Empower your beverages with natural ingredients

We reveal how Nexira’s precision prebiotics and natural botanical extracts can help R&D lean into strong consumer demand for positive nutrition in functional beverages.

Proactive consumers

Consumers of all ages want to feel well, look good and stay active for as long as possible – and diet and nutrition is key.  In fact, according to a recent global study¹, 1 in 3 say that the health aspects of food and beverage products have become more important to them over the last 12 months. Just over a quarter approach healthy eating with a nutritional or physical benefit in mind. And many also believe that products aligned with these concerns are worth paying more for.

Of course, exactly what consumers are looking for varies enormously. Gen Z and Millennials are reportedly¹ more likely to be interested in products to de-stress and relax, whereas older generations tend to seek out specific benefits such as digestion, bone/joint health and ageing well. But whatever the motivation, the overall picture is one of personal responsibility with dietary choices increasingly being made to support physical and emotional wellbeing.

This behavioural shift is not only driving growth in functional beverages, it is also credited with influencing the category’s recent 18% rise in product launches (2023-24)¹. Dairy alternatives and energy drinks are firmly out in front, but other niche categories such as functional carbonates and iced coffee have also upped their game, reflecting a level of innovation that’s more impressive given the global soft drink industry’s largely static performance over recent years.

Interestingly, although familiar claims around energy and high protein content have so far dominated new developments, there are clear signs of a push to elevate formulations and diversify product ranges with innovative ingredients designed to strengthen product appeal. We’re seeing a move towards plant-powered sources of caffeine, bottled waters with health-boosting vitamins, sparkling sodas featuring prebiotic fibers, and many other exciting developments in this space. At the same time, added-value messaging around plant-based and sustainability are also gaining traction in response to growing demand for more environmentally-friendly options.

With consumers around the world adopting positive nutrition as an important part of their health strategies – and an apparent gap between desire and purchase rate¹ – functional beverages are well placed to meet this need. Not only offering a convenient way to boost nutrient intake in one enjoyable hit, the sheer scope of potential formats and formulations means the category also aligns well with the emerging trend for greater personalization.

So how can producers and brand owners tap into this exciting opportunity? 

Blossoming botanicals

With a positive narrative in terms of natural origin, sourcing, and traditional consumption, Nexira’s extensive range of natural, organic botanical extracts lends a powerful storytelling edge to brand platforms.  This compelling backdrop, together with a strong association with trending health and wellness platforms, resonates with consumers and makes these ingredients a strong proposition for formulators. At FiE, for instance, we focused on five of our flagship references:

• Guarana for a natural energy boost
• Ginseng to promote cognitive health
• Lemon balm for better relaxation and sleep
• Hibiscus to enhance antioxidant properties
• Green tea to support vitality and weight management.

Crucially, the entire range is responsibly sourced and manufactured using a gentle extraction process at Nexira’s own facility in France. Our lemon balm, for example, is organic-certified and only sourced from local producers in France.

But we also recognize the importance (and challenge) of creating the anticipated sensory profile in functional beverages, which is why these clean-label ingredients are highly soluble – making them suitable for use in a wide range of applications.

Prebiotic power

With market insights signalling a bright future for gut-friendly products, Nexira’s range of premium clean label prebiotic solutions can help producers capitalize on this opportunity with personalized functional beverage concepts.

Comprising four clean label, all-natural, prebiotic ingredients, each product in our comprehensive inavea™ range provides a rich source of sustainably-sourced, organic, acacia fiber – either alone or in combination with carefully-selected, synergistic raw materials – and an evidence-based prebiotic effect that benefits gut health, microbiome diversity, and general wellbeing.

• inavea™ PURE ACACIA: Certified GMO-free, this gentle prebiotic fiber has a strong prebiotic effect at 10g/day.
• inavea™ BAOBOB & ACACIA:  A synergistic formulation of two African treasures, studies show it contributes to a balanced microbiome for enhanced digestive health and general wellbeing.
• inavea™ CAROB & ACACIA: Bringing together two exceptional dietary fiber ingredients, this most recent addition to our range has been shown to promote beneficial bacteria for a healthier microbiome.

So, whether the goal is fiber enrichment or a closer association with a healthier microbiome, improved digestion, or the gut-brain axis, we believe inavea™ precision probiotics have a positive role to play in successful product formulations. 

Healthy & indulgent

It’s also worth noting that although consumers are increasingly concerned about health, they are not willing to compromise on enjoyment – and this is particularly evident when it comes to dairy and dairy alternative categories. Yogurts, shakes and RTD coffees are still expected to deliver the anticipated creamy texture and indulgent mouthfeel. This is where Nexira’s naltive™ range  of all-natural, organic, texturizers comes into its own.

Offering three types of natural texturizers – Locust Bean Gum, Guar Gum specialties and Tara Gum – our ingredients are used to enhance roundness profile, improve stabilization, and create the perfect sensory experience in a wide range of beverage applications – even in low fat or low sugar formulations.

Let Nexira’s innovative ingredient solutions inspire your next functional beverage concept.

Contact us for more information or sample request ⤵️

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[1] Innova Market Insights, Category Insider, Now & Next in Global Functional Beverages – Aug 2024

This communication is not intended to the final consumer. It provides scientific information for professionals only. Communication to final consumer has to be checked according to local regulation in force, since the conditions of use are beyond our control. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.