As consumers become increasingly mindful of their well-being, functional beverages are gaining momentum in innovation strategies. In a fast-evolving market, where product launches have jumped by 18% in just one year¹, a new momentum is taking shape: a shift toward health-driven, more personalized nutrition, with a clear return to the power of plants.
Understanding the many dimensions of wellness
Today’s consumers are not looking for a single benefit. They seek to balance physical vitality, emotional balance, and daily enjoyment. Younger generations are drawn to beverages that promote relaxation or mental focus, while older consumers tend to focus on digestion, bone health, or healthy aging.
This proactive approach to wellness, guided by food choices, is leading to an unprecedented diversification of functional beverage formats. From enriched waters to iced coffees, sparkling botanical sodas to plant-based milks with improved mouthfeel, formulations are multiplying to meet a growing need: to consume more consciously, more naturally.
Drawing inspiration from plants to create purposeful beverages
Some plants have long been recognized for their ability to support the body and mind. Through careful selection and expert sourcing, Nexira offers a range of botanical extracts with rich functional potential, always respectful of plant origin and integrity.
Among them:
• Guarana a natural boost for energy
• Ginseng for vitality and cognitive support
• Lemon balm known for promoting relaxation and restful sleep
• Hibiscus rich in antioxidants and known to support water elimination
• Green tea a trusted ally for vitality with antioxidant properties
All our extracts are produced using gentle extraction methods at Nexira’s own facility in France. Several are organic-certified, including our lemon balm, which is locally grown under environmentally friendly practices.
Exploring the link between fibers, digestion & overall well-being
The connection between gut health, digestion, and overall wellness is now widely recognized. The development of fiber-enriched, prebiotic beverages fits perfectly into this growing focus on inner balance.
At Nexira, we offer a comprehensive range of acacia fiber-based solutions, Fibregum™ and inavea™, two complementary ingredient lines that adapt easily to a wide range of food and beverage applications.
Fibregum™ and inavea™ PURE ACACIA contain over 90% soluble fiber, are non-GMO certified, well tolerated, and suitable for FODMAP diets. Thanks to their gradual fermentation, they support digestive comfort, improve transit, strengthen the gut barrier, and help maintain immune defenses. Their natural origin, versatility, and nutritional enrichment make them a perfect match for modern formulation needs.
To go further, some of our ingredients combine acacia with other powerful botanicals in synergistic blends:
- inavea™ BAOBAB & ACACIA: a blend of two African plants for microbiome balance
- inavea™ CAROB & ACACIA: an innovative fiber duo that promotes microbiota diversity
Formulating with these ingredients means making space for nature in our everyday routines delivering benefits adapted to today’s mindful lifestyles.
Combining naturalness, texture & enjoyment
While naturalness has become a must, the sensory experience remains just as crucial, especially in dairy or plant-based beverages. Texture is still a key element of consumer satisfaction.
Thanks to our naltive™ range, composed of natural gums from legumes (locust bean, guar, tara), it’s possible to achieve creamy, smooth, and stable textures, even in low-fat or low-sugar recipes.
Could nature inspire your next innovation?
At Nexira, we believe in the harmony between science and nature. Our approach, rooted in over a century of botanical exploration, aims to bring nature back into formulations, without compromise on quality, traceability, or consumer experience.
We will be present at IFT First 2025 in Chicago, from July 14 to 16, at booth #S3242, to continue this exploration. You’ll discover our natural texturizers, biotic solutions, and recipe ideas designed for the next generation of functional beverages.
Charlotte Wallart, our Food Product Manager, will host exclusive 15-minute sessions focused on:
- The latest global trends in functional beverages
- Exclusive concepts developed by Nexira for IFT
Contact us for more information.
