The Weekly Sip is a column by Food Dive that delves into the latest developments in the beverage industry. This column covers everything from new product launches to significant investments and controversial topics, aiming to keep readers informed about the evolving world of beverages.
Coca-Cola has introduced a new product in the sports drink category called BodyArmor Chill. This beverage promises a refreshing and cooling sensation with each sip, containing electrolytes, vitamins B & C, antioxidants, and coconut water. Available in limited edition flavors like Frozen Cherry, Frozen Orange, and Frozen Berry, BodyArmor Chill comes in 28-ounce bottles. Coca-Cola has been exploring cooling sensation beverages, such as Sprite Chill, which uses proprietary flavor technology.
Initially launched in 2011, BodyArmor has become a popular alternative to leading sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade. Recently, Coca-Cola acquired BodyArmor for $5.6 billion, signaling a significant investment in the brand. As consumer preferences shift towards healthier beverage choices, sports drinks like BodyArmor have witnessed increased sales. The brand recently unveiled a refreshed brand identity to appeal to a younger demographic.
Health-Ade, a prominent player in the kombucha space, has introduced a new grape flavor to its SunSip prebiotic soda line. This grape variant, available at Target and online, contains 5 grams of cane sugar, prebiotics, and essential vitamins like C, B6, and B12. With a total of nine flavors in its lineup, SunSip continues to innovate with additions like Orange Creamsicle and Mango Lemonade.
The market for functional beverages is on the rise, with brands like Poppi and Olipop gaining traction as consumers seek healthier alternatives to traditional sodas. Coca-Cola has introduced Simply Pop, a line of gut health-targeting sodas, while PepsiCo acquired Poppi for nearly $2 billion. The prebiotic and probiotic soda market is projected to reach $766 million by 2030, growing at a rate of 8.2% annually.
In the sparkling water category, Sovány Beverage, a women-owned brand, is expanding its presence in retail locations across the country. With products available in stores like Stop & Shop, Lowes Foods, and Bristol Farms, Sovány’s sparkling water contains organic fruit juice and carbonated water without added sugar. The brand offers flavors like Green Apple, Tangerine, and Raspberry, catering to consumers looking for healthier beverage options.
As the sparkling water market evolves, brands like Sovány aim to differentiate themselves by infusing real fruit juice into their products. Companies like Spindrift, known for their fresh juice-infused sparkling water, have seen significant growth in the market. Despite overall plateauing sales in the sparkling water category, Sovány is optimistic about expanding its reach and appealing to health-conscious consumers.