When it comes to innovation, it might seem like healthy snacks get all the love. From artisan jerkies to vegan cheeseburgers to chips made from crickets (seriously), there’s no shortage of new and exciting fare to try and enjoy.
But what about beverages? When it comes to healthy beverage innovation, there’s nothing to write home about, right?
Oh, friend, you couldn’t be more wrong.
It turns out, there’s a wealth of innovation happening in the beverage industry. Drink makers around the globe are thinking outside the can to engineer healthy, delicious, functional, and remarkable refreshments featuring inventive ingredients that benefit our minds and bodies.
Are you ready to sample the fruits of their labors? Here are three of our favorite functional beverages that will have you toasting the future of hydration.
GURU Organic Energy Drinks
Are you tired of hiding your sugary energy drink under your jacket, feeling ashamed – judged even – when you just need a little boost of energy? Then meet GURU, makers of organic energy drinks with absolutely NO shame in their game. This beverage company believes you should not have to compromise health to get that kick of energy you crave. GURU’s tasty, all-natural beverages were dreamed up by a visionary with a Ph.D. in pharmacology and a passion for fusing organic botanicals to create nourishing, energizing concoctions.
Packed with extracts of guarana seed, echinacea flower, Panax ginseng root, and other delightful ingredients, an 80-calorie GURU Organic Energy Drink will give you a refreshing jolt of energy without the crash. GURU even makes a lite version of their original recipe for strict dieters.
factor Hydrogen-Infused Water
It’s time to give your basic H2O a hydrogenating makeover with factor. Why? We’re so glad you asked!
Studies have shown that molecular hydrogen might improve athletic performance, bust inflammation, reduce skin irritation, boost energy, and even cure hangovers. But factor says our bodies can’t extract all the benefits of hydrogen from regular water because its two hydrogen atoms are bound to oxygen, so this cutting-edge company started dissolving molecular hydrogen gas (H2) right into the water, creating active diatomic hydrogen molecules in our bodies can use. And don’t worry—the added hydrogen is flavorless! HFactor’s Hydrogen-Infused Water tastes just like the pure and simple water you know and love. If you’re curious about the benefits of hydrogen water, then head over to the H2 Benefits page, where HFactor points to a range of research on the subject.
the factor is also a trailblazer when it comes to environmentally conscious packaging. Their specially designed packs preserve hydrogen while leaving behind a small carbon footprint. Plus, the ergonomic packs don’t have any toxic phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA).
Saltwater Wild Prickly Pear Cactus + Peach
We’re shamelessly copying all the clever desert animals that seek sweet hydration from the prickly pear cactus with Caliwater Wild Prickly Pear Cactus + Peach. Cactus water? Yes, it’s a thing…and a good one at that, offering way more benefits for your body and your skin than the average beverage.
The prickly pear cactus may have a bit of a rough…spiky exterior, but don’t be fooled. The plant’s jagged fruit contains 24 betalains, rare and powerful antioxidants that make your skin glow and your body buzz with good health. Saltwater Wild Prickly Pear Cactus + Peach is packed with these antioxidants and tons of other restoratives, including electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals. Plus, this non-GMO, never-from-concentrate water is lower in sugar than most coconut and aloe drinks, and it has a mellow peach-and-berry taste that will make you want to sing.
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