Protein soda has emerged as a prominent wellness trend in 2026, combining traditional fizzy beverages with added protein content. This innovative drink offers consumers a quick and unconventional source of protein, appealing to those seeking healthier beverage options. The trend reflects a growing interest in functional drinks that provide nutritional benefits alongside enjoyment, marking a significant shift in consumer preferences within the beverage market.

McDonald's is capitalizing on the "dirty soda" trend, which gained popularity through TikTok and the show "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives." This trend reflects a growing consumer interest in unique beverage combinations. The fast-food chain acknowledges that its customers have developed a strong fascination with beverages, prompting McDonald's to innovate and expand its drink offerings to meet this demand and enhance customer engagement.

Tetra Pak's VP Marketing, Julia Luscher, emphasizes the company's commitment to adapting to rapid global changes. Key focus areas include sustainability, innovation in packaging solutions, and enhancing customer engagement. The company aims to leverage technology to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Tetra Pak is also prioritizing collaboration with partners to drive advancements in the food and beverage industry, ensuring they meet evolving consumer demands.

Yoshihiko Hani, publisher of Beverage Japan, and Steve Galloway from Galloway & Associates, discuss notable beverage innovations recently introduced in Japan. The focus is on the unique functionality and flavor profiles of these new products, showcasing the country's ongoing commitment to creativity and quality in the beverage sector. These innovations reflect current trends and consumer preferences within the Japanese market.

PepsiCo, Givaudan, Smurfit WestRock, and Statkraft have signed a 10-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) aimed at advancing decarbonization efforts across Europe. This agreement is part of a broader initiative to reduce carbon emissions within their value chains. The collaboration reflects a commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, positioning the companies to meet their environmental goals while supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources in Europe.

Purity Soft Drinks has rebranded itself as Juice Burst Drinks Co, a move aimed at aligning its corporate identity with its flagship Juice Burst brand. This rebranding initiative is intended to enhance growth opportunities and strengthen market recognition for the company. The change reflects a strategic decision to unify the brand's image and leverage its existing product line to capture a larger share of the beverage market.

Neutonic, established in 2023 by James Smith and Chris Williamson, has quickly emerged as a prominent brand in the nootropic drinks and supplements sector. The company has achieved a valuation of $60 million and has successfully sold over 7.5 million cans, reflecting its rapid growth and popularity in the market. Neutonic focuses on enhancing cognitive function through its innovative product offerings.

Keurig Dr Pepper and Primo Brands are at the forefront of initiatives to reduce plastic waste as extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws are implemented across an increasing number of states. These companies are adapting their packaging strategies to comply with evolving regulations aimed at enhancing sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. The push for compliance reflects a broader industry trend towards responsible packaging practices.

Jesse Silva, vice president of sales at Kings River Packing in California, discussed the spring and summer citrus season, highlighting perspectives from both growers and consumers. He emphasized the importance of understanding market trends and consumer preferences to enhance sales strategies. The discussion also included insights into production challenges and opportunities within the California citrus industry, reflecting the dynamic nature of this agricultural sector.

Florida's orange juice industry faces significant challenges, leading to rising prices for consumers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved the use of genetically engineered trees designed to combat diseases affecting orange groves. This regulatory decision aims to provide a solution to the declining production and quality of Florida's oranges, potentially stabilizing the orange juice market and alleviating some financial burdens on American families.

Want to dive deeper in citrus? Coming in 2026: citrodex.com

Symrise AG reported a solid start to Q1 2026, exceeding expectations with robust sales performance. The company experienced continued growth across its key segments, including Food & Beverage, Pet Food, and Fragrance. This positive momentum reinforces Symrise's outlook for 2026, indicating a strong market position and ongoing demand for its diverse product offerings in flavors, fragrances, and functional ingredients.

The growing demand for fermented beverages like kombucha has led to exploring alternative ingredients with unique functional and sensory attributes. Orange peel (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), a plentiful by-product of the citrus industry, serves as a valuable natural source of flavanones linked to various health benefits. This makes orange peel an appropriate substrate for fermentation, presenting opportunities for innovative beverage development.

Radio frequency blanching significantly improves the release of bioactive phytochemicals and increases the antioxidant capacity in apple juice derived from comminuted solid-liquid mixtures. The study highlights that traditional extraction methods often leave behind substantial amounts of pomace, which contains valuable phenolic compounds that are not efficiently recovered due to polysaccharide interactions. This technique offers a potential solution for enhancing the nutritional profile of apple juice.

Citrus plants, primarily Citrus sinensis, are significant fruit crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions globally. The study identifies and analyzes the AT-hook motif nuclear localized (AHL) gene family within these plants. It examines expression profiles during fruit maturation and responses to pathogen stress, highlighting the importance of AHL proteins in the development and stress response mechanisms of citrus fruit.

Fruit pomaces, significant by-products from the juice and wine industries, are abundant in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins. This critical review examines the impact of various drying technologies on the bioactive composition of fruit pomace, highlighting their potential for enhanced utilization. The study emphasizes the need for further research to optimize drying methods and improve the recovery of beneficial compounds from these underutilized resources.