Hybrid beverages combine elements from two or more different types or categories of beverages. These combinations often result in innovative flavor profiles that offer consumers a novel drinking experience. They have gained popularity as the industry continually explores creative ways to meet consumer trends.
“In general, consumers are seeking better-for-you products with functional ingredients, and hybrid beverages check all the boxes,” says Amy Marks-McGee, founder of Trendincite LLC. “They offer consumers multiple benefits such as unique flavor combinations and active ingredients.”
Our newest product, FlavorUp, a high-flavor, low-juice blend (HFLJ), is a fantastic way to achieve this functional and delicious goal. Its beverage formulations maximize flavor intensity while minimizing the quantity of fruit juice used. They make sweetness customizable, innovation easier, tastes bolder, and more. So, whether you are formulating sparkling mocktails, a low-calorie RTD alcoholic drink, or something in-between, FlavorUp blend is a great way to add real fruit flavor while adding functional and nutritious benefits to your next hybrid beverage application. Let’s explore this evolving trend and learn how your business can take advantage of using FlavorUp!
Why Are Hybrid Beverages Trending?
Shifts in consumer preferences, lifestyle choices, and the desire for novel and unique taste experiences fuel the growing popularity of hybrid beverages.
With a growing emphasis on health and wellness, consumers are looking for beverages that offer nutritional benefits and fun flavors. Hybrid beverages can include natural and functional ingredients, such as fruits, herbs, and superfoods. They can meet specific dietary preferences, such as low-calorie or low-sugar options. Additionally, functional ingredients, like antioxidants or vitamins, can also be incorporated, making them attractive to health-conscious consumers.
Hybrid beverages are also easily customizable, meaning that manufacturers have more accessibility to experiment with creative flavors. By blending different ingredients, such as fruits, herbs, and beverages, manufacturers can offer a wide range of flavors that appeal to a range of preferences. Beverage companies can cater to a growing consumer population who favors exploration.
Benefits of High-Flavor, Low-Juice Blends in Hybrid Beverages
FlavorUp in hybrid beverages can offer a range of benefits, catering to health-conscious and exploratory preferences of consumers. Those benefits include:
• Very low usage needed
• High flavor impact
• Low-calorie contribution
• When made with real juice, your label can say:
› Real juice
› All-natural
› Low sugar
There are many creative ways to utilize our newest FlavorUp blend! If you need inspiration, we have seen exceptional success in seltzers (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), hop waters with fruit flavors, RTD alcoholic drinks (sparkling and non-sparkling), coffee, tea, energy drinks, and sports beverages, and plenty more!
Let’s Find a High-Flavor, Low-Juice Blend for Your Next Beverage Formulation Today!
Our flavor experts at Northwest Naturals are ready to help you reach your flavor goals and create functional and delicious applications that cater to all! Contact us or request a sample today at 425.881.2200 or custserv@nwnaturals.com.