A new era of sophisticated soft drinks is emerging, offering less sugary and more complex non-alcoholic options tailored for adults. This trend coincides with UK alcohol consumption reaching a record low.
Among the new arrivals are "functional" drinks, which claim to offer health benefits or performance enhancements, such as improving focus. Examples include CBD-infused drinks and celebrity-backed products like Gillian Anderson's G Spot range.
The market also features low-sugar "premium" soft drinks, including brands like Something & Nothing and Rapscallion Soda, which use natural sugars and raw fruit extracts. Additionally, drinks designed for occasions typically associated with alcohol, such as Botivo's botanical aperitivo and Fever-Tree's non-alcoholic spritz, are gaining traction. Australian wine alternative Non, made with verjus, is also noted.