34 • July | August 2026 • abasto.com ANA MARÍA TRIANA FOUNDER OF ANABELLA DRIED FOOD The New Generation of Healthy Beverages for This Summer ges rich in probiotics and yeasts, such as kombucha and water kefir, are cho- sen for their lower sugar content and benefits asso- ciated with balancing gut flora. 3 Infused waters : Juices, teas, or waters infused with antioxidants (extracts of berries, pomegranate) or compounds such as colla- gen, which combat oxida- tive stress and support skin health. 4 Tropical-flavored wa- ters and teas : Low-su- gar cold beverages that combine fruits such as mango, coconut, pinea- pple, passion fruit, and ta- marind continue to rank among the season’s favo- rite flavors, winning over consumers—especially wi- thin the Hispanic market. Understanding the psychology of trend-se- tting consumers will be essential for manu- facturers, distributors, and retailers. Beyond identifying which beve- rages are leading sales this summer, the real challenge lies in unders- tanding the motivations behind purchasing decisions. A new paradigm is transforming the industry and redefining people’s relationship with food and bevera- ges. In this context, brands that succeed in connecting with these values will be better po- sitioned to lead the next generation of healthy beverages. A Transformation Here to Stay J ust a few years ago, choosing a summer drink was a simple decision: to cool off. Today, that choice reflects a pro- found shift in consumer expectations. Functiona- lity, well-being, natural ingredients, and experien- ces aligned with a healthy lifestyle have become deci- sive factors in purchasing decisions. As a result, a new generation of bevera- ges is emerging that com- bines hydration, nutrition, and increasingly persona- lized consumption expe- riences. The Influence of Mi- llennials and Generation Z Beverages have become an expression of identity. Millennials (ages 30–45) and Generation Z (ages 14–29) are driving much of the growth in functional and healthy beverages in the United States, with a strong preference for natu- ral ingredients, innovative flavors, and wellness-alig- ned products. For these generations, purchasing decisions reflect personal values and aspirations, and innovation serves as the driving force. Innovation Responds to New Expectations Beyond taste and price, consumers are looking for beverages that express their lifestyle and align with their health and we- llness preferences. Innova- tion is no longer just about launching new products but about creating offe- rings that connect emotio- nally with consumers and incorporate a sophistica- ted visual aesthetic that reflects the values of those who dominate social me- dia. This reality presents a major opportunity for ma- nufacturers, distributors, and retailers: understan- ding new market prefe- rences will enable them to anticipate trends and de- velop offerings tailored to modern consumers. The Rise of Functional Beverages According to Persistence Market Research, 2026 , the U.S. functional beverage market will reach approxi- mately US$53.9 billion by 2026. It could exceed US$74 billion by 2033, dri- ven by consumers who are replacing sugary drinks with options associated with hydration, energy, we- llness, and nutrition. Four categories of func- tional beverages are gai- ning prominence this sum- mer: 1 Coconut water : It con- tinues to gain populari- ty thanks to its electrolyte content and the growing preference for simple, na- tural ingredients. 2 Probiotic beverages : Fermented bevera- • ADVICE