Seeing Blue: Sip Into Beverage Trends
The beverage industry is full steam ahead with no signs of slowing down.
Whether consumers are inspired by social media, looking for a little treat, or trying to up their wellness game, there are plenty of ways for beverage manufacturers to meet their needs. Young consumers especially are driving demand for new and exciting beverages to fit their lifestyles and personal goals.
Many of these trends are best highlighted using color, and blue in particular!
Sky blue is a versatile shade that can embody an entire spectrum of flavors and themes. Until now, there has been no natural option for a bright, striking blue in low pH beverages. With the dawn of Sensient’s Marine Blue™ Capri, beverage brands can now embrace trends in a whole new way.
Looking for inspiration? From globally inspired flavors to functional ingredients, there is more opportunity for glasses half full than ever before.
Globally Inspired Beverages
Traveling via taste is on the rise, with consumers looking to global cuisines for their next drink of choice.
Spritzers
Spritzers, influenced by international cocktails such as Aperol and Limoncello, appeal through their associations with exploration, and aesthetic appeal. Tea-based cocktails are on the rise due to their novelty and natural appeal, while offering a cultural and interactive drinking experience. Exotic fruits like dragon fruit and yuzu are also wildly popular.
Bright & Refreshing
Marine Blue™ Capri is a highly diverse shade that can match many green and blue shades. Perfect for tropical fruits and flavors! Consumers today are searching for an escape through experiential food and drink, and there’s no better way to take them there than with a bright, refreshing beverage.
The Nonalcoholic Movement
The “sober curious” and low- or non-alcoholic lifestyle trend continues to gain momentum. Beverages that can satisfy the excitement and novelty of a fun cocktail without the ABV will meet a growing need in the market. Craft sodas, interesting juices, infused waters, seltzers, and ready-to-drink mocktails are finding established places on menus, in aisles, and in households. Artisanal, craft, and premium options are especially popular in this category.
Just because it’s low- or no-ABV doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Brands can replicate the wow factor of beautiful, appealing cocktails with the blue and green shades made possible with Marine Blue™ Capri. Instead of choosing a clear mix, opt for something bright and eye catching that is just as fun to look at as it is to drink.
Social-Media Driven Sips
If it’s not Instagrammable, it’s not drinkable – so it seems!
Bright colors, unique presentations, and dramatic garnishes are part of this trend. From color-changing cocktails to drinks bursting with healthy benefits, many beverages are being selected with social media appeal in mind. Platforms like TikTok are pushing trends such as “watertok”, driving consumers to buy new products. Don’t forget the packaging and presentation!
Natural blue in beverages wasn’t possible before now, and there aren’t many more eye-catching colors than a vivid, bright blue!
Given the many viral beverages across social media platforms, brands have a special opportunity to drive interest and win new business by creating share-worthy drinks for all.
Functional Beverages: Energy, Hydration, & Beyond
Consumers are increasingly looking for drinks that do more than just quench their thirst.
Functional beverages – those that offer extra health benefits- are booming. Energy drinks with natural caffeine sources, hydration beverages with added electrolytes, and adaptogenic elixirs promising stress relief or enhanced focus are all examples of in-demand products. Beverages that include special health ingredients in everything from ready-to-drink cans to powdered mixes are set for success.
Nothing says hydration like a nice, icy blue. Perfect for any sports beverage shades, Marine Blue™ Capri is a versatile color choice. Functional beverages that have calming or stress relief effects can also find the right vibe with a soothing shade of blue.
Blue: The World’s Favorite Color
One thing for sure is that a love for blue beverages is here to stay. Now that Sensient has launched Marine Blue™ Capri, manufacturers can embrace the blue (naturally) while staying clean-label and compliant with shifting regulatory updates and consumer preferences.
In the past five years, beverages using Blue 1 as a color have doubled in number and continue to grow. MINTEL 2025
Trendy Blue Beverage Inspiration
The sky (blue)’s the limit when it comes to using Capri for new product innovation. It’s the perfect shade to complement many trendy and popular flavors in the beverage space. Using up and coming flavors from Mintel’s Flavorscape trends along with Sensient’s 2025 food and beverage trends, here are some ideas to get those blue wheels turning.
More From Your Food
Beverages that promise extra benefits will attract health-minded consumers.
Transcendent Tastes
Tap into nostalgia and fun with candy and treat-inspired beverages.
Comfort Labeling
Keep labels clean and appealing by promoting beverages with heart.
Enlightening Experiences
Take flavor to the next level with unexpected and exciting beverage combinations.
