The beverage industry is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by evolving consumer preferences and a growing demand for functional, flavorful, and sophisticated drink options. At this year’s Natural Products Expo West, brands showcased their latest innovations, highlighting new ingredients, elevated flavor profiles, and category-defining trends across coffee, mocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.
This report explores the most compelling beverage trends from Expo West, diving into how brands are reshaping coffee culture, mocktail innovation, and mint-infused drinks to meet the evolving demands of modern consumers.
Revitalizing Coffee
Coffee has long been a staple beverage, further elevated by advancements in the ready-to-drink (RTD) space. This year’s Natural Products Expo West was no exception, showcasing innovations in both flavor and ingredients.
While some brands took a bold approach, industry leaders played it safe by expanding their existing offerings with slight twists. Death Wish Coffee Co., unveiled a new line of canned lattes available in three core flavors: Original, Vanilla, and Mocha. These additions cater to loyal customers seeking a smoother, ready-made option with the brand’s signature intensity. Meanwhile, La Colombe introduced a more adventurous take on the category with their Strawberry Mocha Latte, which launched in early 2025. This unexpected pairing of fruit and chocolate offers a refreshing yet indulgent take on a traditional mocha.
For brands looking to stand out, customization and functional benefits were key themes. Explorer Cold Brew, for instance, offers RTD coffee and chai at varying caffeine levels—from decaf to extra-strong—allowing consumers to integrate their preferred intensity into their daily routine. Another standout was Four Sigmatic, which showcased its organic, protein-fortified coffee enhanced with Lion’s Mane mushroom—a well-known adaptogen believed to support cognitive function.
Mocktail Innovation
The rise of the mocktail and zero-proof movement over the past five years has been staggering, and brands at Expo West showed no signs of slowing down. Once a niche category, alcohol-free alternatives are now expected to deliver the same level of complexity and sophistication as traditional cocktails. While RTD mocktails remain popular, the category is evolving to include alcohol-free aperitifs and aperitivos that mimic the ritual and complexity of traditional spirits. Brands like De Soi and Wilderton are leading the charge, offering alternatives to classic bitter liqueurs. Additionally, Lapo’s Non-Alcoholic introduced canned Negronis and Citrus Spritzes, further expanding the range of pre-mixed, alcohol-free cocktails that deliver a full-flavored experience without compromise.
The RTD non-alcoholic beverage space is also seeing an evolution in flavor complexity. Instead of simply removing alcohol, brands are focusing on layered, nuanced taste experiences. The NA Beverage Co. exemplified this shift, presenting a selection of alcohol-free seltzers with sophisticated and unexpected flavor combinations, such as Hibiscus Watermelon, Lavender Blueberry, and Yerba Mate Yuzu.
Beverage Flavor Exploration – Mint
At this year’s Expo West, many beverage brands embraced the strong, refreshing flavor of mint, reflecting consumers’ growing preference for natural ingredients. Both mocktails and traditional soft drinks incorporated mint, enhancing the overall flavor experience in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks offered.
Brands like Edna’s and Mocktail Club have responded to the increasing demand for alcohol-free versions of iconic cocktails, each offering at least one mint-focused beverage in their core product lines. Mint has long been a staple in cocktails like Mojitos and Mint Juleps, and this trend is paving the way for mocktail creators to incorporate mint into their offerings. This addition elevates the flavor profile, delivering a cool, refreshing experience—without the alcohol.
Mint’s versatility extends beyond mocktails, making its way into sparkling waters and seltzers. For example, Topo Chico offered a Lime and Mint combination at this year’s Expo West, blending the tangy brightness of lime with mint’s refreshing qualities. This combination satisfies consumers seeking a light and invigorating drink—without the added sugars or artificial ingredients found in many traditional soft drinks.
