It's 2023, and we live in a world where sustainability and health are becoming increasingly important. Customers are consuming more responsibly and consciously, so it's no surprise that innovation can be found everywhere when it comes to the latest refreshing drinks. More and more people are looking for beverages that are not only good for the body but also for the planet. From fermented tea to natural sodas with CBD, there are plenty of options available. In this article, we will discuss our favorite healthy sustainable drink trends that you shouldn't miss. So, if you want to add a creative twist to your drinks menu, keep reading!
We categorize the trendiest drinks into three categories: sustainable drinks, healthy drinks, and superfood drinks.
Sustainable Drinks
Local and Organic
When we look at the trends in sustainable drinks, we see an increasing demand for organic and local juices. Consumers want to know where their food and drinks come from and want to support the local economy. Additionally, juices that are organically produced without pesticides and chemicals are attractive to the environmentally conscious consumer.
Sustainably Packaged
Besides being local and organic, sustainable packaging is also very important. Think, for example, of using reusable bottles and packaging. This reduces the amount of waste we produce and lowers the impact on the environment. Looking ahead, more and more thought is being given to how we can reduce and reuse plastic. Younger generations, in particular, find this extremely important. Fortunately, deposit systems exist, and both plastic bottles and soda cans can be returned at several supermarkets.
Flavored Water
It has been around for a while but is becoming increasingly popular: sparkling water with a fruit flavor. This is not only sustainable but also much healthier than soda. Consumers are becoming more aware that sodas contain a lot of sugar. People want to enjoy their drinks without just drinking plain water, so water with a natural fruit flavor is an excellent option. Fruit infusions give water a flavorful twist, and sparkling water can be a great substitute for soda.
In addition to sustainable drink trends, there are also healthy drink trends.
Healthy Drink Trends:
Have you heard of Sparkling Tea?
Sparkling Tea is a special drink that is perfect as an alternative to champagne. This drink has the same 'bubbly feel' as champagne but is alcohol-free. You might already know it from Michelin-starred restaurants. Copenhagen Sparkling Tea Company is a leader in this! But what is Sparkling Tea?
"Copenhagen Sparkling Teas are made from a blend of teas. These are composed in the same way as a blend for sparkling wines. Each bottle contains up to several different teas to create a unique flavor."
We are fans of sparkling tea because it has a delightful light sparkling texture and is a great alternative to champagne or sparkling wines. So, even those who don't drink alcohol can still enjoy a special drink! In the past, you chose soda or apple juice, but now there's sparkling tea to make your experience just a bit more special.
Kombucha and Other Fermented Drinks
Kombucha and other fermented drinks have become increasingly popular in recent years. Kombucha is a carbonated drink made by fermenting tea with the help of bacteria and yeast. It has a slightly sour taste and is often associated with health benefits, such as promoting healthy digestion and strengthening the immune system. In addition to kombucha, there are other fermented drinks like kefir, ginger beer, and water kefir. These drinks are made by fermenting sugars with the help of bacteria and yeast. They all have their own unique flavors and health benefits. Fermented drinks are not only delicious and healthy but also sustainable because they contain no preservatives or artificial additives. We recommend trying different fermented drinks because there is certainly a great audience that prefers kombucha over cola.
Are you not yet familiar with the different types of kombucha? A tip we have for you is Wilderland kombucha! Wilderland makes kombucha from weeds. For example, try their smoked oak leaf kombucha!
The 'healthy drinks' don't stop at alcohol-free and kombucha. Some consumers have a super healthy lifestyle, in which case it would be interesting to have superfood drinks on the menu:
Superfood Drinks
Cold-Brew Coffee
Cold-brew coffee is a drink that has become increasingly popular in recent years. The difference between cold-brew and regular coffee is that cold-brew coffee is brewed with cold water instead of hot water. This results in a less bitter taste and a lower acidity level. Cold-brew coffee is also considered a healthier option because it contains less caffeine than regular coffee. Additionally, it serves as a good base for various types of coffee drinks, such as iced coffee and latte macchiato. It's definitely worth trying cold-brew coffee if you're looking for a refreshing alternative to regular coffee.
Matcha Latte
We are fans of Matcha Lattes! You can serve them both warm and iced. Matcha latte is a drink that has significantly increased in popularity. Especially consumers with a super healthy lifestyle love this. Matcha is a green tea from Japan that is ground into a powder. It has been known in Japanese culture for centuries for its health benefits. Matcha is rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and caffeine. For people looking to reduce their caffeine intake, matcha is a great alternative! A matcha latte is made from matcha powder, frothed milk, and sometimes a sweetener. It has a creamy and nutty flavor and provides a gentle, long-lasting energy boost. A variation on the classic matcha latte is the supermatcha latte. This variant contains extra superfoods like spirulina, chlorella, and moringa, making the drink even healthier. Try a matcha latte if you're looking for a healthy and tasty drink!
CBD
The latest trend we've seen is drinks with CBD.
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive substance extracted from hemp plants. CBD has many health benefits, such as reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving sleep. CBD drinks have entered the market in various forms, such as water, soda, tea, and coffee. The effects of CBD in drinks are not comparable to those of smoking cannabis because CBD drinks are not psychoactive and do not give you a 'high' feeling. CBD drinks are therefore a healthy and safe way to experience the benefits of CBD. People, for example, take them to relax or to experience less stress.
Note: Drinks with CBD cannot be served in Dutch hospitality establishments.
Conclusion
Choosing sustainable and healthy drinks is not only good for our bodies but also for the environment. There are plenty of options available, from cold-brew coffee to matcha latte and CBD drinks. By choosing sustainable and healthy beverages, we can contribute to a better world and improve our health. Additionally, these drinks are growing in popularity, so it's not a bad idea to have them on the menu (except for CBD drinks as they are not allowed in the Netherlands)!
