From globally inspired comfort flavors to functional hydration and personalized wellness, consumers are demanding drinks that deliver both emotion and efficacy
Black sesame lattes, banana milk and indulgent throwback flavors are colliding with electrolyte coffees, clean-label claims and targeted supplements. In 2026, the winning formula blends comfort, function and flavor into one seamless daily ritual.
HydroCelt launches with Citrus Splash and Peachy Twist, offering 600mg of Celt Salt and stomach-friendly electrolytes for smoother, more effective hydration. Formulated without preservatives, additives or artificial ingredients, the mix targets athletes, workers and anyone seeking clean, everyday hydration support.
Replacing sugar isn’t just about cutting calories—it’s about replicating sweetness, texture, color, and mouthfeel. Experts highlight how allulose, erythritol, stevia, and tagatose are redefining sugar reduction, offering clean-label solutions that bridge indulgence and health.
At this year's IFT FIRST, hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists, Tate & Lyle invites attendees to Booth S600 to experience a brave new world of food and beverage formulation.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed and recognized SteviUp M2 as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as a general-purpose sweetener in food and beverage applications.
Throughout the IFT event, Layn will be serve functional drink prototypes, including a tasty probiotic drink with Galacan to promote gut-health, and a refreshing tea beverage with US-grown American Ginseng to support energy.
Health-conscious consumers are pushing for better-for-you products with less sugar and cleaner labels, prompting manufacturers to reimagine sweetener strategies
Consumers are cutting back on sugar—and the food and beverage industry is responding with smarter sweeteners, cleaner labels, and bold innovation across categories. From indulgent treats to savory staples, sugar reduction is no longer a niche effort but a mainstream expectation reshaping product development.
As the plant-based category continues an explosive growth trajectory, the number of ingredients commonly used in plant-based formulations has multiplied and diversified. Product developers apply innovative techniques to balance ingredients in formulations, and have generated a staggering amount of product introductions to the space. However, the nuanced use of specialized ingredients places further demand on R&D professionals to maintain awareness of discoveries in ingredient technology.
In the formulation of reduced sugar food and beverage products, ingredient trends are shifting towards clean label, natural alternatives that provide sweetness without compromising taste or texture.