A total of 53% of global consumers are interested in beverages containing ingredients specific for immune support but want to see science-backed ingredients, citing vitamin blends, omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics as the top ingredients on their radar. 

Tropicana, a brand of Purchase, N.Y.-based PepsiCo Inc., launched Tropicana Essentials Probiotics, a new 100% juice with probiotics and no added sugar or artificial flavors.

Coffee and tea are the original functional beverages. They’re packed with antioxidants and other functional ingredients that serve to stimulate, relax or purify. Dairies formulate their own nondairy beverages and combine tea and coffee into dairy-based products.

If you need an icebreaker to use at a dairy-industry gathering, try this: “Functional foods: passing fad or future of the business?” It works wonders at sparking discussion.

Processors like Turkey Hill are focusing on unique tea flavors and more options. Lipton introduces healthier teas, and Good Belly goes with functional ingredients, a trend many other beverage makers are following.