Top Beverage Industry Trends in 2026

Rachid Idali

by Rachid Idali

Below you'll find the top 50 beverage trends for 2026, spotted by Rising Trends's trend radar algorithm.

These topics were detected from online sources including TikTok, X (Twitter), Instagram, Reddit, news outlets, and Google Search data. Each trend has at least 1,000+ monthly searches and over 20% year-over-year growth.

Top 50 Fastest-Growing Beverage Trends

All beverage trends with over 20% year-over-year growth, ranked by search volume.

1

Energy Drinks

201K vol+49%
2

Drip Coffee Maker

165K vol4.1X
3

Sugar Free Energy Drinks

165K vol25X
4

Matcha Powder

165K vol2.2X
5

Coconut Water From A Coconut

135K vol+23%
6

Electrolyte Drinks

110K vol+22%
7

Ready-to-drink Cocktails

110K vol25X
8

Non-alcoholic Beer

110K vol+49%
9

Thc Beverages

110K vol+82%
10

Vietnamese Coffees

110K vol+22%
11

Prebiotic Soda

110K vol9.1X
12

Mexican Tequila

90.5K vol7.5X
13

Mexican Tequilas

90.5K vol7.5X
14

Dirty Soda

90.5K vol3.3X
15

Bourbon Whiskeys

90.5K vol+50%
16

Pour Over Coffee Maker

74K vol2.2X
17

Plantbased Milk

74K vol9.1X
18

Fermented Foods

60.5K vol+49%
19

Gin Martini

60.5K vol4.1X
20

Non-alcoholic Drinks

60.5K vol+22%
21

Sports Drinks

60.5K vol4.1X
22

Non-alcoholic Beverages

60.5K vol+22%
23

Protein Drinks

49.5K vol+22%
24

Rooibos

49.5K vol+50%
25

Wild Cherries

49.5K vol4.1X
26

Butterfly Pea Flower

49.5K vol+50%
27

Spring Waters

49.5K vol+22%
28

Mountain Dew Baja Blast

49.5K vol2.7X
29

Cold-pressed Juice

40.5K vol2.7X
30

Flavors Of Whiskey

40.5K vol3.4X
31

Yaupon

40.5K vol+22%
32

Kentucky Bourbon

40.5K vol2.2X
33

Thc Infused Drinks

40.5K vol5X
34

Italian Liqueur

33.1K vol4.1X
35

Cortado Coffee

33.1K vol+22%
36

Soda Drinks

33.1K vol+49%
37

Protein Coffee

33.1K vol+49%
38

Stovetop Espresso Maker

33.1K vol2.2X
39

Hot Cocoa Mixes

33.1K vol+83%
40

Forest Cafe

33.1K vol2.2X
41

Makgeolli

27.1K vol+22%
42

High-protein Shakes

27.1K vol5.0X
43

Transfusion Drink

27.1K vol+22%
44

Yuzu Juice

27.1K vol2.7X
45

Flavored Coffee Beans

27.1K vol14.3X
46

The Public House

27.1K vol+22%
47

Pilsner Beer

27.1K vol+83%
48

Blooming Tea

22.2K vol3.4X
49

Protein Water

22.2K vol+23%
50

Bottled Spring Water

22.2K vol11.7X

Showing top 10 of 50 beverage trends

Beverage Industry: 2026's Defining Movements

Category Market Size Growth Leaders
Functional Beverages ~$280B ~8.5% CAGR Olipop, Four Sigmatic, AG1
Non-Alcoholic Drinks ~$30B ~7.2% CAGR Athletic Brewing, Seedlip, Ghia
Coffee Innovation ~$460B ~4.6% CAGR Four Sigmatic, Ryze, Blue Bottle
Energy Drinks ~$85B ~7.1% CAGR Celsius, Alani Nu, ZOA
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails ~$40B ~13.4% CAGR High Noon, Cutwater, On The Rocks
Specialty Tea ~$75B ~6.8% CAGR DAVIDsTEA, Rishi Tea, Pique

CAGR = compound annual growth rate

For a breakdown of how we spot these movements before they peak, see our guide on Google Trends for market research where we explain our methodology.


1. Functional & Wellness Beverages

Drinks are becoming medicine. "Mushroom coffee" dominates with 201,000 monthly searches, while "prebiotic soda" generates 110,000 searches as gut health goes mainstream. "Hydrogen water" captures 74,000 searches and "protein drinks" shows 49,500 searches as consumers demand more from their beverages than just hydration.

Mushroom Coffee

201KVolume
13x5Y
0110K220K329K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

Prebiotic Soda

110KVolume
422x5Y
049K99K148K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

The beverage aisle has become a pharmacy, with every drink promising functional benefits beyond refreshment.

What's Driving This Shift

Functional beverages are surging because:

  • Wellness culture: Consumers seek health benefits in every consumption occasion
  • Gut health awareness: The microbiome connection to overall health is driving prebiotic/probiotic demand
  • Cognitive enhancement: Nootropic ingredients like lion's mane and adaptogens appeal to productivity-focused consumers
  • Sugar alternatives: Functional drinks offer flavor without the sugar crash
  • Convenience: Getting nutrients through beverages is easier than supplements

The functional beverage market is projected to reach $280 billion by 2027, with 8.5% annual growth.

What's Gaining Momentum

Mushroom Coffee (201,000 searches) – Coffee blended with lion's mane, chaga, or reishi mushrooms for cognitive and immune benefits. Four Sigmatic and Ryze lead the category.

Prebiotic Soda (110,000 searches) – Carbonated drinks with fiber that feeds gut bacteria. Olipop and Poppi have disrupted traditional soda.

Hydrogen Water (74,000 searches) – Water infused with molecular hydrogen, claimed to reduce inflammation and improve athletic performance.

Protein Drinks (49,500 searches) – Ready-to-drink protein shakes for fitness and meal replacement. Fairlife and Premier Protein dominate retail.

Cold-Pressed Juice (40,500 searches) – Nutrient-dense juices made with hydraulic pressing to preserve vitamins and enzymes.

Key Players

  • Olipop – Prebiotic soda pioneer with $200M+ in annual revenue
  • Four Sigmatic – Mushroom coffee leader with adaptogenic blends
  • Athletic Greens (AG1) – Premium daily greens drink with cult following
  • Poppi – Apple cider vinegar-based prebiotic soda

2. The Sober Curious & Non-Alcoholic Movement

Sobriety is trending. "Non-alcoholic beer" generates 110,000 monthly searches, "mocktails" captures 90,500 searches, and "non-alcoholic wine" reaches 60,500 searches. The broader term "non-alcoholic beverages" shows 60,500 searches as an entire generation reconsiders its relationship with alcohol.

Non-alcoholic Beer

110KVolume
+172%5Y
30K108K187K266K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

Mocktails

91KVolume
+308%5Y
13K68K124K179K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

What was once a niche category for designated drivers has become a lifestyle choice embraced by millions.

Why Sober Curious is Growing

The non-alcoholic movement is surging because:

  • Gen Z influence: Younger generations drink 20% less alcohol than millennials at the same age
  • Wellness prioritization: Alcohol's negative health effects are increasingly understood
  • Quality improvement: NA beverages now taste as good as their alcoholic counterparts
  • Social acceptance: Choosing not to drink is no longer stigmatized
  • Hangover avoidance: Productivity culture rejects the lost days from drinking

The non-alcoholic beverage market is projected to reach $30 billion by 2027, growing at 7.2% annually.

What's Gaining Momentum

Non-Alcoholic Beer (110,000 searches) – Craft and macro brewers now offer sophisticated NA options. Athletic Brewing leads the craft NA segment.

Mocktails (90,500 searches) – Sophisticated non-alcoholic cocktails served at bars and restaurants. No longer just juice mixtures.

Dirty Soda (90,500 searches) – Customized sodas with cream, syrups, and mix-ins. Popular in Utah and spreading nationally via Swig and similar chains.

Non-Alcoholic Wine (60,500 searches) – Dealcoholized wines that retain flavor complexity. Brands like Surely and Proxies are gaining shelf space.

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails (22,200 searches) – Premium bottled NA cocktails for home consumption. Seedlip pioneered the category.

Key Players

  • Athletic Brewing – America's #1 craft non-alcoholic beer brand
  • Seedlip – Premium non-alcoholic spirits for cocktails
  • Ghia – Mediterranean-inspired NA aperitif
  • Proxies – Wine alternatives designed by sommeliers

3. Coffee Culture Evolution

Coffee is being reimagined. "Espresso martini recipe" dominates with 301,000 monthly searches, while "drip coffee maker" captures 135,000 searches as home brewing sophisticates. "Cuban coffee" shows 49,500 searches and "cortado coffee" generates 33,100 searches as consumers explore global coffee traditions.

Espresso Martini Recipe

301KVolume
13x5Y
0246K492K738K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

Drip Coffee Maker

165KVolume
+509%5Y
060K120K180K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

The third wave of coffee has given way to a fourth wave focused on functional benefits, global traditions, and hybrid drinks.

Why Coffee is Evolving

Coffee innovation is accelerating because:

  • Home barista culture: Pandemic-era investments in home coffee equipment persist
  • Functional additions: Protein, collagen, and adaptogens are enhancing morning coffee
  • Global exploration: TikTok exposes consumers to coffee traditions from Vietnam to Cuba
  • Cocktail crossover: Coffee cocktails are the fastest-growing bar category
  • Sustainability concerns: Consumers seek ethical sourcing and eco-friendly options

The global coffee market exceeds $460 billion, with specialty and functional segments growing fastest.

What's Gaining Momentum

Espresso Martini Recipe (301,000 searches) – The cocktail renaissance's biggest star, combining caffeine and alcohol in one sophisticated drink.

Drip Coffee Maker (135,000 searches) – Smart coffee makers with app control and precise brewing are driving renewed interest in home drip coffee.

Cuban Coffee (49,500 searches) – Cafe Cubano's sweet, strong espresso tradition is gaining American devotees.

Protein Coffee (33,100 searches) – "Proffee" blends protein powder with cold brew for a fitness-friendly morning drink.

Cortado Coffee (33,100 searches) – The Spanish espresso-and-milk ratio is challenging the latte's dominance.

Key Players

  • Blue Bottle Coffee – Specialty coffee roaster with cafe and subscription model
  • Ryze – Mushroom coffee brand focused on mental clarity
  • Fellow – Premium home coffee equipment and accessories
  • Trade Coffee – Personalized coffee subscription connecting roasters with consumers

4. Energy Drinks & Natural Stimulants

Energy is being redefined. "Energy drinks" generates 201,000 monthly searches as the category expands beyond traditional brands. "Plant based energy drinks" captures 18,100 searches and "natural energy drinks" shows 14,800 searches as consumers seek cleaner stimulation without the crash.

Energy Drinks

201KVolume
+172%5Y
51K142K233K324K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

Plant Based Energy Drinks

18KVolume
105x5Y
012K24K36K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

The energy drink market is bifurcating between legacy brands and a new wave of cleaner, functional alternatives.

Why Energy is Evolving

Natural energy drinks are surging because:

  • Clean label demand: Consumers want to recognize and pronounce ingredients
  • Sugar concerns: Zero-sugar and low-sugar formulations are now expected
  • Sustained energy: Natural caffeine sources provide smoother energy curves
  • Fitness crossover: Energy drinks are replacing pre-workouts for many consumers
  • Younger demographics: Gen Z prefers brands like Celsius over Monster

The energy drink market is projected to reach $85 billion by 2027, with natural variants growing at 10%+ annually.

What's Gaining Momentum

Energy Drinks (201,000 searches) – The overall category continues growing, but market share is shifting to newer brands like Celsius and Alani Nu.

Plant Based Energy Drinks (18,100 searches) – Energy from green tea, guarana, and yerba mate rather than synthetic caffeine.

Natural Energy Drinks (14,800 searches) – Clean-label formulations with recognizable ingredients and no artificial colors.

Protein Water (22,200 searches) – Low-calorie protein hydration combining energy and recovery benefits.

Key Players

  • Celsius – Fitness-positioned energy drink with massive growth trajectory
  • Alani Nu – Women-focused energy and wellness brand
  • ZOA – Dwayne Johnson's natural energy drink brand
  • Guru – Organic energy drink with plant-based ingredients

5. Ready-to-Drink Cocktails & Convenience

Convenience is king in alcohol. "Ready-to-drink cocktails" generates 110,000 monthly searches as canned cocktails dominate growth. "THC drinks" captures 110,000 searches as cannabis beverages emerge as alcohol alternatives, while "THC infused drinks" shows 40,500 searches for those seeking specific product searches.

Ready-to-drink Cocktails

110KVolume
109x5Y
074K147K221K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

Thc Infused Drinks

41KVolume
20x5Y
015K30K44K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

The bar is moving to the can, with premixed cocktails offering quality and convenience that rivals freshly made drinks.

Why RTD is Booming

Ready-to-drink cocktails are surging because:

  • Quality improvement: Canned cocktails now taste as good as bar-made versions
  • Convenience factor: No mixing, measuring, or multiple ingredient purchases
  • Portion control: Single-serve formats support moderation trends
  • Premium positioning: Craft RTD cocktails command higher price points
  • Event-friendly: Portable formats perfect for outdoor gatherings

The RTD cocktail market is projected to reach $40 billion by 2027, with 13.4% annual growth.

What's Gaining Momentum

Ready-to-Drink Cocktails (110,000 searches) – Premixed cocktails in cans or bottles. High Noon vodka sodas and Cutwater spirits lead the category.

THC Drinks (110,000 searches) – Cannabis-infused beverages offering a controlled, social drinking alternative. Brands like Cann and Lagunitas Hi-Fi Hops lead.

Christmas Cocktails (60,500 searches) – Seasonal cocktail interest peaks during holidays, driving both home mixing and RTD sales.

Cocktail Bourbon (40,500 searches) – Bourbon-based ready-to-drink options capitalizing on whiskey's popularity.

Transfusion Drink (27,100 searches) – The golf course cocktail (vodka, grape juice, ginger ale) gaining mainstream popularity.

Key Players

  • High Noon – Vodka soda RTD leader with $600M+ in sales
  • Cutwater Spirits – Premium canned cocktails with real spirits
  • Cann – Low-dose THC social tonics
  • On The Rocks – Effen vodka-backed premium RTD cocktails

6. Specialty Teas & Herbal Infusions

Tea is having a moment. "Lemon balm tea" generates 49,500 monthly searches for its calming properties, while "butterfly pea flower" captures 49,500 searches for its color-changing visual appeal. "Rooibos" shows 49,500 searches and "yaupon" reaches 40,500 searches as consumers discover caffeine-free and native alternatives.

Lemon Balm Tea

50KVolume
+511%5Y
060K121K181K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

Butterfly Pea Flower

50KVolume
+22%5Y
22K41K60K79K12/2012/2112/2212/2312/2411/25

Beyond basic black and green tea, consumers are exploring functional herbs and global tea traditions.

Why Specialty Tea is Growing

Herbal and specialty teas are surging because:

  • Sleep focus: Calming teas address the sleep crisis without pharmaceuticals
  • Caffeine alternatives: Herbal options provide ritual without stimulation
  • Visual appeal: Color-changing teas like butterfly pea flower are Instagram-worthy
  • Sustainability: Native plants like yaupon offer local, sustainable options
  • Functional benefits: Each herb offers specific health claims

The specialty tea market is projected to reach $75 billion by 2027, growing at 6.8% annually.

What's Gaining Momentum

Lemon Balm Tea (49,500 searches) – Calming herb used for stress relief and sleep support. Growing as natural anxiety remedy.

Butterfly Pea Flower (49,500 searches) – Southeast Asian flower that creates vibrant blue tea that changes color with pH. Popular in mixology.

Rooibos (49,500 searches) – South African "red bush" tea that's naturally caffeine-free with antioxidant benefits.

Yaupon (40,500 searches) – North America's only native caffeinated plant, rediscovered as a sustainable coffee alternative.

Sleep Tea (12,100 searches) – Herbal blends with chamomile, valerian, and passionflower for bedtime rituals.

Key Players

  • DAVIDsTEA – Specialty tea retailer with extensive loose-leaf selection
  • Rishi Tea – Direct-trade specialty teas and botanicals
  • Pique Tea – Crystal tea format for convenience and purity
  • Yaupon Brothers – American yaupon tea reviving native traditions

Summary

The beverage landscape of 2026 reveals an industry in transformation. Whether consumers are sipping mushroom coffee (201K searches), choosing non-alcoholic beer (110K searches), cracking open ready-to-drink cocktails (110K searches), or exploring prebiotic soda (110K searches) – the common thread is a demand for function, flavor, and flexibility.

The winning approaches in beverages share these characteristics:

  • Functional benefits beyond basic hydration or refreshment
  • Clean labels with recognizable, pronounceable ingredients
  • Lifestyle alignment with wellness, sobriety, or sustainability values
  • Premium positioning that justifies higher price points
  • Convenience that fits modern on-the-go consumption patterns

For entrepreneurs and investors, the data points to several high-growth opportunities: functional sodas and coffee alternatives, non-alcoholic spirits and cocktails, natural energy drinks, RTD cocktails, and specialty teas with specific health benefits.

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Written By

Rachid Idali

Founder of Rising Trends, helping entrepreneurs identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities through expert trend analysis and insights.