A new generation of consumers is driving innovation in non-carbonated beverages toward healthier and more personalized offerings. Traditional concepts are being reinvented, and the exploration of new experiences is the order of the day. As a cultural and generational exponent, the non-carbonated beverage market is highly segmented and distinguished by its focus on specific audiences. Globally, some of the most important trends include:
With less sugar, naturally sweetened.
For the beverage industry, sugar reduction has been one of the most impactful trends in recent years, driven by consumers, health professionals, and government agencies. Replacing sugar in a beverage entails technical challenges for the flavor system, but at the same time, it represents an opportunity for consolidation in a more demanding market. Calorie reduction is not the only important factor; the popularity of natural high-intensity sweeteners, such as Stevia plant extracts, is an indicator of the attention consumers place on both the origin of ingredients and the quality of sweetness. Interestingly, the market perceives the sugar content of certain types of beverages, such as fruit juices and children's drinks, as more critical, while not as interested in the calorie content of other types of beverages, such as energy drinks (1). Multiple market analyses indicate that the sensory experience remains the determining factor for beverage consumption, so sugar reduction must guarantee the best possible sensory experience.
Tailor-made nutrition and well-being.
It's not just about hydration; particularly among millennial consumers, replacing a snack with a beverage containing functional ingredients is a practical and convenient option for their nutrition. There is a growing consumer demand for beverages formulated to promote well-being and health, for example, with ingredients that contribute to relaxation, digestion, concentration, and immune system function. The industry has responded with a wide range of offerings containing vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and plant extracts. Functional beverages offer an attractive combination of a pleasurable experience and constructive nutrition.
Clean labels
The non-carbonated beverage segment has capitalized on the "Clean Label" movement. Although this concept largely falls on the consumer, its core characteristics are: labels with clear and transparent information, few ingredients, and easy understanding. Globally, regulatory efforts for beverage labeling have migrated from a focus on beverage classification and description to an emphasis on adequately informing consumers through labels. Consequently, consumers are more attentive to information, seeking alternatives with fewer additives and preferring natural ingredients.
Sabores Cosco de Centroamérica offers a wide range of applications developed for specific segments, in the form of bases or applications for the production of ready-to-drink beverages. Our offering is at the forefront of market trends with a broad portfolio of flavors, extracts, colors, and sweeteners for beverages. We offer multiple solutions for different concepts:
LIGHTER DRINKS, WITH LESS SUGAR
As mentioned, consumers are looking for healthier options for hydration. At the same time, more and more countries are adopting sugar taxes, directly impacting the retail price of beverages. From an industrial perspective, one positive aspect of sugar substitution is the cost savings in formulation and processing.
However, it's not just about reducing sugar and replacing it with a high-intensity sweetener; a meticulous development process is required to ensure minimal impact on the beverage's sensory quality.
Sabores Cosco de Centroamérica has developed application-oriented flavor modulators and sweetener solutions. We provide technical support for the development of sugar-replacement beverages, focusing on the balance of the formulated flavor system:
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Synergistic sweetness and reduction of aftertastes and foreign flavors remaining on the palate.
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Stabilization of the system for applying emulsion flavors, in order to prevent the appearance of oil “rings” in the neck of the bottle.
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Enhancers for the release of aromatic compounds in beverages containing hydrocolloids, maintaining the sensory profile without affecting the palatability of the beverage with reduced sugar.
TEA-BASED DRINKS
Beverages associated with wellness and health. Our tea-based beverage offerings include black, green, white, and roobois tea extracts. We offer flavors designed for iced teas with floral notes like jasmine and lavender; aromas with tropical fruit notes like watermelon, melon, and mango-passion fruit; and multiple profiles of the perennial favorites: lemon, peach, raspberry, and mint.
ADULT BEVERAGES, NON-ALCOHOLIC
Designed for a growing market of people who want to consume less alcohol, such as the "Sober Curious" audience. We offer drink bases for innovative alternatives with flavors aimed at adults. Our portfolio includes popular cocktail flavors like mojito and margarita, as well as non-alcoholic beer flavors. We also offer drink bases with a spicy kick, such as tamarind, guava, and mango chili, all designed for alcohol-free applications.
FLAVORED LEMONADES
Lemonades are naturally refreshing and highly versatile. Their light, aromatic base favors low-calorie formulations. We offer a wide variety of flavored lemonades: cherry, raspberry, dragon fruit, mango-peach, and strawberry are some of our recommendations. Our designs make it easy to blend different fruit juices for a richer, more palatable composition, sweetened with natural or combined ingredients.
COLA DRINKS FOR CHILDREN
Children's drinks don't necessarily contain excessive sugar or artificial colors. Our cola offerings for children are designed for non-carbonated drinks, with less sugar and natural ingredients. We offer a wide variety of delicious combinations: cherry, orange-cherry, cotton candy, strawberry-banana, strawberry-lemon, and many more.
About us…
Sabores Cosco de Centroamérica offers innovative alternatives in flavors and ingredients. Our portfolio of beverage and food applications is continuously growing to provide timely responses to market demands. We have the technical tools to address the particular needs of beverage and food flavor system applications, designing tailor-made proposals. Our technical advisory team provides support throughout the development process. We are sure that in Sabores Cosco de Centroamérica you will find an integral solution partner for your products.
(1) Mintel. “Consumer Trends in Sweeteners.” February 27, 2019.