Posted by Solubrae
on September 18, 2026
Quick Answer: The Guardian reported that nonalcoholic drinks are moving toward adult formats with less sugar and more complex flavors. BeverageDaily reported that wellness, reduced sugar, convenience, sustainability, and premium cues are active launch themes across drinks.
| Source | What it reported | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Guardian | Adult soft drinks are being shaped by less sugar, more complexity, functional drinks, low-sugar premium sodas, and drinks for occasions when people might otherwise drink alcohol. | 2026-09-17 |
| BeverageDaily | New drink launches show convenience, value, health and wellness, reduced sugar, premiumisation, sustainability, and supply-chain transparency as active market themes. | 2026-09-18 |
What did The Guardian report about grown-up soft drinks?
The Guardian reported that soft drinks are moving beyond standard soda toward adult options with less sugar and more complex flavors. The Guardian said functional drinks have entered the market with claims around focus, slowing down, or mood, and it named Sonic Tonics, G Spot, Something & Nothing, Rapscallion Soda, Botivo, Fever-Tree, and Non as examples in the category.
The Guardian also framed several products around occasions when people might otherwise drink alcohol. It said Botivo has a sparkling nonalcoholic botanical aperitivo, Fever-Tree has a non-alcoholic spritz, and Non blends verjus with ingredients such as raspberry, chamomile, and salt.
What did BeverageDaily report about new launches?
BeverageDaily reported that convenience and value are shaping drinks innovation through larger formats and multi-serve options. BeverageDaily also reported that health and wellness remain growth drivers, especially in products linked to immunity support, natural ingredients, reduced sugar, and functional benefits.
BeverageDaily reported that MOJU added an Elderberry Immunity blend and a 12-shot XL Ginger Dosing Bottle, and it said Plenish entered flavored plant-based milk with a Dark Cocoa and Sea Salt Almond Drink. BeverageDaily said Plenish positioned the drink around taste and transparency and reported that it contains 30% less sugar than most chocolate-flavored plant-based drinks in the UK market.
What does this mean for wine-style occasions?
The Guardian and BeverageDaily both described products designed for adult routines rather than children's soda occasions. For a related evergreen product page, Solubrae's alcohol-removed wines collection covers wine-style options for shoppers comparing adult nonalcoholic drinks.
