Tea Revolution

Tea is undergoing a transformation well beyond traditional hot or iced, sweetened or unsweetened formats. Global flavors, health and wellness benefits, and innovative formats are repositioning tea as a compelling alternative to soda and coffee, offering sustained energy without the crash. Yerba mate–based beverages like Yerba Magic and high-caffeine loose-leaf blends from Amez Infusions highlight tea’s functional energy appeal. Health-focused innovation continues with brands like NUDL targeting cognitive benefits, while clean-label seekers are drawn to offerings such as Evolution Fresh Organic Tea, with blends like mango peach green tea and raspberry passionfruit black tea. At the same time, Chinese tea entrepreneurs are targeting the U.S. market for growth, with Shenzhen-based Molly Tea expanding to 15 U.S. locations by tailoring jasmine tea creations to American palates.

Trendsetters: Molly Tea, Yerba Magic, Amez Infusions, Evolution Fresh, NUDL

Boozy Innovations

Despite continued growth in NA beverages and alcohol alternatives, innovation in traditional alcohol remains strong. Global flavor influences persist, while market pressures are also driving increased interest in locally and regionally distilled spirits, such as Sugarlands Distilling Co.’s new Broken Antler flavored whiskey line featuring flavors like blackberry and hot honey. Better-for-you cocktails are gaining traction, with brands like Shake It Up Cocktails emphasizing real fruit like lemon, blueberry and cherry, and Nirvana spotlighting real coconut water in its sparkling vodka strawberry lemonade. Mindful indulgence continues to shape the category, with launches like Oatrageous oat milk liqueur, offering 30% less sugar than leading cream liqueurs, and Decoy’s Featherweight Cabernet Sauvignon at 80 calories per serving and 9% ABV.

Trendsetters: Oatrageous, Shake Up Cocktails, Nirvana, Decoy Featherweight,
Broken Antler Whiskey

Sips that Work

After a breakout year in 2025, functional beverages are set to maintain their rapid momentum in 2026. Customers are gravitating toward drinks that deliver mental and physical benefits without sacrificing clean, craveable flavors. Innovation from brands like Wildwonder blends culturally inspired fruits with herbs and botanicals drawn from traditional Chinese tonics, while functional mushrooms gain traction through offerings from Trip and Arden’s Garden focused on mental clarity and overall well-being. At the same time, Hop Wtr is moving beyond the NA beer space with adaptogen- and nootropic-infused sparkling waters, and Bloom continues to expand its women-centric lineup with the introduction of a clear protein powder.

Trendsetters: Wildwonder, Trip, Bloom, Hop Wtr, Arden’s Garden

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Flavorchem and Orchidia Fragrances specialize in the creation and manufacturing of flavor, fragrance, and ingredient solutions.