Functional drinks

Functional drinks between fun and health

The beverage market is changing: classic fun drinks such as iced tea, lemonade and smoothies are popular, but today's consumers expect more. They not only want enjoyment, but also a tangible additional benefit. This is exactly where functional beverages - internationally known as functional drinks- come in. They combine the best of both worlds: full flavor and functional ingredients that support body and mind. The figures show that this is not just short-term hype: The global market size for functional beverages was valued at USD 223.13 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 239.28 billion in 2025 to USD 409.80 billion by 2032 - an annual growth (CAGR) of 7.99%^.1

What are functional drinks?

Functional drinks are beverages that offer a specific additional benefit over and above pure hydration. Typical areas of application are

Energy & Performance
Hydration & Electrolytes
Gut Health
Immune System & Longevity
Beauty & Lifestyle
Balance & Wellbeing

There are many typical ingredients in functional drinks. The most popular active ingredients in functional drinks include

Vitamins & minerals
Proteins & amino acids
Plant extracts & adaptogens
Pro-, pre- and postbiotics
Caffeine & natural stimulants
Collagen hydrolyzate & beauty nutrients

Why functional drinks?

Indulgence with added benefits

Is it just a quick refreshment - or do you want to do something good for yourself at the same time? Functional beverages offer precisely this smart combination of lifestyle and well-being. For Gen Z in particular, the focus is on health - both mental and physical. According to Mintel, these aspects even rank first and second on the priority list^.2

This could be reaching for an isotonic drink when temperatures rise and the body craves electrolytes. Or a mushroom chai latte, whose warm spices and cocoa not only pamper the palate, but also support well-being. In both cases, the "fun" aspect remains - but it is complemented by ingredients with real added value.

The allure of preparation

Many drinks thrive on the fact that they are consciously prepared. One example is matcha: even whisking it with a bamboo whisk becomes a ritual that brings deceleration and mindfulness into everyday life. Let's adapt this to your next product: Imagine your customers' anticipation rising as they prepare their chai latte, with the scent of cinnamon, cloves and cocoa filling the kitchen.

Consumers today want more than "just a drink" - they want a functional beverage that is more:

A moment of pleasure - creamy, fruity, refreshing or spicy
Self-care ritual - whip up matcha, mix a smoothie, prepare a latte
Value-added product - vitamins, proteins, biotics, minerals

#doitforyourself

Taste as the key

Nevertheless, one thing is clear: functional drinks are only successful if they taste good. Nobody wants to drink a product just because of the ingredients - it' s the taste that counts. That's why flavor combinations such as refreshing aloe lychee for hydration, tropical-fruity fermented whey for intestinal health or a Red Immune smoothie with berry and vegetable powders are so exciting: they combine function with attractive flavors that make you want more.

For young target groups in particular, taste experiences are an argument for choosing a functional drink. For example, our beauty iced tea with collagen and chicha morada flavor not only impresses with its ingredients, but also with its lifestyle character.

At Biohealth, we have over 20 years of experience in formulating nutritional supplements. Our passion lies in taste. We love to experiment and combine new, extraordinary flavors.

Eine Hand hält ein Glas mit "Happy Hydration" als Beispiel für elektrolythaltige Getränke

Gelber Hintergrund, davor wird ein gelber Drink ins Glas eingegossen

Nahrungsergänzungsmittel fürs Immunsystem: Immunsmoothie mit roten Beeren

Roter Beauty Eistee wird in Kristallglas eingegossen, daneben Schleierkraut

From fun drink to functional drink

The recipe for success is therefore: fun and function belong together.
Consumers want a drink that is refreshing, enjoyable and at the same time meets their personal needs - be it hydration, regeneration, beauty or mental balance.

For manufacturers, this means that anyone offering functional drinks must not forget the fun factor. Because only when enjoyment and added value go hand in hand can a product be created that really inspires.

Biohealth as partner
for functional beverages

At Biohealth, one of our absolute core competencies is the development of functional drink powders. We combine the best taste with a wide range of additional benefits. We cover many different target groups.

Milchiger Drink in einem Shaker vom Getränkepulver Hersteller Biohealth, darin ein Drink zur Regeneration nach dem Sport

Athletes and active people

From delicious electrolytes / isotonic drink powders with minerals and vitamins to fermented whey with galactooligosaccharides & vitamin A, to pre-workout boosters for focus and power - you'll find plenty of ideas in our sports world!

To the sports and exercise product world

Health-conscious

Functional teas and drinks with postbiotics, lavender, camomile, monk's pepper, iron and magnesium offer gentle support through hormonal phases, while the Mushroom Chai Latte with medicinal mushrooms, cocoa, inulin and vitamin C becomes a little ritual that provides relaxation. The Red Immune Smoothie provides a regular vitamin boost: 13 fruit powders, 9 vegetable powders and vitamins C and D - a colorful immune kick with a taste factor.

Find out more in the world of health

Gaming Booster Drink mit roten Beeren, im Hintergrund Headset und Controller

Lifestyle products

Our Gaming Boosters bring fun, flavor & focus - developed especially for gamers, while the GreensKick with wheatgrass, broccoli, spinach, matcha, spirulina and chlorella delivers a glass full of plant power.

To the lifestyle products

Grüne Pfeile zeigen nach oben rechts. In der Mitte steht Start your BHI journey now

Are you interested?

Would you like to develop your own functional drinks with us that perfectly combine enjoyment, fun and added value? Whether hydration, sport, beauty or mental balance - we support you from the idea to the finished recipe.

Make an inquiry now and discuss your concept

#yournextproduct

¹https://www.kingsresearch.com/de/functional-beverages-market-498

²https://www.mintel.com/de/insights/marketing-und-werbung/generation-z-konsumverhalten-so-tickt-gen-z/

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