Are you curious about the world of functional beverages that offer more than just taste? Functional drinks are not just any ordinary beverages; they're a blend of nature and science, crafted to elevate your experience beyond mere refreshment. Whether you're looking to boost your energy, enhance your mood, or simply enjoy a drink without alcohol, our range of functional beverages has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the best functional drinks of 2024, delving into their unique ingredients, benefits, and the burgeoning market that's changing the way we think about non-alcoholic options. From ON Beer's novel approach to Three Spirit’s botanical blend, and the invigorating REAL Sparkling Tea, we have a host of options waiting for you. So, let's embark on this journey together, discovering the delicious and beneficial world of functional drinks.
What is a functional beverage?
Simply put, a functional beverage is a drink specifically designed to deliver additional health or performance-related benefits beyond basic nutrition.
In the ever-evolving world of drinks, functional beverages stand out as a remarkable innovation. These aren't your average thirst-quenchers. Think of them as the superheroes in the beverage universe, crafted to do much more than just satisfy your drink cravings. Functional beverages are infused with natural ingredients, designed to offer a range of benefits. Whether it's boosting your energy levels, improving your mood, or helping you unwind after a long day, these drinks are tailored to enhance your overall well-being. The magic lies in their unique blends of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other natural components that work synergistically to provide a healthful boost. From aiding in relaxation to offering a non-alcoholic buzz, functional drinks are redefining what we expect from our beverages, marrying great taste with health and wellness.
Common Ingredients in Functional Beverages
When it comes to the alchemy of functional beverages, certain ingredients are the stars of the show. These drinks often feature a lineup of natural powerhouses, each selected for their unique benefits. Key players include adaptogens like Ashwagandha and Ginseng, known for their stress-busting abilities, and antioxidants such as Green Tea and Turmeric, famed for their health-boosting properties. Amino acids like L-Theanine are common, too, sought after for their calming effects, as well as botanicals like Damiana and Rhodiola, celebrated for enhancing mood and energy. These ingredients, often used in synergy, transform ordinary drinks into wellness potions, offering more than just hydration — they're a sip towards better health and vitality.
Common Types of Functional Drink
Functional beverages come in many forms, each designed to enhance health and wellbeing in its unique way. Some of the most common types include:
- Non-alcoholic Spirits: Like Sentia, offering mood-enhancing properties.
- Functional Waters: Infused with vitamins, minerals, or herbs for added health benefits.
- Energy Drinks: Providing a boost of energy through natural stimulants like caffeine.
- Kombucha: A fermented tea known for its probiotic qualities.
- Herbal Teas: Offering relaxation and various health benefits through natural herbs.
- Sports and Hydration Drinks: Designed to replenish and energize the body during physical activities.
- Smoothies: Nutrient-rich drinks made from a blend of fruits, vegetables, and other superfoods
Benefits of Functional Drinks
Functional beverages are more than just a trend; they're a lifestyle choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional drinks. Some of the key benefits these innovative beverages offers are:
- Enhanced Physical and Mental Well-being: Functional drinks are often formulated with ingredients that boost physical energy and mental clarity, helping you stay sharp and focused.
- Nutritional Supplementation: Many functional drinks contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to your daily nutritional needs.
- Mood Enhancement: Ingredients like adaptogens and natural herbs can help in improving mood and reducing stress.
- Hydration: Functional drinks not only keep you hydrated but do so in a more engaging and flavorful way than plain water, adding a touch of excitement to your hydration routine.
- Support for Specific Health Goals: Whether it's better digestion, improved immune function, or enhanced sleep quality, there's a functional drink tailored to support various health objectives.
- Non-Alcoholic Alternative: Functional drinks offer a satisfying and health-conscious alternative to alcohol, perfect for social occasions or relaxation without the hangover side effects .
The 7 Best Functional Drinks in 2024
ON Beer
What is ON Beer?
ON Beer is more than just a non-alcoholic IPA; it's a beacon of innovation in the realm of functional beverages. Crafted for those who seek the essence of a good beer without the alcohol, it brings a unique blend of botanicals to elevate your drinking experience. It stands out as a functional beer made with superpower plants, designed to elevate your feelings and provide a buzz without alcohol.
What functional ingredients does it include?
The heart of ON Beer lies in its ON X Blend™, featuring Ginseng, Guarana, Damiana, Muira-Puama, Syrian Rue, Rhodiola, Maca, Liquorice, and Pepper. These are not mere ingredients but are powerhouses of natural energy and wellness.
The benefits of ON Beer
With ON Beer, you're not just enjoying a drink; you're embracing a multitude of benefits. The botanicals in the ON X Blend™ offer enhanced mood, increased energy, and mental clarity. Each sip brings the promise of revitalisation and mental alertness, all while enjoying the full-bodied, hop-rich flavour of a classic IPA. ON Beer is your ticket to an elevated, alcohol-free experience that doesn't compromise on taste or the benefits it brings to your lifestyle.
Don’t just take our word for it
"I feel relaxed. I've got a little bit of a buzz about me. I feel like I've have had a drink, that's how I feel, but in a very positive way" - Stuart - Dry Drinker Founder after his 3rd ON Beer.
TRIP
What are TRIP CBD drinks?
TRIP is a leader in the CBD drink market, offering a refreshing way to unwind and relax without alcohol. These drinks are infused with CBD, making them a popular choice for those looking to relax and find calm in their busy lives.
What functional ingredients does it include?
TRIP CBD Drinks are infused with Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants, known for its health and wellness properties. CBD is celebrated for its potential to balance and reduce stress.
The benefits of TRIP
TRIP offers a unique drinking experience that helps you unwind without the hangover or 'hangxiety' associated with alcohol. It's a perfect alternative for managing stress and anxiety, offering a natural way to find calm and relax. As an added bonus, TRIP drinks are low in calories and have won awards for their great taste!
Don't just take our word for it
But why trust us when you can hear it from our customers: “Very refreshing for any occasion. An excellent choice of flavour which are all great” - A Happy TRIP Drinker
Three Spirit
What is Three Spirit?
Three Spirit is a range of indulgent non-alcoholic spirit alternatives, developed by world-class bartenders and plant scientists. The award-winning collection, Social, Livener, and Nightcap, is designed to suit different moods and moments, whether you want to socialise, celebrate, or chill. The drinks combine functional plants and ingredients to shift your mood in various directions, offering a unique experience in each bottle.
What functional ingredients does it include?
Three Spirit's non-alcoholic spirits are each crafted with a distinct blend of botanical extracts and natural ingredients. The Livener is known for its energising mix, including guayusa, guava leaf, and schisandra, while the Social Elixir combines adaptogens and mood-boosting elements like Damiana Leaf and Lion’s Mane Mushroom. The Nightcap offers a calming composition with Lemon Balm, Ashwagandha, and Valerian, among others. These ingredients are selected not just for their flavours but also for their functional benefits, contributing to the unique mood-enhancing properties of each spirit.
The benefits of Three Spirit
Each Three Spirit beverage offers unique functional benefits tailored to different moods and occasions. The Livener is designed to energise and uplift, making it ideal for kickstarting a party or an evening out. Social Elixir focuses on enhancing sociability and mood, perfect for engaging conversations and social gatherings. Nightcap is all about relaxation and winding down, helping to calm the mind and prepare for a restful night. These spirits provide a versatile range of experiences, from invigoration to relaxation, catering to the modern consumer's desire for mindful drinking alternatives.
Don’t just take our word for it
Words from a happy Three Spirit Nightcap customer: “I wasn't sure about this but it's exactly what it says on the bottle! It's a great nightcap and gives you a warm sleepy feeling! Loving this with some soda water!!”
Blurred Vines
What is Blurred Vines?
Blurred Vines offers two distinct non-alcoholic wine alternatives: Sharp and Spark. These innovative beverages are designed for those seeking sophisticated and special flavours without alcohol. Sharp, the white wine alternative, is bright, fresh, and aromatic with a light spritz. Spark, on the other hand, brings its own unique character, providing an equally engaging and flavourful experience. Both are created to be savoured, whether alongside food or enjoyed on their own.
What functional ingredients do they include?
Blurred Vines' ingredient lists include a blend of cold brew botanicals, green gooseberry juice, fermented fruit wine, and botanical extracts like Californian poppy, nettle leaf, and clary sage. They are enriched with minerals, amino acids, and vitamins such as potassium, magnesium, L-theanine, NALT, L-histidine, C, D, B3, B6, B7, and B12, ensuring a nutritionally balanced experience.
The benefits of Blurred Vines
Each Blurred Vines non-alcoholic wine alternative brings its own set of benefits. Sharp is designed to invigorate and sharpen focus, making it perfect for moments when you need mental clarity alongside enjoyment. Spark is more about relaxation and unwinding, offering a serene drinking experience. Both are packed with active plants, adaptogens, and nootropics, making them versatile for different moods and occasions. Vegan, gluten-free, and full of sophisticated flavours, they're ideal for celebrations, pairing with meals, or as a special, health-conscious indulgence.
Impossibrew
What is Impossibrew Enhanced Lager?
Impossibrew is a mood-enhancing, alcohol-free beer that offers a unique twist on traditional lagers and ales. Available as a lager and a “hazy” pale ale, Impossibrew is designed to promote relaxation, sociability, and better sleep.
What functional ingredients does it include?
Impossibrew's key ingredients are Green Tea, known for its brain function and anxiety reduction benefits; L-Theanine, an amino acid for positive brain chemistry effects; Griffonia Seed; and 5-Htp, which helps in serotonin production.
The benefits of Impossibrew
The combination of these ingredients in Impossibrew offers dual benefits: a natural uplift in happiness and relaxation. It's a low-calorie (61.6 calories per 440ml can), vegan-friendly option that provides an authentic beer taste with a unique mood-enhancing effect. Impossibrew is perfect for those looking to unwind socially without alcohol, offering a more carefree mindset and a calming influence after stressful days.
Don’t just take our word for it
“Good taste and a nice light buzz which was pleasant and unexpected.” - A Dry Drinker Impossibrew customer.
REAL
What is REAL?
REAL Kombucha's Sparkling Tea is a naturally fermented, alcohol-free drink, crafted from fine loose-leaf teas. Unlike traditional sparkling wines, it undergoes a unique fermentation process that captures the essence of sparkling wine yet offers a novel and refreshing drinking experience.
What functional ingredients does REAL Kombucha include?
The Sparkling Tea is made using select loose-leaf teas, fermented with natural microorganisms. This process brings out delicate notes and unique flavours in each variant, such as the Royal Flush's rhubarb and white peach notes and Dry Dragon’s sweet lemon abnd delicate leafy tones.
The benefits of Sparkling Tea
These sparkling teas offer health-conscious individuals an alcohol-free alternative that doesn't compromise on taste or dining experience. Its low-calorie content is ideal for those monitoring their dietary intake, while the natural antioxidant properties of the tea contribute to overall well-being.
Don’t just take our word for it
“It’s a lovely treat when you want something more special and has a dry taste. I would and have recommended it as a great alternative to wine.” - A REAL Dry Dragon Sparkling Tea Customer.
Sentia
What is Sentia?
Sentia is a unique non-alcoholic spirit, crafted as a mood-enhancing alternative to traditional drinks. It's designed to offer the pleasures of drinking, like social connection and relaxation, without the negative effects of alcohol. There are two variations, Sentia Black and Sentia Red.
What ingredients do they include?
Both Sentia Red and Sentia Black are uniquely formulated with a variety of all-natural botanicals, specifically chosen for their mood-enhancing properties. A key ingredient in both variants is GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), known for its relaxation and sociability-enhancing effects. Sentia Black, in particular, is noted for its complex blend of spiced pepper warmth and smoky finish, with sweetness from natural agave, adding to its rich flavour profile.
What benefits does Sentia offer?
As the world's first GABA Spirits, Sentia Red and Black are designed to enhance relaxation and sociability, capturing the 'sweet spot' of drinking. They are low-calorie and suitable for health-conscious consumers, providing the uplifting aspects of traditional spirits without the hangover.
Don’t just take our word for it
But don't just take our word for it. Here's what our customers have to say: "Sentia is my go-to for social gatherings. I love the buzz it gives me, and I wake up feeling fresh the next day!" - A Sentia Fan.
The Growing Functional Beverage Market
As we explore the realm of functional beverages, it's clear that this market isn't just thriving; it's skyrocketing. In 2023, the global market value is poised to reach a staggering $147.7 billion (!), a significant jump from the previous year. And it isn't expected to slow, with the market prediected to get to $224.99 billion by 2027. This trend is mirrored in key markets like the UK and the US, indicating a widespread shift towards beverages that do more than quench thirst.
What's driving this phenomenal growth? It boils down to a collective shift in priorities. Consumers today are more health-conscious than ever, seeking drinks that not only hydrate but also energise, relax, or provide other health benefits. From functional waters to non-alcoholic spirits, these beverages are gaining popularity for their ability to enhance well-being. This isn't just a trend; it's a movement towards mindful consumption, where what we drink is integral to our lifestyle and health.
Non-alcoholic drinks with benefits
In the realm of functional beverages, we've seen an inspiring fusion of flavour, wellness, and innovation and each drink showcases a commitment to health and enjoyment. This growing market reflects a shift towards mindful consumption, where what we drink is as important as what we eat. As we continue to embrace beverages that offer more than just taste, we open ourselves to a world where each sip brings a benefit, transforming our daily rituals into opportunities for wellness and pleasure.
So what do you think? Fancy giving functional beverage a try? At Dry Drinker, we've curated a collection of the best functional non-alcoholic drinks for you to explore. From ON Beer to Impossibrew Enhanced Lager and Blurred Vine's innovative offerings, there's something for every taste. Join the revolution and discover the intoxicating world of non-alcoholic drinks today!
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