There’s nothing quite like steaming coffee, tea, or cocoa to thaw icy fingers and warm you from the inside out. When the colder months hit, there’s no shortage of brands capitalizing on the demand for hot comfort beverages with seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and peppermint.
Restaurants and food manufacturers looking to compete may want to focus on a hybrid segment that observes both the desire for hot drinks and the demand for health and wellness products. While hot beverages get a seasonal boost, the global market for functional drinks is predicted to see a CAGR of 8.6% by the end of the decade, hitting a whopping $339.6 billion by 2030.
So how can businesses put a wellness spin on hot drinks to increase consumer interest year-round? By exploring functional teas and tonics and innovating beverages like bone broth as a drink instead of a meal, you can create new opportunities to attract and enliven thirsty consumers.
Bone Broth Innovations
Nutrient-rich bone broth bills like a cure-all that helps with hydration, relaxation, inflammation, and even weight loss. It’s also salty and delicious and is often used as a base for soups and stews, a way to enrich rice or potato side dishes, and a catalyst for savory sauces like gravy, among other things.
However, there’s no reason it can’t be a standalone serving when you treat it as a drinkable snack. On its own, it can be a bit too salty to enjoy drinking, but it could be diluted and infused with savory herbs like thyme and oregano, a zesty blend of lime and basil, or a spicy combination of turmeric, ginger, and paprika — or cayenne, for an added kick.
The right recipes could serve as a rich, unexpected alternative to typical cold-weather beverages, with desirable features like protein, collagen, and zero sugar.
Related: Health and Wellness Trends Influencing B2B Food Service
Functional Teas
Hot tea is more than just an afternoon tradition. Herbal teas featuring a variety of ingredients have been shown to help with conditions ranging from inflammation to nausea, blood pressure, and cholesterol while offering immune-boosting properties.
More recent additions to the market focus on the inclusion of adaptogens. Brands like The Tea Spot have blends geared toward better sleep, immunity, energy, and even breastfeeding, not to mention relief from PMS symptoms like cramps. Tucson Tea has a collection of adaptogenic blends for allergy, cold, or stress relief.
MUD\WTR offers a hot coffee and tea alternative with chai tea, mushrooms, and ayurvedic herbs to boost energy and focus. Consumers already inclined to drink coffee or tea when the temperature drops are a built-in audience for the enhanced benefits of herbal blends and adaptogen-enhanced teas.
Hot Tonics and Wellness Elixirs
Modern tonics are wellness boosters that can be mixed with other ingredients to offer a satisfying sipping experience paired with beneficial properties. Although the terms “tonic” and “elixir” are often used interchangeably, elixirs are different from tonics in that they offer some remedy instead of simply supporting general wellness.
Trending tonics and elixirs may feature plant-based ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and ashwagandha that offer wellness benefits. These liquids can be added to any hot beverage, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, or even hot water. They’re also a frequent addition to cocktails and mocktails, where they could elevate cold and hot beverages alike.
For the latest 2025 insights Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter here!
Making the Most of Healthful Hot Beverages
The hot beverage market is a comfort zone for many consumers, who fall back on favorites when the weather turns chilly. However, there’s room for innovation, especially when brands make the most of current wellness trends to elevate bone broth, teas, and other beverages with new and appealing value propositions.
Want to learn more about Symrise and what we offer? Get in touch with us today! Contact us here.
