Ingredient Spotlight

In a 2021 Life Science article titled “‘New hidden world’ discovered in Earth’s inner core,” Joanna Thompson notes that for more than half a century, the scientific community thought that Earth’s inner core was a solid ball of compressed iron alloy surrounded by a liquid outer core. 

However, citing new research in the Sept. 20, 2021, journal, Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, suggests that the firmness of the planetary ball ranges from hard to semisoft to liquid metal, Thompson writes, “Earth’s ‘solid’ inner core might actually be a bit mushy, researchers now find.”

When it comes to the world of beverages, the core parts of how many people now define “better-for-you” beverages has shifted over the years, and botanicals and adaptogens are stepping in, experts note.

“Whether it’s lavender, rose or elderflower, we’re seeing these ingredients bloom across both menus and grocery shelves, thanks to their ability to deliver on two fronts: mood-boosting benefits and complex, floral-forward flavor,” says Shannon O’Shields, vice president of marketing at Rubix Foods, Jacksonville, Fla.

“Our research shows that Gen Z is the driving force behind this growth, with 67% reporting that they want to see more botanical flavors infused into food and beverages, as reported in The NEXT Flavor Report: ‘Feeding Gen Z’s Cravings,’” O’Shields continues. “As a result, we’re starting to see florals like lavender, cherry blossom, rose and hibiscus gaining popularity, along with herbal profiles like basil and thyme, and even spicy, often bitter roots like turmeric and ginger.”

Charlotte Wallart, product manager at Nexira, Rouen, France, similarly notes that consumer interest in botanicals and adaptogens continues to rise, reflecting a broader demand for natural, plant-based solutions that support holistic well-being.

“At Nexira, we’ve seen a strong appetite for functional ingredients in beverages — from antioxidants to calming or energizing effects,” she says. “Consumers no longer just seek hydration; they want drinks with purpose, and botanicals and adaptogens offer exactly that.” 

Leslie Gallo, president of Artemis International Inc., Fort Wayne, Ind., explains that interest in botanicals and adaptogens align with the trend of consumers seeking clean-label options that feel safe, time-tested and rooted in traditional wellness. 

“Key areas of concern for consumers are support for stress management, boosting mental well-being, and promoting overall health and wellness,” Gallo explains. “Botanicals capably check these boxes and then some.”

Moreover, consumers are seeking more than just simple hydration in beverages, Gallo notes.

“Botanicals and adaptogens are perfect additions to RTD teas and functional beverages that can offer solutions for immunity, energy, focus, stress relief and overall wellness, aligning with the overall better-for-you trends,” she says.

As far as how much of an influence health and wellness trends are having on the use of botanicals and adaptogens, Gallo points out that botanicals and adaptogens are ideal additions to RTD teas and functional beverages that can offer solutions for immunity, energy, focus, stress relief and overall wellness — aligning with the overall better-for-you trends.

Nexira’s Wallart says that health and wellness trends are reshaping beverage formulation. 

“Nexira’s portfolio is a direct response to this: we offer a range of botanical extracts selected for their proven functional properties — antioxidant (green tea, hibiscus), detox and energy (guarana), relaxation (lemon balm), and cognitive support (ginseng),” she notes. “Our customers are looking for ingredients that combine efficacy, natural origin, and ease of formulation — values deeply rooted in our company’s philosophy.”

Rubix’ O’Shields, meanwhile, says that health and wellness trends are the “heartbeat” of formulations.

“Today’s consumers are actively pursuing balance, stress relief and mental clarity, and they’re turning to adaptogens and botanicals to help them get there,” she explains. “Botanicals and adaptogens like holy basil, elderflower, chamomile and ginger have long been used in traditional wellness practices, and now they’re being rediscovered by a generation that values both the sensory ritual and the functional benefit.”

A broad embrace

Given that botanicals and adaptogens are reaching new heights in consumer demand, experts highlight how beverage categories increasingly are turning to these ingredients in formulations.

“We’re seeing growing adoption of botanicals and adaptogens across a wide range of beverage categories, including functional waters, wellness shots, RTD teas, energy drinks, nootropic and relaxation beverages, and increasingly, ‘better-for-you’ sodas — particularly prebiotic sodas that combine indulgence with functionality,” Nexira’s Wallart says. 

“Nexira supports this trend with our acacia fiber, a natural, scientifically validated prebiotic, ideal for gut health positioning in clean-label formulations,” she continues. “Our botanical extracts, such as hibiscus, green tea, guarana, ginseng and lemon balm, are also perfectly suited for functional beverages thanks to their water-only extraction process, functional benefits, and strong consumer appeal for plant-based ingredients.”

Artemis’ Gallo explains that nearly all beverage categories can benefit from botanicals and adaptogens. 

“What began as more of a trend in powdered form for smoothies has moved to the RTD category, including teas, coffees, sports beverages, beauty-from-within beverages, functional waters and energy drinks,” she explains.

Rubix’s O’ Shields echoes similar sentiments.

“We’re seeing botanical and adaptogen innovation stretch across nearly every corner of the beverage space,” she says. “Functional beverages and refreshers are leading the charge, but there’s notable growth in non-alcoholic cocktails, lemonades, iced teas and even coffee.

“According to Datassential, rose has exploded on coffee menus increasing 107% over the past 12 months while hibiscus has made a name for itself on refresher menus growing 93%,” O’Shields continues. “Cherry blossom adds a unique, refreshing twist to iced teas, growing 24% in the past 12 months, while lavender, up 35%, has become a bright and popular lemonade flavor. The versatility of botanicals and adaptogens allows brands to innovate in familiar formats, which is key to gaining mainstream traction.”

As far as the challenges beverage-makers should consider before working with botanicals and adaptogens, O’ Shields says the biggest challenge is consistency. 

“Botanical ingredients are subject to seasonal variability, which can impact flavor, color and potency,” she explains. “To overcome this, beverage manufacturers need to use a mix of sourcing strategies from certified suppliers, along with blending and batching processes that ensure consistent, multi-sensory experiences across each batch. This includes analytical testing to confirm the identity and potency of botanical monographs (the specific plant-based ingredients used), and routine formula adjustments to maintain consistent flavor and functional performance. 

“Finally, sensory testing of the finished product helps determine whether the organoleptic performance (how it looks, smells, tastes and feels) aligns with consumer expectations,” she continues.

O’Shields adds that it’s also important not to overwhelm consumers.

“Botanicals should complement the core flavor, not compete with it,” she says. “Familiar formats with a botanical twist are where we see the most success.”

Nexira’s Wallart says thattaste, solubility, and regulatory compliance are key considerations.

“At Nexira, we help our partners overcome these challenges by offering water-soluble extracts processed gently in our French facility, using water extraction only,” she explains. “Our botanical ingredients are designed with both functionality and formulation in mind, with optimal sensory properties and documented benefits to ease product development.”

Artemis’ Gallo adds that challenges with the use of botanicals and adaptogens include solubility, flavor, aroma and variability in quality, as many are non-standardized powders with a wide range in consistency. 

“When standardized extracts are available, they can be cost-prohibitive for beverage applications,” she says. “Unlike berry-based ingredients, which often contribute to pleasant taste and color, botanicals and adaptogens may require additional formulation work and flavor masking. They can also present more complex regulatory considerations, adding another layer of development challenge. At Artemis, we offer a consistent supply of botanicals and are available for regulatory assistance for those who need.”

“Key areas of concern for consumers are support for stress management, boosting mental well-being, and promoting overall health and wellness. Botanicals capably check these boxes and then some.” 

– Leslie Gallo, president of Artemis International Inc.

What’s expected

When it comes to botanicals and adaptogens used in formulations, experts also discuss the benefits/attributes these ingredients offer.

“Among adaptogens, ginseng remains one of the most recognized and documented,” Nexira’s Wallart says. “At Nexira, we offer ginseng for its adaptogenic benefits, particularly in beverages targeting focus and mental performance.

“As for botanicals, we see strong demand for green tea (antioxidant and energy), guarana (natural or synthetic caffeine options), hibiscus (color, flavor, antioxidant), and lemon balm — grown in France — for its calming effects,” she continues. “Each ingredient in our range is carefully sourced and selected for both its functional benefits and sensory profile.”

Artemis’ Gallo mentions how turmeric and ginger remain favorites for their anti-inflammatory, digestive and immune-supporting properties. And botanicals including lemon balm, lavender, hibiscus and chamomile are sought after for their antioxidant, cardiovascular and relaxation benefits, she says.

“Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogen for stress reduction, mood balance and energy,” Gallo explains. “Ginseng is often used for focus, vitality and immune support. Reishi and lion’s mane mushrooms are increasingly popular for their calming, cognitive and overall wellness benefits, and maca root is formulated for energy, stamina and hormonal balance. Natural caffeine sources such as yerba mate, guayusa, green tea and matcha are extremely popular for sustained, clean energy with added functional health appeal.”

Rubix’s O’Shields also explains how there is a wide spectrum of ingredients leading this movement, and many deliver functional value alongside flavor.

“For example, lavender is favored for its calming aroma and subtle sweetness, while elderflower offers antioxidant properties and a crisp, refreshing finish,” O’Shields says. “Rose has a soft, romantic profile and is often associated with skin and mood benefits.

“Botanicals and adaptogens are finding their way into a variety of formats, from fizzy functional sodas to creamy matcha drinks, offering a compelling mix of emotional, physiological and sensory benefits,” she continues. “We’re even seeing combinations like marshmallow root and slippery elm in digestive sodas.”

O’Shields adds that these ingredients deliver premium, wellness-forward positioning that resonates with consumers willing to pay more for drinks that feel indulgent and intentional. 

Furthermore, O’Shields anticipates two major shifts in the use of these ingredients: personalization and cross-category experimentation. 

“Gen Z is remixing everything and beverages are no exception. Look for flavor hybrids that combine botanicals and adaptogens with unexpected pairings like spicy or savory notes, or those that deliver multi-functional benefits,” she says. “Think ‘beauty sleep’ drinks or 'mood-boosting’ teas.”

Nexira’s Wallart expectsfurther growth in functional beverage innovation, especially products targeting stress, focus, immunity and gut health. 

“Trends such as personalized nutrition, clean-label, and nature-based functionality will continue to drive demand,” she explains. “At Nexira, we’re supporting this evolution through a broad portfolio of plant-based ingredients, including ginseng for adaptogenic formulations.”  

Artemis’ Gallo says that similar to trends in the dietary supplement space, beverages are moving toward multi-functional formulations that deliver multiple benefits in a single drink — combinations like immune and stress, immune and focus, and energy and recovery.

“The beauty-from-within category, which also ties into healthy aging, is experiencing rapid growth, and we can expect significant innovation and product development in this area,” she concludes.