Shifting Tides in Consumer Behaviors
Join the NY and CT Sections to discuss consumer behavior
Shifting Tides
Changes in Consumer Behavior Towards Natural Functional Foods & Beverages
Damian Browne PhD and Vice President of Research and Development at Pepsico leads a discussion on how overall, health first thinking and ingredient led innovation are reshaping how consumers choose and trust beverage brands. The 2026 beverage landscape shows a decisive shift toward lower sugar formulations, with consumers treating reduced sugar as a basic expectation rather than a bonus. Functional beverages are becoming part of daily wellness routines, driven by interest in energy, focus, gut health, and stress support. Trending ingredients like mushrooms, botanicals, electrolytes, and prebiotics reflect a desire for natural, evidence aligned performance benefits.
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