Drinking

Implications - Though beauty drinks are commonplace in the Asia-Pacific region, North American markets need to be coaxed into the concept of drinking skincare. Integrating ingredients into a morning coffee or protein beverage improves accessibility for North American markets by associating the beauty drinking act with an existing daily routine. This speaks to the importance -- and difficulty -- of balancing between exoticism as a point of appeal, and familiarity as a necessity. [More]

Implications - Already touted as the number one beverage for hydrated, glowing skin, water is being taken to the next level with beauty boosters that promise to ramp up the beauty game and overall well-being of drinkers. As consumers become increasingly aware of the impacts of diet on their physical appearance, getting the most possible benefits out of the foods and drinks consumed becomes a priority, with boosted waters offering the value of multi-tasking efficiency. [More]

Brands are now offering cold brew coffee makers with multiple functions. Whether those beverages are hot or cold, coffee or tea, consumers have the option of purchasing multipurpose tools that still give them the sophisticated version of this coffee beverage, without having to waste money on an excessively niche item. These appliances offer the benefit of catering to consumers' habit of presenting their lifestyles as "upscale," without having to deal with the costs associated with those lifestyles. [More]

Implications - The early phases of coffee culture relied heavily on attention to flavor, but as the culture expands, more emphasis is being placed on the ritual. Combining this need for ritual with the increasing consumer demand for experience has ushered in an era of multisensory coffee makers. Appealing to all senses solidifies the coffee-making experience as an unforgettable moment of luxury in the consumer's mind; this speaks to the power of multisensory experiences across all categories. [More]

The snacks offered by companies that specialize in cannabis are now focusing specifically on stress-relief. Though edibles have long been used therapeutically, this method offers a more healthy way of reducing anxiety that forgoes overeating for focused relief via infused food products. The integration of THC or CBD into traditional snacks for anxiety relief reveals a shift in which these once-taboo cannabinoids are becoming staples in health and wellness industries, rather than alternative forms of treatment. [More]

Implications - Brands offer remedies for next-day-recovery due to side effects from alcohol consumption. Seeking a balance between habitual, social drinking and restoration, Millennials learn from Gen Xers to embrace treatments that mitigate ailments such as dehydration, without completely ridding liquor from their lives. This shift sees brands providing new products targeting aging Millennials who look for cues from older generations, as a way to maintain health and permissiveness. [More]

Implications - Brands are adopting traditional remedies in the form of ginseng-based beverages and supplements to boost energy and enhance cognitive functioning. While younger consumers have often been targeted by brands for preventative products, older demographics tend to be the focus in terms of healing ailments they already have. The adoption of ginseng as an alternative remedy is a manifestation of an increasingly nuanced approach to preventative healthcare for senior consumers. [More]

Implications - With caffeinated beverages populating the market, some brands are going a step further by offering nootropic beverages that improve cognitive functions instead of simply providing energy. With consumers balancing more responsibilities than ever before, this emerging industry works to support their health and wellness-related needs in a way that is both convenient and easy to access. [More]

Implications - Consumers are embracing drinkable nostalgia in the form of retro sodas spiked for the ultimate escape from "adulting." Also highlighting the desire for familiar flavors in adventurous formats, this progression speaks to the role nostalgia can play in the contemporary pursuit of meaning in everyday experiences such as eating and drinking. [More]

Implications - Unintuitive craft beer flavors are offering indie brewery fans with a variety of experimental flavor experiences with the introduction of dish-inspired brews. This progression speaks to the adventurous and dedicated nature of craft beer fans in seeking out the most unconventional of homebrew innovations in the interest of obtaining expert level knowledge. [More]