Are Beverage Brands Cashing In On A Gummy Gold Rush?
A growing synergy between beverage brands and gummy supplements is benefiting both categories as consumers seek more functional consumables.
Innovation
Featured Innovation Content
PolkaDot Refreshes Adaptogenic Mushroom Drink Line
As adaptogenic mushroom beverages see rising mainstream interest, startup functional drink brand PolkaDot made a splash at Natural Products Expo West last week with new packaging and a psychedelic booth design intended to fully launch the brand into market.
Edible Garden Enters RTD Protein with Tetra Pak Partnership
Indoor farming business Edible Garden is expanding into RTD nutritional shakesv through a manufacturing partnership with Tetra Pak.
Additional Content
Casket Maker Goes from Coffins to Caffeine with Energy Drink Launch
There’s a new energy drink on the market encouraging consumers to have a laugh about dying – and no, we don’t mean Liquid Death. Titan Casket, a Massachusetts-based direct-to-consumer coffin retailer, is getting into the energy drink space with Awake.
New Products: Louie Louie’s High Class Partnership and Playboy’s Energy Play
This week’s new products are offering up some holiday highs for consumers. We take a look at several new THC beverage launches from High Rise, Uncle Arnie’s and Louie Louie, as well as some non-infused innovations in coffee and creamers courtesy of MUD\WTR and Laird, and new energy drinks from C4, BUM and Playboy.
New Products: Alex Cooper’s Unwell Energy, Apple Slice and Oatmilk in Paris
This week’s gallery includes a fashionable energy line from podcaster Alex Cooper’s Unwell Beverages, the return of a fan-favorite flavor for a classic soda brand, and the latest innovations in plant-based milk alternatives.
Decadent Flavors, LTO Innovations Stand Out in 2026 Trend Predictions
Protein, non-alc and better-for-you soda are all here to stay, but the shape – or taste – that any and all of them could take in the new year is less certain. But formulation and ingredients experts Flavorman and Finlays have a sense of what’s on the horizon.
New Products: Prebiotic Pepsi, Plant-Based Protein and Psilly Libations
In this week’s gallery, we take a look at new plant-based milk innovations from Silk and Pacific Foods, a stylish fresh collab from AriZona, a mushroom-infused social tonic, and for anyone who needs some help digesting their Thanksgiving dinner, there's Pepsi Prebiotic.
Can Creatine Be The Next Big Thing In Functional Beverage?
Creatine is quickly becoming the next big functional beverage ingredient thanks to innovation in micro-encapsulation technology.
New Products: Holiday Creamers from Too Good and Coffee mate Get Magical
In this week’s new products gallery we cover a Harry Potter collaboration with Coffee mate, new launches from Too Good & Co. and Pop & Bottle, as well as other non-coffee innovations.
Saint James Says Sales Ignite After Pack Refresh
Over six months since introducing its refreshed aluminum packaging, Saint James Iced Tea is enjoying the benefits of a glow up. The startup beverage maker moved away from cartons this spring and the difference was felt instantly.
Monster’s 2026 Bev-Alc Slate: 1st Spirits RTD Just Vibe, Stunt Double Lager & 10% Beast Variants
Monster Brewing’s 2026 innovation slate will include a pair of lagers and the company’s first spirits-based, ready-to-drink (RTD) offering. CEO Hilton Schlosberg teased the new products but offered few details during the company’s Q3 earnings call earlier this month.
Lucky Energy Closes $25M Round, Prepares For Innovation
Lucky Energy has landed $25 million in a Series B round led by Paine Schwartz Partners, bringing its total investment to $63 million.
Más+ Plans ‘Slow Down’ in 2026, Shakes Up Distro Strategy
Mark Anthony Brands is “slowing down” and pivoting to new distribution strategies for its Más+ by Messi sports drink as the brand struggles to make an impact in the market.
Shift Naturals Grows THC Platform with Cocktails, Kevin Love
Hemp THC products startup Shift Naturals is freshly funded and ready for showtime, with NBA star Kevin Love now backing the business and promoting its DownShift sparkling waters, gummies and its latest innovation: ready-to-drink Shift Cocktails.
Inside Chick-fil-A Beverage Concept Daybright
Chick-fil-A subsidiary Red Wagon Ventures opened its first location of beverage-centric foodservice concept, Daybright Coffee & Refreshment.
No Cap Teams with ICEE for Co-Branded LTO Launch
Better-for-you soda startup No Cap is raising the ante on its co-branded collaboration strategy by partnering with the ICEE Company for a three-year licensing deal to license the slush brand’s name and flavors.