Give Your Energy Drink a Boost
Agropur Ingredients believes in investing time and attention into up & coming industry members. Through our internship program, we give students hands-on experience and knowledge that will help guide them into a successful career. Ultimately we hope our investment serves as an avenue to create a food industry that continues to improve year after year. For more information on available internship opportunities please contact [email protected]. This contribution was written by Bailey Jones, a dietetic student at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Energy drinks have been a popular topic of conversation in the beverage manufacturing industry over the past few years. With global consumption rates growing ([United States] demand [for energy drinks] has grown by more than 2500% since 2010, Mordor Intelligence 2017) at a steady pace (the US market was valued at 15.44 billion in 2016), now is the perfect time to consider the many formulation possibilities. You should consider a few factors before taking on this type of project. Market research shows that when it comes to energy drinks, consumers are looking for three main things: an effective energy boost, convenience, and a clean label.
Energy drinks aim to provide the consumer with that kick of energy needed to get through their day. The quality and source of that energy are more important to the consumer than ever. Research shows that one of the best manufacturing strategies is to formulate a product that follows through on its energy boosting claims, yet does so without the use of large amounts of sugar and caffeine (54% of Italian and Spanish consumers and 61% of Polish consumers agree that they would like to see more energy drinks with natural ingredients, Mordor Intelligence 2017). B vitamins, taurine, vitamin C, potassium, guarana, and magnesium are all examples of natural occurring ingredients that have been scientifically proven to act on energy levels, which makes them a popular choice in this industry (4 in 10 [German consumers] are willing to pay more for varieties containing natural energy boosters, Mordor Intelligence 2017). They can be used alone or combined with other ingredients to help maximize their energy-boosting potential.
Once you’ve nailed your basic label, consider these strategies to help take your product to the next level.
Choose a unique flavor: Consumers currently have an increased interest in tropical fruit flavors. Not only are fruit flavors relatively simple to work with, but they also help portray a healthier image and may appeal to wider range of consumers. Mango, pineapple, coconut, and fruit punch are all options to consider.
Decrease the sugar content: While consumers do want an energy boost, high levels of sugar are a turn off for many health-conscious buyers. Investigate what other products can be used to add sweetness and flavor without adding calories – such as stevia.
Highlight innovative ingredients: Botanicals, spices, and herbs have become popular in the health and fitness market, and it’s a trend that is spilling over into other industries as well. Take advantage by incorporating these healthy compounds into your beverage. Ginger, ginseng, cinnamon, chili, honey, and lemon are just a few ingredients to consider. Not only will these ingredients provide added health benefits, but they will also make you energy drink stand out to the consumer.
The sky is the limit when it comes to formulating energy drinks. There are many options to choose from when it comes to flavoring and there are countless innovative ingredients that can be added to help make your product stand out. Furthermore, you can choose and leverage the consistency and texture of your product. Energy drinks come in all sorts of different formats, some of which include: ready-to-drink beverages, powders, and liquid or gel forms.
When you combine a quality product with unique flavors and effective marketing strategies, you have a creation that is sure to stand out among competitors. An exceptional formulation and knowledgeable sales team can make sure that your ideas come to fruition. Contact an Agropur sales associate at [email protected] to get started on your project today!