As the warm weather approaches, hospitality operators have a prime opportunity to revamp their soft drink offerings. With the rising trend of alcohol moderation, it’s crucial to provide a diverse menu of non-alcoholic beverages that cater to modern tastes—and customers are increasingly seeking drinks that not only quench thirst but also deliver additional benefits.
Explore the latest innovative soft drink launches designed to appeal to a discerning and health-conscious clientele.
High fibre sodas
Carlsberg Britvic has introduced PepsiCo’s soda brand Poppi to the UK market. This soda offers a delicious refreshment with low sugar and calorie content, real fruit juice, and a high fibre content. Poppi is available in 330ml cans, both individually and in four-packs, featuring five enticing flavours: Strawberry Lemon, Orange, Raspberry Rose, Lemon Lime, and Wild Berry.
Trade price Case of 24 x 330ml cans, £19.45
Low calorie flavoured water
The soft drinks brand Radnor Splash has expanded its portfolio with Cherry and Summer Fruits variants of their still flavoured spring water. Crafted using Radnor Hills’ spring water and natural fruit flavourings, these low-calorie drinks are a sugar-free way to stay hydrated. Offered in 24 x 500ml bottle foodservice packs, Radnor Splash bottles are 100% recyclable and made from 30% recycled plastic, featuring a vibrant new design with tethered crystal caps.
Trade price From 35p per bottle
Nootropic drinks for brain and gut health
New UK brand VitClear has debuted a selection of nootropic drinks aimed at enhancing brain, gut, and active health. With three unique varieties, this range includes a brain health nootropic soda in tropical peach that combines Lion’s Mane mushroom, Panax ginseng, taurine, l-theanine, ashwagandha, turmeric extract, and ginkgo biloba; a gut health nootropic soda in mango and lychee featuring ginger extract, l-glutamine, cranberry extract, prebiotics, probiotics, ashwagandha extract, aloe extract, and turmeric extract; and an active health nootropic soda in guava and passion fruit that includes branched-chain amino acids, creatine, l-carnitine, taurine, ashwagandha, l-theanine, and Celtic sea salt.
Trade price 330ml can, £1.40
Slim format fruit juices
The independent wholesale representative Wholesale Group has launched its own-brand juice range, Core, which includes orange, apple, and cranberry flavours designed for quality, easy storage, and versatility across various applications. Made from juice concentrate and packaged in recyclable 1-litre slimline Tetra cartons, Core juices maintain ambient conditions with an 8–9 month shelf life, although refrigeration is recommended after opening. This slim format supports efficient storage and handling, making it suitable for service chilled, over ice, as a mixer, or in kitchen recipes.
Trade price Case of 12 Cranberry juices, £10.49
All in one bubble tea kit
TeaJoy has introduced a comprehensive bubble tea kit for commercial use. Each kit contains all the essentials needed to produce bubble tea: syrup sachets, popping boba, cups, lids, and wide straws, all ready to serve with full branding. Offered in three flavours—mango tea with passionfruit boba, passionfruit tea with strawberry boba, and strawberry tea with mango boba—this kit is tailored for cafés, coffee shops, and delis, requiring minimal training and mess-free preparation.
Trade price Kit for 20 drinks, £100
Key Takeaways
- Offer diverse soft drink options to cater to the growing trend of alcohol moderation.
- Introducing high-fibre sodas can appeal to health-conscious consumers.
- Low-calorie flavoured water provides a refreshing and sugar-free hydration choice.
- Nootropic drinks target brain and gut health, expanding the functional beverage category.
- Slim format fruit juices facilitate easy storage and versatile use in various applications.
- All-in-one bubble tea kits simplify preparation and cater to evolving consumer preferences.
FAQ
What are nootropic drinks?
Nootropic drinks are beverages designed to promote brain function, gut health, and overall well-being, often incorporating various beneficial ingredients.
How can high-fibre sodas benefit consumers?
High-fibre sodas offer lower sugar content while providing a satisfying taste and added dietary fibre, which can contribute to digestive health.
What is the appeal of slim format fruit juices?
Slim format fruit juices are easy to store and serve, making them versatile for both chilling and use in cocktails or recipes while minimizing waste.
As we transition into the warmer months, the refreshed offerings in soft drinks will not only attract new customers but also fulfill the evolving preferences of a health-focused clientele.
