The future of beverage is here, and we’re not talking fizzy refreshment or sweet indulgence trends. Consumers want drinks that deliver benefits beyond simple thirst quenching pleasure – and beverage companies are responding. Gut health, immune defense, and beauty support are just a few of the health concerns consumers are combatting through functional beverages. Let’s take a look at some of the most innovative functional ingredients for beverages and explore how to use them in different applications.
Types of functional ingredients
A functional ingredient is something that is added to a food or beverage formula for the purpose of enhancing health (overall or targeted) or performance (physical, mental, or emotional). It may have other functions, such as imparting flavor or increasing shelf life stability, but these are often secondary to its claim as a health or performance aid.
There are many types of functional ingredients available! Some of the most popular functional ingredients for beverages include:
- Prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and symbiotics
- Protein isolates
- Branched chain amino acids
- Multispectrum omega oils
- Vitamins and minerals
- Nootropics
- Antioxidants
- Collagen
Some beverage products focus on one functional ingredient, while others combine functionals for broad spectrum benefits or to appeal to a larger audience. No matter what functional ingredient(s) you choose, one thing is clear: the beverage must taste good or consumers won’t buy it. Some functional ingredients impart bitter taste, astringency, or strong flavors that can detract from a satisfying drinking experience. If you’re struggling with masking taste or flavor off-notes in your functional beverage, we have natural flavor modifiers that can help.
Why use beverages to deliver functional ingredients?
Beverages make great carriers for functional ingredients. First, their liquid state makes them easy to consume. This is especially important for the young, the elderly, and people with nausea or other symptoms that negatively impact palatability, chewing, swallowing, or digestion. Second, the aqueous nature of functional drinks ensures equal dosage of the functional ingredient in every sip, accompanied by hydration which can help with cellular absorption. Third, compared to pills or powders beverages are convenient, portable, and multifunctional if they serve additional needs such as refreshment, meal replacement, or snack. Finally, beverages are child-friendly: children will often try a new beverage before they will try an unfamiliar food or supplement.
Innovative functional ingredients for beverages
Depending on dosage and bioavailability, many common food and beverage ingredients can be functional ingredients. For example, high doses of Vitamin C can provide immune defense functionality while whey protein can support muscle building and satiety. Innovative functional ingredients for beverages take this concept a step further: these natural additives offer targeted delivery, improved formula compatibility, alternate sourcing, and/or enhanced efficacy when used as directed. These extra functions or benefits add value to beverages, filling product gaps and offering a point of differentiation in competitive beverage categories.
At Blue Pacific Flavors, we offer functional ingredients for beverages that are naturally sourced, FDA approved, and backed by rigorous scientific research. Our goal is to offer you the most innovative and effective ingredients so you make market-leading products. Let’s explore four of our best-selling functional ingredients: Keystone PostbioticTM, Muno IgYTM, PureMuneTM, and Ahiflower® Oil.
Keystone PostbioticTM
“There is an intricate relationship between the gut microbiome and human health. Studies increasingly show that a diverse and well-balanced gut microbiome is crucial to our digestive health and overall wellbeing. When there is an imbalance in the gut microbiome, our digestive, inflammatory, and immune systems may become compromised. Keystone Postbiotic™ is a combination of well-characterized probiotic strains fermented with oats. It is designed to promote the growth of keystone bacteria to support a healthy gut microbiome and balanced immune response.” (Verb Biotics, 2024)
This exciting ingredient offers gut health benefits that can support whole-body wellness. Its plant-based source means it can be used in vegetarian formulations. Plant milk, protein shakes, fruit smoothies, and coffee lattes are all great applications for this innovative functional ingredient.
Muno-IgYTM
“Muno-IGYTM is a 100% natural set of protein antibodies extracted from hen egg yolks. These antibodies, called IgY (or Immunoglobulin-Y), are very similar to our own human IgG protective antibodies, largely the result of our common evolutionary path. Where probiotics can help to restore good bacteria in the gut, IgY latches onto, and removes pathogens at the gut level, thereby alleviating stress on the overall system and supporting the body’s natural defense systems.” (IGY Life Sciences 2024)
This specialty ingredient can enhance athletic performance via immune defense, energy boost, and muscle recovery benefits. Use it in meal replacement shakes, hydration powders, and energy drinks to help consumers achieve peak performance.
Ahiflower® Oil
“Ahiflower is a naturally wild plant that was discovered growing in a hedgerow in the UK countryside. Today, Ahiflower is cultivated as a non-GMO agricultural crop produced exclusively by Natures Crops International. Each Ahiflower bloom produces up to four seeds. These seeds are freshly expeller-pressed to produce a complete and balanced omega-rich oil with a higher quality and higher quantity of omegas than any other seed oil ever discovered. Ahiflower’s extraordinary science-backed health benefits, great taste and versatility make it the perfect functional ingredient in a variety of formulations.” (Natures Crops International)
This multi-spectrum omega rich seed oil can deliver brain, skin, heart, and mood benefits. Its plant-based sourcing means you can use it in vegetarian and vegan formulations. Meal replacement shakes, coffee creamers, and plant milks are great applications for this functional ingredient.
PureMuneTM
“PureMune Yeast Beta Glucan, a beneficial dietary fiber, primarily stems from the cell walls of baker’s yeast, or Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Derived from a natural source, this polysaccharide has been recognized for providing support to the immune system. Other types of yeasts, fungi, seaweeds, and cereal grains like barley and oats also contain beta glucans, albeit in different structural forms. However, the yeast variant is particularly well-studied for its unique health properties. As a result of its optimal structural form, PureMune Yeast Beta Glucan helps strengthen the immune system by activating white blood cells, while also playing a role in promoting overall health and wellness. Added immune support is particularly crucial during periods of heightened stress, limited sleep, or during the cold and flu season. Incorporating beta-glucan supplements into a balanced diet could thus represent a proactive strategy for maintaining robust immune health.” (Immudyne Nutritional 2024)
PureMune’s claims that beta glucan supports sustained energy and improved immune response are backed by scientific research. This functional beverage ingredient is an excellent choice for health teas, hydration beverage powders, and fruit smoothies.
Food and beverage development services
We hope these ideas help launch your next iconic functional beverge! Blue Pacific Flavors has been a leader in flavor trends and food and beverage innovation since 1993. Learn more about our product development services in this video.
We’re passionate about providing the highest level of customer service. Let our flavor business help you build your food or beverage business.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This ingredient is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
