Botanical extracts are becoming an increasingly important ingredient in beverage development as consumers look for products that feel natural, distinctive and relevant to their changing lifestyles. From refreshing soft drinks to premium alcoholic serves and sophisticated zero-alcohol alternatives, botanicals are helping brands create more interesting flavour experiences while responding to the continued demand for clean-label and wellness-inspired products.
Consumer demand is driving botanical innovation
The growing interest in botanical extracts reflects a wider shift towards natural ingredients and more mindful beverage choices. According to Innova Market Insights, 35% of consumers in Europe say they are most interested in natural ingredients in healthy food and beverages.
Botanical flavours can also influence how consumers perceive a product. In Innova’s European research, almost two in five consumers associate botanical flavours such as herbs and florals with health, demonstrating the connection between botanical flavour profiles and broader wellness perceptions.
The research found particularly strong recent growth among “other botanicals”, which increased by 42% year-on-year between 2023 and 2024. The finding highlights how innovation is expanding beyond familiar botanical ingredients into new and less conventional options.
Botanical extracts across soft drinks, alcoholic and zero-alcohol beverages
Soft drinks are an important area for botanical innovation, offering manufacturers opportunities to combine refreshing flavours with natural and premium cues. Citrus, ginger, herbs, spices and floral botanicals can add complexity to sparkling drinks, teas, waters and functional-style beverages.
The opportunity also extends to alcoholic beverages. Botanical ingredients are already closely associated with premium spirits, cocktails and mixology, where herbs, spices, flowers and citrus can create more distinctive flavour experiences. Innova’s European research identified alcoholic botanical beverages as a major source of social media conversation and engagement, particularly around craft cocktails and infused spirits.
At the same time, zero-alcohol beverages are creating another opportunity. As manufacturers look to deliver sophisticated alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks, botanical extracts can help build depth, complexity and premium flavour without relying on alcohol. Recent innovation includes alcohol-free beers using botanical hops and citrus-forward profiles.
Why botanical extracts work for beverage manufacturers
Beyond their consumer appeal, botanical extracts offer practical formulation benefits. They can deliver strong flavour at a relatively low dosage, meaning less ingredient may be required in the final recipe.
They can also provide easier handling and longer shelf life than some fresh botanical ingredients, while supporting clean-label formulations. For manufacturers, this can help improve consistency and simplify production.
Botanical extracts can also contribute to flavour development in functional beverages. While a botanical flavour does not necessarily provide a functional benefit itself, it can support the perception of a wellness-focused product and help mask unwanted off-notes from functional ingredients.
Developing authentic botanical extracts with Plant-Ex
At Plant-Ex, we have invested significantly in our own extraction capabilities, allowing us to develop botanical extracts in-house.
This gives customers greater control, traceability and supply chain security, while supporting shorter lead times. It also enables Plant-Ex to develop captive ingredients – unique botanical extracts created around a customer’s specific product or flavour requirements.
Rather than relying only on standard ingredients, Plant-Ex can work with beverage manufacturers to develop distinctive and authentic flavour profiles that help products stand out in a competitive market.
As botanical innovation continues to expand across soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and zero-alcohol products, botanical extracts offer a versatile route to authentic flavour, clean-label appeal and product differentiation.
Sources:
Innova Market Insights, Trending in Botanical-Infused Beverages in Europe, 2025.
Innova Market Insights, Innovation in Botanical Ingredients – Global, 2025.