One of the standout non-alcoholic fermented beverages at the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas was Koji Clear, a beverage made from just koji, rice and water. According to the brand, the drink "has clear taste with refreshing sourness and elegant sweetness." This beverage represents an updated take on the ancient Japanese natural energy drink, Amazake or "Drinkable IV."
Thanks to its minimal-ingredient formula, this fermented beverage made from natural ingredients is ready to be consumed by all, including young children. This drink helps to maintain healthy skin, support the gut and relieve fatigue. For these reasons, it may be enjoyed as an alternative to breakfast or snacks, and it can be consumed straight, on the rocks, or with other non-alcoholic or alcoholic drinks.
Increasingly, as their knowledge of gut health grows, consumers are looking for fermented foods and beverages with unique features and functional benefits.
Clear Fermented Drinks
Koji Clear is Simply Made with Just Koji, Rice and Water
Trend Themes
1. Minimal-ingredient Fermented Drinks - Opportunity for food and beverage companies to create new, minimal-ingredient fermented drinks with functional benefits that appeal to health-conscious consumers.
2. Natural Energy Drinks - Opportunity to innovate new natural energy drinks using traditional ingredients like koji rice, appealing to consumers' desire for healthier energy options.
3. Non-alcoholic Beverages with Multi-functional Benefits - Opportunity to create new non-alcoholic beverages with diverse functional benefits, such as healthy skin, gut support, and fatigue relief, to appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for alternative drinks or snacks.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage Industry - Opportunity for food and beverage companies to adapt to the growing demand for functional fermented drinks with minimal ingredients and unique health benefits.
2. Natural and Organic Industry - Opportunity for natural and organic companies to create and market new natural energy drinks using traditional, wholesome ingredients like koji rice.
3. Health and Wellness Industry - Opportunity for health and wellness companies to develop and market new non-alcoholic beverages with multi-functional benefits that appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for alternative drinks or snacks.