Flavored waters have been around for a while, but they’ve only become popular in recent years. Thanks to the health benefits of many flavored water brands on the market, more and more people are trying them out.
There are a few reasons why flavored waters have become popular. First, they’re a great way to stay hydrated. Second, they’re a healthy alternative to sugary drinks. Flavored waters are made by adding fruits, vegetables, herbs, or other ingredients to water and allowing it time to steep or mix. This gives the water a subtle flavor and a boost of nutrients. There are endless possibilities for flavoring water, but how can your brand stay on top of next year’s trending ingredients?
Keep reading about the top 10 flavored water ingredient trends to watch in 2023.
Erythritol
If you haven’t heard of erythritol, you’re not alone. This sugar alcohol is relatively new to the market, but it’s quickly gaining popularity as a healthy alternative to sugar. In 2023, we predict consumer sentiment to remain positive while total demand increases.
Erythritol is a natural sweetener that’s made from fermented fruits and vegetables. It has a very low glycemic index, which means it won’t cause spikes in blood sugar levels (which is excellent for people with diabetes). It’s also calorie-free and tooth-friendly, so it’s perfect for flavoring drinks (using powdered mixes is a very popular method).
As more people become health-conscious, they will look for sugar-free alternatives that still taste great. Erythritol is the perfect solution; we predict it will be a popular flavored water ingredient in 2023. But keep your eye on the competition, as our team forecasts this ingredient will become highly competitive as more brands enter the market with erythritol-based flavored water.
Mint
Mint is a classic flavor that’s been around for centuries. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and has many health benefits. In 2023, we predict mint to be a top choice for flavored water drinkers with high competition amongst flavored water brands.
Mint is known to soothe an upset stomach, relieve headaches, and boost energy levels. It’s also a great source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. These health benefits make mint a perfect choice for flavored water, so big recipe blogs like Tastemade even feature recipes such as this Raspberry and Mint Infused Water. While consumer passion remains negative for this ingredient, the rising popularity of health and wellness should position mint as a top ingredient in 2023.
Coconut Water Concentrate
You might have tasted coconut water, but did you know you can also use it to flavor water? Coconut water concentrate is a natural, calorie-free way to add flavor to water products. Coconut water is rich in electrolytes and vitamins, so it’s a great way to stay hydrated. It’s also a good source of fiber and can help you feel fuller longer.
As for 2023 performance, the team here at Simporter predicts healthy growth for this flavor/ingredient. Consumers view it in a positive light and will be seeking it out in flavored water products. Keep an eye on the competition, as this is a highly competitive market with many brands vying for a share of voice.
Costa Rica Clementine
Costa Rica Clementines are a type of citrus fruit native to Costa Rica. The fruit is small and round, with a deep red color. The fruit’s flesh is sweet, juicy, and has a great source of Vitamin C, which is important for boosting the immune system. They are also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
We predict that Costa Rica Clementines will be a popular ingredient in significant industry and category-leading products like this one from Bai. The fruit is healthy, versatile, and can be used in various recipes. So, if your brand wants to be first to market with a new ingredient, you might want to invest in Costa Rica Clementines since competition will still be relatively low and consumer demand will be very high.
Apple
Apple, our most competitive flavored water ingredient, is forecasted to gain momentum in 2023 despite such high density in the market. The health benefits and low-calorie content are the main drivers of demand, with taste a distant third.
Simporter suggests that companies that have not already done so should consider flavor combinations with other trending ingredients like tangerine, vitamin B1, or mint to create a unique selling proposition. Health-conscious consumers are always looking for new ways to stay hydrated, and apple water is a great option. Offerings like Hint’s® crisp apple hint® water will perform well in 2023 with solid consumer adoption.
Vitamin B1
While not a fruit or herb like so many other ingredients on our list, Vitamin B1 is an important micronutrient that helps the body convert food into energy. It’s also essential for a healthy nervous system. Vitamin B1 is found in various foods, including meats, poultry, fish, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin B1 will be an important, high-demand ingredient in flavored waters in 2023. The vitamin is water-soluble, so it’s a great way to add an extra boost of nutrients to your water. It’s also calorie-free and has a variety of health benefits. So, if you’re looking for a way to make your next flavored water product more nutritious, consider adding vitamin B1.
Want more trend-focused info like what you’ve found in this article? Check out our other blog posts here.
Peppermint
Usually known for making our favorite holiday dishes tasty, peppermint is a refreshing and cooling herb that can be used in various recipes outside of winter-themed foods. Peppermint is high in antioxidants and has multiple health benefits, including aiding digestion and relieving stress.
For brands interested in adding peppermint to their water products, we recommend investing in it while consumer demand is still on an upward trajectory. Consumers still have a positive impression of this ingredient and will be talking about it and looking for it on store shelves next year.
Brasilia Blueberry
You know blueberries, but have you tasted a Brasilia Blueberry? The Brasilia Blueberry from Brazil is a little sweeter and juicier than its North American counterpart.
This unique berry has already begun popping up in flavored waters, and we think its popularity will continue to grow in the coming year. For brands that want to be ahead of the curve, investing in Brasilia Blueberries is smart as competition is lower than other ingredients on our list.
Tangerine
Taking the penultimate spot on our list is Tangerine. Known for their sweet and tangy flavor, tangerines are a type of Mandarin orange that is easy to eat and enjoy. As a result, they make for a great flavored water ingredient in popular products like La Croix’s tangerine sparkling water. What’s more, tangerines are an excellent source of Vitamin C, making them a healthy choice as well.
While tangerines may not be the most unique flavor on our list, they are undoubtedly delicious. And we predict that they will be a popular choice worth investing in for flavored water in 2023.
Orange
Similar to Tangerines, Oranges are a citrus fruit with a sweet and tangy flavor. A classic choice when it comes to flavored water in famous products like San Pellegrino’s Aranciata, oranges are a safe bet that will always be popular.
They’re widely available and easy to find, making them a super convenient choice when it comes to flavored water ingredients. Just note that this easy-to-find ingredient is highly competitive, and consumers don’t view it as the trendiest ingredient. Tread lightly when flavoring your water with oranges, and don’t overdo it.
Conclusion
So there you have it, our top 10 trending flavored waters ingredients for 2023. We hope this list has given you some ideas and inspired your brand to try something new. Remember, the key to success is finding the right balance of unique and classic ingredients that appeal to your target market. And, of course, always stay hydrated!
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.