims. 

Before incorporating a beverage into your routine, it’s essential to do your own research and, if necessary, consult with your healthcare provider. 

Looking forward

According to a report, the functional beverage market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% between 2023 to 2033, making it worth $277 billion by the end of the forecast period.

As one of the biggest industries in the world, it’s likely that there will be more research and regulation in the future to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products. 

Key Takeaways

• Functional beverages, from sports drinks to probiotic drinks, are growing increasingly popular. 
• While most are safe and regulated by the FDA, it’s still unclear how effective these functional beverages actually are. 
• With the functional beverages market expected to hit $277 billion by 2033, we can expect to see more research and regulations emerge over the next decade.