Alcohol consumption is at an 80-year low, with only 54 percent of Americans reporting drinking alcohol, and the belief that even moderate drinking is bad for health has risen to 53 percent, according to Gallup. This shift is part of a larger “low-no” movement, as consumers are also seeking to reduce sugar consumption in food and beverages.
To meet this growing demand for better-for-you beverages, operators must find creative new ways to offer unique, elevated beverage programs that meet today’s health and wellness trends without complicating operations.
Creating a beverage that delivers flavor, function, and visual flair is easier than it sounds. Start by choosing a base such as iced tea, a fruit-forward shrub, or club soda, then build complexity by adding a trending or unexpected flavor. Finish with an eye-catching garnish like black salt, fresh herbs, or a classic lemon twist, and use unique glassware to elevate the entire experience. Reduce complexity by integrating functional ingredients or flavor solutions, such as Monin Brilliance Natural Energy™ for a caffeine boost or TruFlavour by Monin® for an unsweetened, natural layer of flavor.
When it comes to flavor solutions, focus on flavorings that tap into current consumer preferences while working across multiple beverage applications. Partners like Monin can help operators stay ahead of trends with market insights, product expertise, and resources designed to support menu development.
Monin’s in-depth trend insights can help operators pinpoint where low-no wins. Datassential data shows low-no isn’t just a Dry January spike—35 percent of consumers are more likely to choose low- or no-ABV beverages all year round, and another 17 percent say it depends on the occasion. The opportunity, then, is to build a versatile beverage program that flexes from weekday wellness to weekend “treat” without adding prep.
Start with popular formats already over indexing in restaurants: refreshers, flavored lemonades, iced teas, and iced energy offerings. In a Monin survey, guests said beverage quality (80 percent), variety of non-alcoholic options (79 percent), and signature flavors (70 percent) matter when ordering—proof that “just add a diet soda” won’t drive incremental sales.
Next, consider layering in function where welcome: 70 percent of consumers are interested in beverages with additional health benefits at restaurants, with hydration (80 percent), energy (71 percent), and immunity (61 percent) leading inclusion interest, according to proprietary Monin research. While functional benefits are key, when consumers order a non-alcoholic beverage, they report the most important factors are sugar free (45 percent) and low sugar (55 percent).
Monin’s robust product offerings ensure operators deliver flavor with control over sweetness, while keeping recipes easy, consistent, and low waste. A Dragon Fruit Energy Refresher using Monin Brilliance Dragon Fruit Pink Natural Energy™ provides a colorful and caffeinated afternoon boost, while a Spicy Mango Zero Sugar Lemonade made with TruFlavour Mango by Monin meets the sweet and spicy trend without adding calories. As consumers shift away from classic cocktails and into elevated functional and low-no craft beverages, partnering with Monin and leveraging new flavor solutions can keep the bar streamlined and profit margins high.
Discover how to easily add low-no sugar and functional flavor solutions to your menu at truflavourbymonin.com.
