The beverage industry is constantly evolving. 2025 was a huge year for hemp, functional and NA bevs. 2026 is gearing up to be a year of expansion of those categories, along with some new and interesting ones. Here's our prediction of the main beverage trends of 2026.
Wellness & Functional Beverages Are Mainstream
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Consumers increasingly expect drinks to “do something” — not just hydrate or taste good, but support wellness (gut health, energy, mood, nutrition).
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Plant-based milks (like oat, almond, pistachio, barley), botanical infusions (hibiscus, lavender, etc.), and functional beverages (prebiotic sodas, adaptogen- or tea-based drinks) continue rising.
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Drinks combining indulgence and health — e.g. dessert-inspired flavors, protein-enriched beverages, low-sugar “better-for-you” sodas — are hitting a sweet spot.
Non-Alcoholic & Low-Alcohol Drinks Expand, Driven by “Sober-Curious” Lifestyles
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The demand for zero-proof cocktails, mocktails, non-alcoholic spirits, and adult soft drinks keeps growing.
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“Adult soft drinks,” sparkling waters, tonics, and refined non-alc beverages are replacing some traditional soda/alcohol consumption for many.
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As interest in health and mindful consumption rises — especially among younger people — non-alcoholic options are becoming socially accepted and even trendy.
- The hemp beverage market grows, and overcomes regulatory hurdles. Brands like Wynk, Nowadays, Soberish, Cann, Cali Sober, and Drinkin' Buds, lead the way.
Flavor Innovation: Global, Bold, Nostalgic & Unexpected
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Expect adventurous flavor combinations and globally inspired tastes — from spicy-sweet (“swicy”) blends to exotic fruit flavors like dragon fruit or mangosteen, to tropical staples like pineapple.
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Nostalgic comfort flavors (dessert-like, childhood favorites) are merging with exotic tastes for unique sensory experiences.
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Beverages are becoming more experimental: aromatic botanical tonics, herbal-forward refreshments, savory or umami-tinged drinks, and cross-cultural mixes are on the rise.
Convenience, Personalization & Digital Lifestyle Fuel Beverage Consumption
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Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffees, teas, cocktails, functional sodas — drinks you can grab on the go — keep gaining popularity.
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With mobile ordering, delivery, subscriptions and digital menus, consumers expect frictionless beverage experiences. Customizable drinks, mix-and-match menus, and fast service are becoming standard.
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Limited-time offers (LTOs), visually appealing packaging, and social-media–friendly drinks help brands connect with younger, trend-driven consumers.
Sustainability, Transparency & Ethical Sourcing Matter More Than Ever
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As environmental awareness grows, more people expect beverages with traceable ingredients and responsibly sourced materials. Ethical sourcing and transparency around origin are becoming brand differentiators.
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Sustainable packaging (e.g. glass, aluminum, compostable materials) and reduced reliance on plastic or unsustainable supply chains are increasingly common.
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Consumers are rewarding brands that treat sustainability as more than just a marketing tactic — those that show real impact via fair sourcing, traceability, and eco-conscious production.
- Eco Friendly Beverage Shipping Boxes will be increasingly popular. We at Whale Pod Shipper stock a number of beverage can shipping boxes that are both eco-friendly, and ultra protective. We have the Slim Can Pods, which are made for 12oz sleek style cans. There's also the Econo-Pods, which fit 12oz and 16oz beverage cans. The Flex Pods and Tray Pods are made for 12oz, 16oz and Sleek cans. The Premium Pods are made for long distance shipping, and we even have the Unboxing Pods, if you're looking for custom printed beverage can shipping boxes. Finally, if you're not shipping beverages, we offer beverage can trays, which come in 12 or 24 packs.
What This Means for What You’re Drinking (and Buying)
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You’re likely to see more prebiotic sodas, botanical tonics, functional teas or coffees, and mocktails at stores and bars.
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Traditional soda or sugary drinks may increasingly feel “dated” — replaced by low-sugar, naturally sweetened, or functional beverages.
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Expect to find drinks with bold flavors — spicy, exotic, nostalgic — popping up more often, even in everyday options.
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Convenience and customization will only grow: RTD formats, mix-and-match offerings, and digital ordering will make it easier to get what you want — quickly.
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If you care about sustainability or ethics, you’ll have more choices with drinks that clearly communicate origin, sourcing, and environmental impact.