Articles
December 10, 2025
What’s Hot in 2026? Healthier, functional beverages
With a nod towards wellness, diners prioritize personalization, sustainability, and authenticity.
Fermented and gut-friendly beverages, like Kombucha, improve the immune system, mood, and digestion.
As diners prioritize health and wellness, low-and no-alcohol drinks are becoming more popular than ever, new National Restaurant Association research finds.
According to the 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, the shift in consumer behavior is being driven by a desire for healthier, more functional benefits that go beyond basic hydration or refreshment. Not only do customers want to experience authenticity and sustainability, they also expect a more personalized experience at the same time.
This is especially true for Gen Zs and Millennials, who say they want alternatives that meet those expectations, including alcohol-free beers and CBD-infused beverages.
“These trends support consumers’ specific desires and health goals, and the industry is working to meet guests where they are,” says Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research & Knowledge for the Association, “Everyone is becoming more educated about what they eat and drink, and operators are focused on giving their guests what they want and need.”
At the same time, consumers who do choose to drink beverages containing alcohol are increasingly interested in ordering spirits that are locally sourced. This is largely due to three factors: a strong community connection, sustainability, and the products’ own distinctive flavors.
When it comes to local sourcing, the report finds consumers want to support small businesses and their local economies. In addition, they appreciate the environmental benefits related to reduced transportation and sustainable manufacturing practices, plus the way they reflect their region's heritage and artisanal quality.
Personalized hydration, such as smart water and beverages infused with certain electrolytes or supplements, is also quite popular. There are even restaurants now that feature water menus curated by “water sommeliers” describing the taste profile and source of a selection of waters.
These days, beverage menus play an important role in where consumers choose to dine out. Often, the decision is made based on a restaurant’s creative expansions, focus on new flavors or taste experiences, and perceived healthfulness.
According to the 2026 What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, the shift in consumer behavior is being driven by a desire for healthier, more functional benefits that go beyond basic hydration or refreshment. Not only do customers want to experience authenticity and sustainability, they also expect a more personalized experience at the same time.
This is especially true for Gen Zs and Millennials, who say they want alternatives that meet those expectations, including alcohol-free beers and CBD-infused beverages.
“These trends support consumers’ specific desires and health goals, and the industry is working to meet guests where they are,” says Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research & Knowledge for the Association, “Everyone is becoming more educated about what they eat and drink, and operators are focused on giving their guests what they want and need.”
At the same time, consumers who do choose to drink beverages containing alcohol are increasingly interested in ordering spirits that are locally sourced. This is largely due to three factors: a strong community connection, sustainability, and the products’ own distinctive flavors.
When it comes to local sourcing, the report finds consumers want to support small businesses and their local economies. In addition, they appreciate the environmental benefits related to reduced transportation and sustainable manufacturing practices, plus the way they reflect their region's heritage and artisanal quality.
Personalized hydration, such as smart water and beverages infused with certain electrolytes or supplements, is also quite popular. There are even restaurants now that feature water menus curated by “water sommeliers” describing the taste profile and source of a selection of waters.
These days, beverage menus play an important role in where consumers choose to dine out. Often, the decision is made based on a restaurant’s creative expansions, focus on new flavors or taste experiences, and perceived healthfulness.
The Top 5 beverage trends for 2026
- Energy drinks: Customers of all ages are seeking beverages that boost their energy levels and enhance mental alertness at the same time. In addition, many of these beverages feature low- to no-sugar, making them a healthier option.
- Locally sourced spirits: Consumers are looking for that combination of authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to the community. Supporting regional artisans and economies and minimizing the environmental impact of transportation are also important to them.
- Low- and no-alcohol drinks: Consumers, especially Millennials and Gen Zs, are cutting back on alcohol for physical and mental health reasons. These options allow for social inclusion without the negative effects of alcohol, like hangovers or anxiety. They also tend to be lower in caloric content and contain added functional ingredients, such as botanicals and adaptogens, which help manage stress, boost immunity, and improve mental clarity.
- Fermented and gut-friendly beverages: These drinks, such as Kombucha, tepache, and prebiotic sodas, help improve the immune system, mood, and digestion. They also meet the growing demand for "clean label," plant-based solutions in food and drink.
- Personalized hydration: Consumers desire customizable health solutions tailored to meet individual needs, like electrolyte balances, varied caffeine levels, and cognitive enhancement.
- Soju: an affordable, Korean, clear, sweet, distilled spirit made from rice, with ties to K-culture
- Mood and mental wellness beverages: These include adaptogenic and mushroom essences, like Lion’s Mane, that help combat stress, boost energy, and improve focus
- CBD-infused drinks: These options offer a non-alcoholic way to relax, provide stress and anxiety relief, and support general wellness without intoxication
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