2023 Flavored Waters Sustainability Trends

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Just when you’ve seen every possible water flavor on the market, a new trend pops up. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of their favorite products, they’ll be looking for options with a smaller footprint. In 2023, our insights suggest we will see more sustainable flavored water options hitting store shelves. If your brand is considering adding a flavored water product to its lineup, keep an eye on the sustainability trends in this space – the market is changing fast!

100% Recyclable Flavored Water Trends

With the highest score on our list, 100% Recyclable is a need state expected to see very high demand and dense competition in 2023. As consumers become more concerned about the environmental impact of their favorite products, they’re going to start looking for sustainable options.

To appeal to this trend, brands should focus on creating flavored water products that consumers can completely recycle. This means using recyclable materials for both the packaging and the product itself. Some brands are already ahead of the recycled packaging game. For example, Icebox Water has created a line of flavored waters packaged in 100% recyclable aluminum bottles. As sustainable product trends continue to grow, we expect to see more brands following suit.

You’ve also likely seen Boxed Water’s “Boxed Water is Better” product on store shelves. This brand is focused on sustainability, using 100% recyclable packaging for its products. So, take a page out of Boxed Water’s playbook and offer a similarly earth-conscious product with added flavors.

Biodegradable

Bio packaging is expected to see low demand and competition, opening up an opportunity for brands to capitalize on the low-hanging fruit. Biodegradable bottle options are projected to be in high demand due to the continued focus on sustainability.

Consider using biodegradable packaging options for your flavored water product in 2023 to capitalize on the market share in this highly competitive space. With a new flavored water brand popping up daily, it’s critical to have a point of differentiation, and biodegradable could significantly impact your bottom line.

Chemical Free Flavored Water Industry Insights

While no consumer is necessarily looking for flavored water products with chemicals in the packaging, they will be looking for products explicitly labeled as “chemical-free” for that extra assurance. While this specific term is lower in demand and meager competition, making it a great opportunity for brands to focus on and implement it into their 2023 marketing campaigns.

To attract customers in 2023, focus on creating a flavored water product free of chemicals in the packaging and the product itself. Hint is a leader in the sparkling and flavored water space and is an excellent example of a consumer and environmentally conscious brand. Offering Chemical Free products will give your product an edge over the competition and attract health-conscious consumers.

BPA-Free

As public awareness of the health risks associated with BPA continues to grow, so does the demand for BPA-free packaging. This is especially true for flavored water products, as consumers are increasingly interested in healthy and natural options. Since BPA is often found in plastic packaging, brands (like La Croix) that switch to BPA-free options will be able to tap into this growing trend.

While consumer demand and competition are equally high,  there is still an opportunity for brands to differentiate themselves by offering unique BPA-free packaging alternatives that stand out from the crowd.

Non-GMO

Non-GMO flavored water products and packaging have a medium growth score for 2023. Consumers hold Non-GMO labels in high regard, contributing to the growing demand. Even if they don’t understand GMOs, they know it carries a negative connotation.

This is likely to result from the ever-growing public concern over the safety of additives, preservatives, and pesticides added to foods in our diets. More and more people are looking for Non-GMO options to avoid potential health risks. As the public continues to express concern over the safety of GMOs, brands can respond by offering more Non-GMO products. With the Non-GMO label, brands can immediately set themselves apart from their competitors and ride the wave of consumer demand.

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Certified USDA Organic


When something is labeled “USDA Organic,” it means that it has been produced in accordance with the strict guidelines of the United States Department of Agriculture. To earn this certification, products must be made with ingredients that are 100% organic and free of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.

Certified USDA Organic products will be in high demand due to the growing consumer interest in health and wellness. However, the supply of certified USDA Organic products is still relatively low, so there is a fantastic opportunity for brands to enter this market and capture a larger market share as consumer demand will only continue to grow.

Sulfite-Free

Sulfites are a group of compounds that are added to food and drinks as preservatives. While they are considered safe for most people, some people are sensitive to them and can experience side effects like headaches, hives, and difficulty breathing. For this reason, many people are looking for sulfite-free options, especially when it comes to flavored water products like these.

With the increase in demand for sulfite-free products, established and new brands alike can enter this market and capture a larger share of the market. While the supply of sulfite-free products is still relatively low, as demand increases, so will the supply and competition.

Flavored Water Trends Solutions & Conclusion

As you can see, many different trends are emerging in the flavored water market for 2023. Some of these trends, like biodegradable packaging and chemical-free ingredients, are driven by consumer demand for more environmentally friendly products. Other trends, like BPA-free packaging and Non-GMO ingredients, are driven by consumer concern over potential health risks.

Whatever the reason, it’s clear that these trends are here to stay and that there is a great opportunity for brands to enter this market and capture a larger market share. So, if you’re considering launching a flavored water product, now is the time to do it! Keep these trends in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to success.

For more on the latest flavored water trends for 2023, check out our blog.

If you’re ready to see Simporter AI in action and learn what it can do for you, request a demo on our website for more insights on key flavored water trends. Predicting need trends is just one way Simporter can help brands grow their business, so to learn more about how we can help you, please visit us at simporter.com.

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