Health and functionality remain front of mind in the soft drink and mixers space, found the Fentiman’s Market Report, made with research from NIQ. 

In the report released today, Fentiman’s said that despite consumer financial constraints, the wellness section of soft drinks continues to grow. 

“The energy drinks segment continues to show strength, while low- and no-sugar variants, natural options and products with transparent ingredient lists are capturing more attention,” it said. 

Likewise, drinks with nootropic elements continue to thrive. Within this, 51% of consumers said they’d be willing to pay extra for health benefits, a statistic that jumps to 68% and 61% among millennials and Gen Z. 

However, mirroring results found in the alcoholic functional drinks space, consumer scrutiny is growing around bold health claims. 

In the off-trade market, Fentiman’s found that volumes were under pressure, with units dipping by 1.5% year-on-year. At the same time, however, year-on-year value grew by 5%. 

Value growth could be related to premiumisation in soft drinks – seen in kombucha, for example – but could also represent inflation, with price per unit increasing by 6.7%. 

As for formats, cans are becoming increasingly prominent in the soft drink market, reflecting the pressure of the glass tax but also a desire for portability. 

“With time more precious than ever, consumption on the move continues to accelerate,” Fentiman’s said. 

Looking to flavours, the data found that Eastern flavour profiles will rise in 2026, particularly in the spritz and RTD formats. 

Especially common among a younger generation, “Gen Z’s cultural fluidity is pushing once-niche formats like shochu highball into the mainstream,” the report said. 

The report predicted tastes including yuzu, calamansi, galangal, Sichuan pepper and Korean pear. 

Elsewhere, the report anticipated that tropical flavours would stay important. “Tropical flavours are no longer just summer novelties – they motivate year-round. 

“Feel-good flavour escapism, with vibrant fruits like pineapple, mango, passionfruit, guava and lychee, offers instant joy, whether in energising spritzes, sparkling sodas or citrus-forward cocktails.” 

Finally, Fentiman’s said that nostalgia would play a part in sweet serves, with childlike flavours turning up in the alcoholic mixer space in particular. 

Expect to see “cereal, marshmallow and peanut butter – inner-child indulgence formats blended into shakes, IPAs and clarified cocktails.”