At its base level, a functional drink is a non-alcoholic beverage formulated to provide you with benefits beyond simple hydration. The functional category simply means there are active ingredients that aim to benefit the body. Often, these compounds are drawn from natural sources such as plants, good bacteria, marine sources, and more.
The functional category of food and drink is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the market simply because it is easy and enjoyable to integrate into your daily life.
In this article, we will cover what goes into a functional drink, the active ingredients, the benefits of carbonated drinks, and choosing the right drink for you.
What Goes Into a Functional Drink?
Functional drinks are simply a more enjoyable method of delivering active ingredients to your body when compared to traditional pills. The bioactive compounds typically fall into a few groups: polyphenols, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, peptides, and probiotics. Together, they have been studied for their collective effects on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, gut health, immune function, and cognition.
The actual liquid matters less than people think. Functional drinks can come in various forms, from seltzers to tea, but what differentiates one from another is the active ingredients and their concentration.
That last point is where a lot of the category falls down; it's the reason we put every milligram on the can.
Functional Drink Examples: The Active Ingredients That Do The Work
The way drinks make it into the category is not through marketing tricks; it is through the ingredient list. Many functional drinks will have similar ingredient combinations, and once you have an idea of each combination, you will be able to understand their uses and benefits.
Nootropics
These are compounds used for their cognitive benefits. Citicoline is known to be beneficial to brain energy metabolism, focus, and recall. Bacopa has been studied for memory consolidation and learning speed, and Ginkgo for cerebral blood flow. We build these active ingredients into our Spark formula.
Functional Mushrooms
The effects of mushrooms tend to be slower and need a build-up over time. Lion's mane supports long-term cognitive resilience. Cordyceps supports ATP production and oxygen uptake without a stimulant.
Adaptogens
Ingredients like Asian Ginseng and Rhodiola are the most common in this category. They are studied for how they help the body cope when faced with stress and fatigue, both mental and physical.
Cellular Energy Compounds
Rather than just giving stimulation, like caffeine, for example, they facilitate your body's own energy production. Nicotinamide riboside and CoQ10 both feed that process, which is how a drink can support your energy levels without a drug like caffeine. Our Revive drink is built around them.
Sleep Support and Amino Acids
The amino acids work with the signalling your body already uses when your body is winding down for sleep. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the neurotransmitter that slows your brain and blocks signals that keep you awake.
L-Theanine, derived from green tea, raises the brain's state of relaxation and focus. While Magnesium Glycinate eases muscle tension and supports the bodily changes needed to enter deep, restful sleep. All of these ingredients can be found in our Dream formula.
Curious which active ingredient is for you? Find your function and match your goals to a formula.
Functional Carbonated Drinks: The Benefits of Sparkling
Sparkling water is mildly acidic, with a pH of around 5 to 6 from the acid formed when the carbon dioxide dissolves. But drinking this mild acidity has no effect on your own body's pH. Your kidneys and lungs maintain your blood pH level regardless of what you drink.
Sparkling water is a great vehicle for functional elements. Studies have suggested that it can improve swallowing ability and that it makes you feel fuller for longer after a meal. It is calorie-free and provides a different experience when compared to still water, which makes it an easy choice to stay hydrated for those who don't like still water.
They provide a vehicle for active ingredients, and they are something that people will actually finish. Adaptogens and mushrooms are only effective when built over time with consistent use, so having a drink that you reach for every day is essential.
Choosing a Functional Drink That Works
Three factors come together to make a high-performing formula:
The Ingredient List
An ingredient listed on the can is not enough to tell you if it is effective. You should look for quantities that are enough to have an effect and be cautious of blends that do not break down individual amounts.
Third-Party Testing
Labeling and regulations have not been comprehensively put into place in the functional beverage industry, and independent testing is the most practical protection for the customer. Every one of our batches is lab tested for purity and potency before shipping.
Low Sugar Content
There are functional drinks that carry quantities of sugar that defeat the point. Stevia-derived sweeteners are one way around that problem, cutting calories without the added sugar.
It Comes Down To The Can
What are functional drinks? They are the easiest possible way to get a proper dose of active ingredients into your day. Done incorrectly, they are flavored water with a story attached.
Functional beverages aren't cure-alls. They work in conjunction with your lifestyle. Some functional drinks are not right for everyone. For example, caffeine is not recommended for adolescents, those who are pregnant, or those who are breastfeeding.
The difference is the formulation, which is why we would rather show you the numbers. That's why our formulas deliver science-backed results you can feel, made from premium ingredients and held to third-party quality standards.
Find your function and see what properly dosed beverages feel like, or find us in store.
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