Staying ahead of the technology curve means strengthening your competitive advantage. That is why we give you data-driven innovation insights into the food industry. This time, you get to discover 5 hand-picked startups creating functional beverages.
Out of 287, the Global Startup Heat Map highlights 5 Top Startups creating Functional Beverages
The insights of this data-driven analysis are derived from the Big Data & Artificial Intelligence-powered StartUs Insights Discovery Platform, covering 2 093 000+ startups & scaleups globally. The platform gives you an exhaustive overview of emerging technologies & relevant startups within a specific field in just a few clicks.
The Global Startup Heat Map below reveals the distribution of the 287 exemplary startups & scaleups we analyzed for this research. Further, it highlights 5 startups that we hand-picked based on criteria such as founding year, location, funding raised, and more. You get to explore the solutions of these 5 startups & scaleups in this report. For insights on the other 282 functional beverages, get in touch.
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Buoy provides Hydration Supplements
Chronic dehydration due to non-replenishment of the electrolyte content negatively impacts the body. This, in the long term, leads to urinary and kidney problems as well as hinders the body’s natural performance. However, the presently available rehydration drinks are loaded with artificial flavors. Therefore, startups are developing hydration supplements that contain minimal or zero artificial flavors.
US-based startup Buoy provides hydration supplements to enhance the performance of beverages. The startup’s solution is a flavorless, liquid hydration concentrate that replenishes the electrolytes and improves the functionality of beverages. The concentrate mixes with any drink – water, coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, and more. It, thus, provides beverage producers with an infusion concentrate to make the beverages healthier. For instance, Buoy’s hydration supplements contain micronutrients for boosting immunity.
Neon Mind develops Mushroom-Infused Coffee
Consumption of coffee as a beverage is prevalent and is gaining traction. However, the excess caffeine content in the coffee causes insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues. Moreover, coffee processing plants discharge waste into rivers creating pollution and contamination problems. To tackle this, startups are providing alternative coffee blends with added functional benefits to make healthier coffee options.
Canadian startup Neon Mind offers mushroom-infused functional coffee. The startup provides antioxidant-rich mushroom coffee blends. The solution infuses beta-glucans in mushrooms, a soluble fiber that stimulates the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. The antioxidant-rich coffee blends provide an energy boost with lesser caffeine content.
Funk provides Functional Sports Drinks
With increasing health consciousness, the demand for sports nutrition is on the rise. However, traditional sports drinks are loaded with unnatural sweeteners and ingredients to offset the bitter taste of electrolytes. To improve taste and health, startups offer naturally-flavored functional beverages that also impact performance positively.
German startup Funk produces functional beverages that are rich in amino acids for sports enthusiasts, calorie counters, and vegans. The startup’s solution provides essential amino acids, B vitamins, and natural caffeine from guarana. The GMO-free beverage is sugar-free and contains L-glutamine to assist the muscle regeneration phase.
The Naked Collective offers Brewed Functional Beverages
The increasing dependence of people on beer and other spirits to relieve stress also increases their health risk. Besides, the long-term consumption of alcoholic drinks leads to malnutrition, memory loss, heart problems, and liver failure. On the other hand, functional beverages boost energy and improve general health. Therefore, startups are formulating brewed functional beverages.
Irish startup The Naked Collective provides functional beverages to improve general immune health. The startup combines its isotonic superliquid in naturally occurring B vitamins, selenium, and zinc with beta-glucan. Mude and So.Beer are brewed from barley and oats. The vegan lager improves functionality and the nutrient binding technology enables fast absorption in the body. This provides consumers with a healthy stress-relieving alternative.
Swirlit produces Oral Health Drinks
The consumption of packaged drinks, aerated beverages, and sports drinks is increasing. However, most of these drinks are acidic in nature and lead to a negative health impact, especially increasing the chances of dental decay. To this end, startups are developing healthy beverages options to improve dental and oral health.
Australian startup Swirlit provides tea-based functional oral health drinks. The startup’s solution contains plant-based ingredients such as xylitol, erythritol, and grape seed extract. The extracts facilitate the reduction of plaque in the mouth and lower the risk of dental decay by neutralizing acids. Besides, the extracts from acacia, guar, and xanthan provide prebiotics that improves oral and gut health. The beverage provides consumers with a healthy source of antioxidants and polyphenols.
Discover more Food Tech Startups
Food startups such as the examples highlighted in this report focus on nutritional supplements, food as medicine, and prebiotics. While all of these technologies play a major role in advancing the food industry, they only represent the tip of the iceberg. To explore more food technologies, simply get in touch to let us look into your areas of interest. For a more general overview, you can download our free FoodTech Innovation Report to save your time and improve strategic decision-making.
