Wellness Drinks Replacing Sugary Sodas and Alcohol

Functional beverages with prebiotics, probiotics, adaptogens and more are growing exponentially as consumers seek healthier options.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:39am

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Functional beverages are changing the way Americans drink, replacing sugary sodas and alcohol. These drinks, which include sparkling waters, seltzers, teas, juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, and prebiotic sodas, now make up 60% of all beverages sold, up from 49.5% a decade ago. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption has declined to a 90-year low. Consumers are seeking out functional beverages that offer benefits beyond just hydration and refreshment, such as gut health, mood balance, and protein.

Why it matters

The shift away from sugary sodas and alcohol towards functional beverages reflects a broader consumer trend towards health and wellness. As consumers become more health-conscious, they are seeking out drinks that can provide additional benefits beyond just quenching thirst. This presents both opportunities and challenges for the beverage industry as it adapts to meet evolving consumer demands.

The details

Functional beverages are described as "refreshment that has a functional ingredient that can help with any number of symptoms." These include drinks with protein, prebiotics, probiotics, adaptogens, nootropics, mushrooms and more. The largest segment is gut health products with probiotics and prebiotics, followed by social tonics with adaptogens, and protein drinks. Brands like Olipop, Poppi, and Kombucha are examples of these new functional beverages. While the health benefits of many of these ingredients are still being studied, experts say they can be a positive alternative to sugary sodas and alcohol if consumed in moderation.

  • Over the past 5 years, the selection of functional beverages has grown significantly.
  • In 2025, only 54% of consumers reported drinking alcohol, a 90-year low.

The players

Annie Adair

Director of public affairs at the American Beverage Association.

Ashley Worrall

Director of wellness for Northeast Ohio-based Heinen's grocery stores.

Todd Bahler

Vice president of marketing and grocery buyer for Ohio-based Discount Drug Mart.

Molly Cheraso

Owner of the alcohol-free bar Verbena Free Spirited Shoppe in Cleveland's Hingetown neighborhood.

Julia Zumpano

Registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic.

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What they’re saying

“In the grocery store these days, shoppers will notice something striking in the beverage aisle: it's no longer dominated by sugar-sweetened beverages. There's now a wide range of options – sparkling waters, seltzers, teas, juices, sports drinks, energy drinks, and prebiotic sodas – along with zero-sugar versions of virtually every brand.”

— Annie Adair, Director of public affairs at the American Beverage Association (cleveland.com)

“It's really become popular with the younger consumer.”

— Ashley Worrall, Director of wellness for Northeast Ohio-based Heinen's grocery stores (cleveland.com)

“We definitely, over the past 18 to 24 months, brought in a wider selection of functional beverages. Pre and probiotic sodas like Poppi are the leader. They're more popular in January when people are trying to hold on to their New Year's resolutions.”

— Todd Bahler, Vice president of marketing and grocery buyer for Ohio-based Discount Drug Mart (cleveland.com)

The takeaway

The rise of functional beverages reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences towards healthier, more wellness-oriented options. While the long-term health benefits of many of these ingredients are still being studied, the trend suggests that consumers are increasingly willing to trade sugary sodas and alcohol for drinks that offer additional functional benefits.