Top Functional Drink Flavors Loved by Gen Z and Millennials

When it comes to functional beverages, health benefits alone are no longer enough. For Gen Z and Millennials, flavor is just as important as function. This new wave of consumers craves drinks that are not only effective—but also fun, exciting, and Instagram-worthy.

They’re adventurous, ingredient-savvy, and deeply aware of what goes into their body. They want beverages that align with their lifestyle, ethics, and taste buds.

At OITA Healthy Drink, we work closely with beverage brands around the world to develop formulas that meet these rising expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the top flavor trends dominating the functional beverage scene for the next-gen market.

🥭 Tropical Fusion: Pineapple, Melon, Passion Fruit

Tropical fruits are having a major moment. Their vibrant flavor, refreshing acidity, and natural sweetness make them the perfect base for beauty, energy, and hydration drinks.

Pineapple Melon Collagen blends juicy freshness with a soft, glowing finish.
Passion Fruit Kombucha delivers tangy probiotics with a feel-good tropical twist.

💡 Why they love it: Exotic, energizing, and instantly mood-lifting—tropical flavors are associated with travel, youth, and carefree living.

🍑 Peach & Apricot – Soft, Familiar, and Refreshing

These comforting, stone-fruit flavors are subtle yet versatile. Ideal for collagen beauty drinks or fermented kombucha, they appeal to a wide range of palates without overpowering.

Peachy Apricot Kombucha is a bestseller for its fruity aroma and balanced acidity.
Apricot Collagen adds a soft glow with a nostalgic touch.

💡 Why they love it: It’s approachable, sweet-but-not-sugary, and pairs well with functional ingredients like collagen or probiotics.

🌿 Kumquat Mint & Ginger Lemon – The Functional Cool Kids

For wellness-focused Gen Z consumers, herbal-meets-citrus is where flavor and function unite. Drinks like:

Kumquat Mint Kombucha: Citrus bite with cooling mint refreshment.
Dracontomelon Ginger: A Vietnamese twist that’s both detoxifying and invigorating.
Ginger Lemon Energy Drink: The “clean caffeine” duo of 2025.

💡 Why they love it: These flavors scream “clean,” “fresh,” and “natural”—words that resonate deeply with a generation that reads every label.

🥥 Coconut Pandan – Southeast Asian Soul

Gen Z loves a flavor with a story—and coconut pandan is exactly that. Inspired by Southeast Asian desserts and wellness culture, it’s now found in:

Fittamin Vitamin Drinks
Low-sugar hydration beverages

💡 Why they love it: It’s unique, aesthetic, and ties into the “cultural curiosity” trend—perfect for brands targeting TikTok/Instagram appeal.

🍊 Turmeric Honey Orange – Wellness in a Bottle

Functional drinks that combine traditional medicine with modern taste are gaining traction fast.

Turmeric, Honey & Orange Vitamin Drink delivers immunity and anti-inflammatory benefits with a balanced sweet-citrus twist.

💡 Why they love it: It blends authenticity with functionality—perfect for young adults who want to “drink their wellness” without swallowing pills.

Final Thoughts

For beverage brands targeting Gen Z and Millennials, flavor is your first impression—and it better be good. This audience demands clean ingredients, bold storytelling, and unforgettable taste.

At OITA Healthy Drink, we specialize in co-developing tropical-flavored, clean-label beverages that meet these expectations—whether it’s: