A total solution for energy drinks? Now that’s worth getting energised about [White paper]

How are your energy levels today? Recent research found that consumers worldwide are increasingly concerned about their personal health – including a lack of energy.¹ 

The same research concluded that one-third of consumers tackle their low energy levels by taking on additional nutrition. And of course, this includes the burgeoning energy drinks segment. 

The global energy drinks market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% over the next decade, reaching US$108 billion by 2031.² So, if you manufacture energy drinks (or are considering doing so), how can you get a stand-out product onto the world’s shelves as quickly and efficiently as possible to meet the needs of energy-sapped consumers everywhere? Just some of the key challenges (and opportunities) here include: 

Playing with taste and texture

High sugar in energy drinks is an increasing concern for consumers, driving them to seek drinks that have sugar-free/no calories options³ – with 30.3% of energy drinks launched in 2023 having the claim ‘sugar free’.

Getting the colour right

When consumers investigate the colouration of drinks, about 80% of them focus on whether that colourant is natural or artificial. Not surprisingly, products containing a natural colourant show significantly higher purchase intent than those with artificial colorants.⁵

Adding nutrition

More than 40% of consumers are aware of the importance of vitamins in their diet¹ and 45% of global consumers say they have taken a greater interest in health-boosting ingredients.⁴ In fact, more than 50% of the energy drink launches between 2021 and 2023³ were vitamin or mineral fortified – with a brain and nervous system claim being the most prominent.

So, clearly, there is a real opportunity to meet multiple consumer demands – in taste, texture, nutrition – and colour. The ideal solution for manufacturers? One trusted partner, able to solve them via a comprehensive solution: for example, by developing entire innovative energy drink concepts geared precisely to specific consumer needs. Which is precisely where DSM-firmenich can help. 

© dsm-firmenich

A proven partner in energy drinks

At DSM-firmenich, our unparalleled ingredients, expertise and solutions enable you to create energy drinks that are healthier (in content and appearance); and that taste great, with enhanced mouthfeel. Not only that, but we can support you in achieving this more effectively (and profitably).

For example, our customers can count on global and local expertise in everything from formulation to marketing support, in order to create the perfect recipe. Every day, we work with them to develop entire energy drink concepts – with our scientists translating the science into clear health benefit solutions for consumers.

Importantly, we can help you to achieve all this in a smarter way, and at speed, no matter where in the world you are – thanks to our global reach and unique heritage in nutrition.

Bringing you the perfect blend

One smart way to meet future demand for higher nutrition is to use our long-established, customised premix blends of vitamins and nutrients to boost your energy drinks. As one of the world’s largest and longest-established vitamin producers, we have the expertise, experience, and global footprint you need to get innovative products to market faster. For example, our nutritional premix formulation solutions work seamlessly with your production operation, thus streamlining your product development. Our experts can even advise on all-important regulatory affairs for different regions.

Less sugar, more taste (and texture!)

A solution we offer to meet ‘sugar free’ claims that serve consumer needs is our EVERSWEET™ – a fermented, non-artificial, zero-calorie sweetener without an aftertaste (EVERSWEET™ is produced by Avansya, a joint venture between DSM-firmenich and Cargill). You can even boost the sensory experience further by using our natural ingredients like biogums, which boost texture in energy drinks; and then give your product a healthy, vibrant orange colour using our CaroCare® – naturally fermented β-Carotene, free of FD&C Azo Dyes. 

As you can see, there’s a lot to be energised about in the energy drink space; and it really is possible to enjoy it all. So, if you want to work with a proven and experienced strategic partner with worldwide reach, and who shares your ambition to create differentiated, trendsetting energy drinks – we would love to hear from you. 

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