# Boosted Birch Food and Beverages with birch sap are on the rise. By [Chayeanne Garvida](https://www.trendhunter.com/chayg24), Research Advisor | Published Jan 23, 2019 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/boosted-birch ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Boosted Birch trend? **Boosted Birch:** Brands are using the plant-based syrup, birch sap, as a multi-functional ingredient in food and beverage items. This syrup’s positive nutritional profile appeals to health-conscious consumers as it contains a wide range of health benefits without any added sugar or calories. The incorporation of birch water into existing products speaks to the consumer’s prioritization of naturally-sourced ingredients in their diets. ## The consumer insight behind the Boosted Birch trend Across the consumer space, we see people seek ingredients and rituals that evoke a sense of authenticity by pulling from cultural practices outside their own. As consumers continue to explore and heighten their sense of wellness through diet, many are turning to Indigenous traditions for inspiration. Curiosity and a desire for authentic ingredients with holistic benefits drive the exploration of niche, healthful ingredients with cultural significance. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 22, 2017 to Jan 20, 2019 - Published: Jan 23, 2019 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Boosted Birch trend ### Cultural Ingredient Exploration Consumers are seeking authenticity and inspiration from indigenous traditions when exploring niche, healthful ingredients with cultural significance. ### Plant-Based Alternative Beverages There has been a rise in alternative plant-based water beverages like birch sap water, maple water, and premium sap drinks with distinct mild flavors. ### Functional Beverages Functional birch water beverages are being marketed as a natural isotonic sports drink and are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, prebiotics and electrolytes. ## What the Boosted Birch trend means for industry ### For Food & Beverage Incorporating plant-based alternative beverages with functional benefits and culturally significant ingredients into existing products presents opportunities for food brands. ### For Fitness & Wellness Functional birch water beverages are marketed as a natural isotonic sports drink and can be a part of athlete's nutrition, providing opportunities for fitness and wellness brands. ### For Packaging & Design Creating strong, Scandinavian packaging for plant-based alternative beverages with culturally significant ingredients presents opportunities for packaging and design companies. ## Workshop question How can your brand take an unlikely resource and transform it into something that is beneficial to consumers? ## Trend signals for Boosted Birch Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 43%, activity 43%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 43% - Activity: 43% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Boosted Birch trend 4 featured examples from Jul 22, 2017 to Jan 20, 2019. - [Lightly Flavored Sap Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birch-sap-drink): 'Lif' is an Organic Birch Sap Drink with Varieties Like 'Cloudberry' (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Tap into the beverage industry to develop and market unique and flavorful plant-based water beverages for health-conscious consumers. - [Immune-Boosting Birch Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birch-beverage): Yönalé's Clean, Plant-Based Drink Supports One's Immunity & Energy (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Beverage companies have the opportunity to create beverages with functional benefits, like birch water's immune-boosting and energy-enhancing ingredients, while also introducing s… - [Birch Water Ice Creams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superfood-ice-cream): Trü Birch Makes Clean-Label Superfood Ice Cream with Birch (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can capitalize on the trend of superfood ice cream by creating innovative and nutritious frozen dessert options. - [Sap-Based Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/maple-drinks): SAP! Makes Maple Drinks in Seltzer and Soda Varieties (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The beverage industry could capitalize on the rising trend of alternative water beverages by offering a variety of maple and birch-based drinks. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)