# Caffeine-Free Functional Energy Dsm-Firmenich and Nous Commercialize the Koncentra Ingredient By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-08-07 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Caffeine-free-functional-energy References: [nutraingredients](https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2026/07/23/dsm-firmenich-partners-nous-to-launch-koncentra-across-the-global-caffeine-free-energy-market/) & [dsm-firmenich](https://www.dsm-firmenich.com/en/businesses/taste-texture-health/news-events/press-releases/dsm-firmenich-and-nous-partner-to-bring-novel-functional-ingredient-koncentra-to-market-for-energy-focus-and-mood-support.html)  Caffeine-free functional energy is reshaping the functional food and beverage market by shifting away from stimulant-based formulations toward botanical ingredients that support energy, focus and mood in a more balanced way. Through their partnership, dsm-firmenich and Nous are accelerating the commercialization of Koncentra, a botanical ingredient developed to deliver sustained performance without the jitters, anxiety or energy crashes commonly associated with caffeine. The ingredient is also designed for easy formulation across a wide range of beverages and foods, making it suitable for manufacturers seeking versatile wellness-focused products. For food and beverage brands, [botanical energy ingredients](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mindful-energy-solutions) create opportunities to meet growing consumer demand for natural, [science-backed alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/klar-energy) to conventional stimulants. Partnerships that combine ingredient development with clinical validation and regulatory expertise can also speed commercialization and strengthen consumer trust. As wellness priorities continue influencing purchasing decisions, [caffeine-free functional ingredients](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apothekary-power-trip) could become a key differentiator in the expanding market for performance-focused nutrition and beverages. Image Credit: dsm-firmenich ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.3/10 - Popularity: 71% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 89% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Caffeine-free Energy:** Botanical formulations that support sustained vitality without stimulant side effects are creating space for differentiated performance products across beverages, snacks and supplements. - **Mood-focused Performance:** Ingredients positioned around energy, focus and emotional balance reflect a broader shift toward functional products that address multiple wellness needs at once. - **Clinically Backed Botanicals:** Science-supported plant-based ingredients are strengthening consumer trust while helping brands move beyond generic natural claims into validated functional nutrition. ### Who This Affects Most - **Functional Beverages:** Ready-to-drink formats can use caffeine-free energy ingredients to appeal to consumers seeking smoother daily performance without crashes or jitters. - **Nutraceuticals:** Supplement brands have an opportunity to expand performance portfolios with botanical blends that combine focus, mood and endurance benefits in non-stimulant formats. - **Food Ingredients:** Ingredient suppliers that pair formulation flexibility with regulatory and clinical expertise are positioned to accelerate adoption of next-generation wellness solutions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Powered Collagen Skincare](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/advanced-botanical-kinetics.md) - [Social Connection Fragrances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emotion-by-dsmfirmenich.md) - [Mental Focus-Promoting Energy Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kewe-energy.md) - [Saudi-Based Fragrance Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/po-one-lab.md) - [Immunity-Boosting Wellness Shots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vive-organic.md) - [K-Scent Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/K-scent-experiences.md) - [Specialty Natural Ingredient Businesses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/specialty-natural-ingredient.md) - [Decentralised Clinical Research Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decentralised-clinical-research-model.md) - [Advanced Fragrance Production Facilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guangzhou-zengcheng.md)