Modernizing Beverages for Today’s Consumer—And How Honey Can Help

Product Example:
Honey Lemonade, Apricot Lane Farms
Apricot Lane Farms Honey Lemonade is crafted with organic lemons, honey and farm-fresh ingredients. This variety pack includes three delicious flavors—Classic Lemon, Strawberry Lemon and Ginger Lemon—each offering the perfect balance of tart citrus and natural sweetness.

2. Scaling Trailblazers: Categories such as sports drinks, diet sodas and energy drinks are seeing growth by aligning with consumer needs in areas like:

• Energy and Focus. Caffeinated and adaptogenic beverages
• Immunity and Gut Health. Probiotic sodas and wellness shots
• Relaxation and Sleep Support. Herbal-infused drinks for nighttime unwinding

Product Example:
Awake + Protein Lion’s Mane Matcha Latte, Rebbl
Consumers can fuel their day with REBBL Awake, a creamy, plant-based matcha latte infused with honey and lion’s mane mushroom. Coconut milk creates a smooth, velvety texture, while green tea and adaptogens support focus and sustained energy. Dairy-free and ethically sourced, this invigorating blend provides 16 grams of plant protein.

3. Rising Disruptors: New beverage categories are appealing to younger consumers by focusing on:

• Hydration Innovation. The rise of plant-based waters and electrolyte-rich drinks
• Bold, Authentic Flavors. Global influences and unique ingredient pairings
• Convenience, Novel Formats. Ready-to-drink cocktails, cold brew coffee and functional teas

Product Example:
Peach Perfect Recovery Drink, Strive
This protein-packed recovery drink is marketed as post-workout fuel. Made with 100% real milk protein, this refreshing blend delivers 20 grams of protein to support muscle recovery, plus electrolytes to rehydrate and replenish. Sweetened with honey, it has a delicious, crisp peach flavor.

4. Emerging Contenders: Niche products with high potential.

• Kombucha, RTD Tea and Wellness shots. Positioned to scale as consumers seek beverages with added health benefits.
• Ingredients such as colostrum and beets are gaining traction.

How Honey Helps:

• Acts as a natural sweetener in diet and alternative sodas, eliminating the need for artificial or high-intensity sweeteners.
• Provides prebiotic benefits to support gut health, aligning with the growing interest in digestive wellness.
• Enhances flavor complexity, allowing for balanced sweetness without overpowering functional ingredients.

Product Example:
Enjoy Mint Tea, Just Ice Tea
Making its debut at Natural Products Expo West, Enjoy Mint Tea is honey-sweetened, mixed with American-grown organic spearmint and peppermint. The cooling, thirst-quenching, caffeine-free beverage is organic and Fair Trade certified.

The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

The non-alcoholic beverage sector has surged 32%, reaching nearly $600 million in sales. Consumers are increasingly looking for alternatives that maintain the ritualistic aspects of drinking without the associated health concerns. Innovation in this space is diversifying beyond beer and wine, with new entrants and formats expanding consumer choices.

How Honey Helps:

• Adds depth to non-alcoholic beers, mocktails and functional beverages, improving mouthfeel and complexity.
• Helps brands achieve clean label appeal, as honey is a familiar and trusted ingredient.
• Naturally enhances aroma and taste, allowing non-alcoholic beverages to better mimic their alcoholic counterparts.

Product Example:
Botanics Non-Alcoholic Paloma, Siponey
Botanics is a sparkling beverage crafted with aged rye whiskey, wildflower honey and botanicals. This ready-to-drink spritz blends warm whiskey notes with floral honey sweetness and a refreshing botanical finish. Made with sustainably sourced ingredients, it offers a sophisticated, all-natural alternative to artificial canned cocktails.

By integrating honey into beverage innovation, brands can create products that are not only delicious but also meet the modern consumer’s demand for clean, functional and sustainable ingredients. Email [email protected] to learn more.