FREE UPS GROUND SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $49! 
Functional Beverages: What Are They And Why Do People Love Them?
Since Colonial times, alcohol has been an integral part of America. As a billion dollar industry today, those wine, beer, and whiskey bottles have solidified their spots on the shelves. Folks have found their favorite cocktails and stuck by their side while out on the town or during a cozy night in.
But a large chunk of society is leaning away from the alcohol scene in favor of a different line of beverages. Millennials and Gen Z lead the charge, and this goes for those who never quite enjoyed alcohol’s effects or those looking to stay the sober route.
Functional beverages are classified as drinks that enhance body functionalities – and the body has a lot going on! From energy to digestion, to focus and relaxation, functional beverages are on the rise, and reaching new levels of support.
Some of the options are marketed as ‘alcohol alternatives,’ that can mimic some aspects of drinking alcohol but sparing the user from hangovers, impaired judgement, or health risks.
Others are suggested as part of a healthy routine especially to those with busy lifestyles. Whose calendar isn’t slammed these days? Folks are looking for functional drinks for focus-driven days! Athletes can take their pick of energy boosting electrolyte-heavy fuel (cue Electro MIT), while those at their desk job can find solace in drinks that contain nootropics (known for improving learning, focus, and memory! Magic Dose, Golden Grove, and BREZ are here for you.)
Fermented beverages are one of the fast growing sectors for those trying to get a hold on their gut health. Probiotics consist of bacteria, yeasts, and molds that help in aiding digestion- it’s a win for someone who wants a better-for-you drink alternative.
Hooked on soda?
Kombucha might be your calling if you’re trying to cut back on the sugar but still craving some sweetness and carbonation. Kombucha supplies probiotics (gut-friendly bacteria) that supports digestion, as well as antioxidants from tea. While many kombucha options do still boast some sugar, they’re still normally less than a typical can of cola.
Beer…an Acquired Taste?
Many agree that alcohol also presents some odd flavor profiles. Some of your bearded peers swear by that double IPA being the most delicious option on the menu, but it’s just not for everyone. The same can be said for those sugary cocktails (too sweet!) or a lack of interest in the extensive world of wines.
These functional beverages aim to please with their flavor profiles (some ‘safe and familiar’ and some a little more offbeat). It also helps that many companies opt for a natural approach versus their artificial competitors, as more and more consumers are turning to functional drinks with clean ingredients.
What’s in These Functional Beverages?
Functional beverage companies have made it a mission to be up front with what exactly is within these wellness drinks. The clear, concise labels highlight the benefits, ingredients, and serving sizes to keep the curious buyer at ease.
Vegan…Gluten-free…Non-GMO…Keto-friendly…Plant-based…and more!
You’re sure to find the golden ticket that fits your unique lifestyle in these alcohol free alternatives. It’s smart sipping for modern wellness.
Some of the trending ingredients for 2025 include:
Ashwagandha
Rhodiola Rosea
Functional Mushrooms (Lion’s Mane, Reishi, and Cordycepts)
L-Theanine
Electrolytes
And Turmeric
Some of These Drinks Have Adaptogens. What Are Those?
Adaptogens are a special sector for ready-to-drink wellness beverages. They are plants and mushrooms that can assist with fatigue and promote overall wellbeing. When eaten in normal doses, they help the body manage stressors and return to homeostasis (maintaining a state of balance).
Wait, mushrooms? Like…magic mushrooms?
Not quite!
Don’t expect a euphoric rush or any zany hallucinations. Functional mushrooms don’t contain psilocybin, the chemical compound responsible for activating serotonin receptors in the brain. Psychedelic mushrooms generally have a bitter taste and are steeped in tea or eaten with food (scattered atop a pizza, mixed in with spaghetti, or blended into a smoothie).
Functional mushrooms boast more flavorful profiles- earthy, savory, and umami, so they can be quite fun to cook with! That being said, these flavors can easily be masked within a social tonic so you don’t need to worry about meaty mushrooms mixing with blueberries or french vanilla flavors.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus) functional mushrooms lead the charge. These white shaggy mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years primarily in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean medicinal practices. Some human studies have suggested that the fungi may promote brain health and may assist in repairing damaged nerves. This can help ward off elderly diseases such as Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. Other studies reported the mushrooms helped with immunity support and with treating inflammation in the digestive tract.
Zion Herbals is fully stocked with BREZ Feel-Good Tonics and Golden Grove Sparkling Tonics beverages – both of which contain adaptogens!
Golden Grove – this sparkling tonic combines the magic of Lion’s Mane with Kratom Leaf and L-Theanine. Available in Blueberry Lemon, Plum Ginger, and Cherry Verbena.
BREZ Feel-good Tonics bring the fizz and function. Oh, and good news….NEW flavors just dropped!
BREZ Flow (Lemon Elderflower 🍋🤍) – this euphoric social tonic boasts 2,200mg of Lion’s Mane mushrooms and tingles the taste buds with flavors of Italian lemons and elderflower.
✨NEW BREZ Dream (Cherry Chamomile 🍒🌼) – reishi mushrooms are here to help you unwind. Relax after a chaotic day with this subtly sweet cherry tart and chamomile flavored beverage.
✨NEW BREZ Elevate (Strawberry Mango 🍓🥭) – work can be demanding. Grind harder and enhance your focus with 80mg of caffeine, cordyceps extract, ginseng extract, and the sweet, fruity blend of strawberry and mango.
Where Can I Buy Functional Beverages?
Zion Herbals carries an array of functional beverages with more in the pipeline as we speak! You only have one body….let’s treat it with care and listen to what it needs.
Here in Richmond, VA our Zion Apothecary has an array of alcohol-free alternatives including Culeaf Energy, BREZ, Leilo, and Kavaly.
We also vendor with local smoke shops across the States if you prefer to shop brick and mortar.
Zionherbals.com is one of the best places to take advantage. Signing up for a free account will earn you bonus points on every order, FREE shipping on orders over $49, early insight on new product launches, and special monthly promotions to help you save more.
⭐ Fact: The functional beverage market’s value sat at about $175.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $339.6 billion by the year 2030. Things are just getting started.
CHECK OUT OUR ARRAY OF THE BEST ALCOHOL ALTERNATIVES AND FUNCTIONAL BEVERAGES BELOW:
🟠 Kavaly Sparkling Kava Beverage
🟡 Kavaly Non-Alcoholic Spirit
🟣 Magic Dose Euphoric Seltzer
🔵 Golden Grove Sparkling Tonic
🟢New Brew Seltzer
🔵Speciosa Soda
🟡BREZ Feel-Good Tonic
🟢 KFusion
⚪ Speciosa Shot
