Beyond Refreshment: How the UK Drinks Market Is Evolving

The UK drinks market is shifting at an unprecedented rate. Consumers now expect more than just refreshment—they want beverages that actively enhance their well-being, fit into their lifestyle, and align with their ethical values.

Sustainability has moved beyond packaging to ingredient sourcing and waste reduction, while no- and low-alcohol drinks are becoming more sophisticated than ever before.

At Uren Food Ingredients, we partner with leading beverage brands to develop innovative ingredient solutions that match these emerging trends. But staying ahead in 2025 isn’t just about following fads—it’s about understanding deep consumer motivations and responding with products that deliver real value.

Functionality First

For decades, the soft drinks market was driven by flavour and refreshment. That’s no longer enough. Today’s consumers expect their drinks to support their health, boost mental clarity, and enhance physical performance.

Some of the most exciting developments include:

Cognitive-Boosting Hydration

Drinks designed to enhance focus and mental performance are becoming a major category. DIRTEA has already introduced mushroom-based beverages featuring lion’s mane for cognitive function, while PerfectTed is using matcha and L-theanine to offer clean energy without the jitters. Expect to see electrolyte waters infused with adaptogens enter the mainstream, helping consumers stay sharp throughout the day.

Stress-Relief & Relaxation Beverages

Consumers are looking for natural ways to reduce stress and unwind, and beverage brands are responding. Drinks like Trip (CBD-infused sparkling water) and Moment (adaptogen-infused botanical beverages) are gaining traction. The next wave will incorporate magnesium, chamomile, and reishi mushrooms, targeting relaxation without drowsiness.

Gut Health & Fermented Beverages

The kombucha category has expanded rapidly, with brands like Remedy Kombucha making gut-friendly drinks more accessible. But the next frontier is prebiotic sodas—brands like Olipop are already proving that functional soft drinks can support gut health while tasting great.

Hormone Health Beverages

This is one of the most exciting emerging categories, targeting consumers looking for natural solutions for energy, mood, and hormonal balance. Umri is leading the charge with fruit and herb-infused drinks formulated specifically for women’s well-being, particularly during menopause. With science-backed ingredients like ashwagandha and raspberry leaf, this category is set to grow as consumers become more aware of hormonal fluctuations and their impact on everyday life.

One of the biggest challenges in the functional drinks space? Balancing efficacy with taste. Many functional ingredients—such as mushrooms, adaptogens, and botanicals—can have bitter or earthy notes. The brands that succeed will be those that perfect natural flavour masking and create genuinely enjoyable drinking experiences.

Beyond Alcohol-Free: The Next Generation of No & Low Beverages

The no- and low-alcohol category has transformed the UK drinks market, but consumer expectations are evolving fast. Initially, brands focused on replicating traditional alcoholic drinks, but the next step is creating entirely new beverage categories that offer complexity and depth without relying on alcohol at all.

Here’s what’s coming next:

Wine-Style Fermented Soft Drinks

Alcohol-free wine alternatives have long struggled with authenticity. The next evolution? Fermentation-driven, tannin-rich soft drinks that mimic the structure and mouthfeel of wine without trying to replicate alcohol. Brands like REAL Drinks Co. are pioneering this space, using tea fermentation to create dry, complex beverages that feel more sophisticated than standard soft drinks.

Distillate-Free Spirits

Many alcohol-free spirits, like Seedlip, rely on distillation to mimic gin or whiskey. But the next wave will move beyond imitation, using wood extracts, spice tinctures, and umami-rich botanicals to create entirely new drink experiences.

Luxury Adult Soft Drinks

Consumers are tired of overly sweet soft drinks. With the shift towards more complex flavour profiles and sophisticated options, expect to see bittersweet sodas, herbal aperitifs, and floral-infused tonics becoming mainstream. These pair well with food and offer a premium alternative to fruit juice-based mocktails.

The most successful brands will be those that embrace bitterness, minerality, and layered botanical complexity, rather than relying on sweetness or artificial flavouring.

Sustainability 2.0

Sustainability has moved beyond packaging, and consumers are now looking at ingredient sourcing, production methods, and overall waste reduction.

One of the most significant developments? Upcycling food waste into premium beverage ingredients.

Fruit Waste Ferments

The RTD market is starting to explore fermented soft drinks made from surplus fruit peels and pulp—a technique long used in cider-making but now being applied to soft drinks. Expect to see juice industry byproducts transformed into new beverages.

Coffee Fruit & Cocoa Husk Beverages

Brands like Minor Figures have already experimented with coffee fruit (cascara), and cocoa husks—once discarded by chocolate producers—are emerging as a naturally sweet, caffeine-free infusion.

Regenerative Ingredient Sourcing

Sustainability is shifting from passive reduction to active restoration. The most forward-thinking brands are now forming direct partnerships with farms, investing in soil regeneration and biodiversity to future-proof their ingredient supply chains.

For ingredient suppliers like Uren, this shift presents an opportunity to innovate with byproducts and alternative raw materials, helping brands reduce waste while creating premium new products.

Why Sweet Drinks Are Losing Their Grip

The dominance of sweet, fruit-heavy drinks is fading. British consumers are increasingly drawn to earthier, saltier, and more umami-rich flavours, reflecting a broader shift towards more sophisticated palates.

Some of the biggest flavour movements include:

• Miso, Kombu & Seaweed in Cocktails – High-end bars like The Connaught are already experimenting with seaweed-infused cocktails and umami bitters. Expect to see this filter into RTD beverages as brands look for ways to add depth and mouthfeel without sugar.
• Roasted & Smoky Ingredients – Burnt citrus, roasted chicory, and smoked vanilla are growing in popularity, adding complexity to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Bitter & Herbal Soft Drinks – Gentian-infused sodas and non-alcoholic aperitifs are moving into the mainstream, offering a less sugary, more refined drinking experience.

Brands that prioritise complexity over sweetness will stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

What This Means in 2025

The UK drinks industry is no longer one-size-fits-all. Success will belong to brands that innovate, differentiate, and respond to changing consumer values.

At Uren, we work with brands to turn these insights into reality. Get in touch to explore how we can help shape your next NPD project.