A drink is no longer enjoyed solely for its flavour, but also for its appearance and the experience it conveys. Bright colours, surprising textures, and unexpected combinations are part of a new way of understanding gastronomic leisure. That is why candy drinks have appeared, winning over those who are looking for something different.
But that is not all: they have sparked a true revolution in the creative beverage market, driving new trends and marking a turning point in the way we enjoy a refreshment.
In this context, Cosmos Aromática has established itself as a benchmark in the design and creation of flavours, concentrates, extracts, and emulsions for the food industry, with technical and creative solutions that transform this trend into profitable, stable, and attractive products for consumers.
In this guide, we explore what candy drinks are, how the flavours that define them are developed, which trends are shaping the sector, and many other insights you will not want to miss.
What are candy drinks?
Also known as candy-flavoured beverages, they draw inspiration from sweets and confectionery to translate their flavours, colours, and experiences into a liquid format. The result is eye-catching products designed to create a sensory and emotional impact on the consumer.
This phenomenon arises because consumers are no longer satisfied with the basic functionality of a refreshing drink; instead, they seek fun, originality, and an element of surprise. Candy drinks combine the best of both worlds: the aromatic intensity of sweets and the freshness of a beverage.
In market terms, this category has been driven by three key factors:
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Pop culture and youthful aesthetics
Inspired by series, video games, urban fashion, and social media, candy drinks have become an aspirational product for the new generations.
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Innovation in cocktails and mixology
Bartenders use them to create colourful drinks with layers of flavour, designed to surprise in bars and events.
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Demand for Instagrammable experiences
The visual element is just as important as the taste, making these drinks stand out as protagonists on social media.
According to the report “Panorama of Sweets and Confectionery in Europe” by Innova Market Insights, confectionery launches in Europe have grown by 4% over the past five years. This growth has been driven by innovative flavours, limited editions, and seasonal themes, reflecting the increasing consumer interest in diversified and eye-catching confectionery experiences such as candy drinks.
How are flavours designed for sweet or children’s beverages?
The development of flavours for candy drinks is a process that combines chemistry, sensory science, and creativity. According to technical studies on flavour formulation, the aromatic profile does not depend solely on sweetness, but on the interaction between taste, smell, texture, and even temperature.
In the case of beverages inspired by confectionery, the challenges are greater, as the flavours must remain stable in a liquid medium and retain their intensity after processes such as carbonation or pasteurisation. To achieve this, different techniques are employed:
- Use of natural extracts: essential oils from citrus fruits, vanilla, or cinnamon add authenticity and are highly valued in a market that leans towards cleaner labels.
- Synthetic molecules: designed in laboratories to replicate or enhance natural flavours. They provide stability, heat resistance, and a longer shelf life, which is essential in packaged beverages.
- Microencapsulation: coats the aromatic molecules with protective layers that prevent the loss of intensity during processing, ensuring the flavour is released at the moment of consumption.
- Balance of acids and sweeteners: citric or malic acid counteracts sweetness and adds freshness, while the use of alternative sweeteners such as stevia or sucralose helps reduce calories without losing sensory impact.
All this work is complemented by sensory testing, in which trained panels of tasters evaluate the intensity, persistence, and acceptance of the flavour until the final formula is defined.
What current trends influence the flavour of these drinks?
Let’s look at some of the most relevant trends today:
1. Exotic and global flavours
Consumers are seeking new experiences. That is why tropical flavours such as passion fruit, soursop, or lychee, and even spiced combinations like chilli-lime or mango with pepper, are gaining ground in this category.
2. Nostalgia and retro
The emotional component is key. Flavours such as candyfloss, strawberry bubble gum, or cola evoke childhood and particularly resonate with adults who want to relive past experiences.
3. Sugar reduction
Although these are indulgent beverages, there is growing interest in lower-sugar options. Natural sweeteners or blends are being introduced that maintain aromatic intensity without adding as many calories.
4. Visual impact
Candy drinks must taste good, but also stand out on supermarket shelves and on social media. Bright colours, bubbly textures, gels, or even pearlescent shines ensure the visual experience reinforces the purchase.
How can traditional confectionery flavours be adapted to new liquid formulas?
Translating a solid aromatic profile into a liquid one requires detailed sensory re-engineering. A strawberry sweet, for example, usually carries intense and lingering notes, whereas in a soft drink those same notes could feel overpowering. To achieve a balanced result, different strategies are used:
Concentration modulation
The intensity of the flavour is adjusted so that it does not become overwhelming on the palate, maintaining the right balance between sweetness and freshness.
Aromatic synergies
Several compounds are combined to recreate the complete profile of a sweet. For instance, the flavour of “bubble gum” does not come from a single molecule, but from the combination of fruity esters with hints of cinnamon or mint.
Adjustments according to the base of the beverage
In carbonated drinks, citrus notes are reinforced to enhance freshness, while in dairy-based beverages or smoothies creamy notes such as vanilla or caramel are intensified.
In this way, a classic sweet flavour can be transformed into a candy drink ready to delight both children and adults.
Who are candy drinks formulated for?
Although at first glance they may seem designed only for young people, these beverages actually appeal to several consumer profiles:
Young people curious to discover
They look for different experiences, intense flavours, and eye-catching drinks to share on social media. They represent the core of the market and are the main drivers of the trend.
Nostalgic adults
Consumers who grew up with classic sweets and are now drawn to drinks that allow them to relive those memories in a new format.
Visual consumers
Attracted by design, colour, and presentation, they value originality and aesthetics as much as flavour. This profile is key in the age of Instagram and TikTok.
The common factor across all audiences is the desire to consume experiences rather than mere products, and in this regard candy drinks provide added value compared with conventional beverages.
Flavours that awaken emotions
Candy drinks represent a shift in the way we understand beverages: it is no longer just about hydrating or refreshing, but about creating a sensory journey that combines flavour, colour, and emotion. Inspired by confectionery, they have found their own place in the market thanks to their ability to attract both young people and adults.
To achieve the most exquisite and original candy drinks, at Cosmos Aromática we work with industry experts who have in-depth knowledge of the latest trends aligned with current consumer expectations.
If you are looking to transform ideas into products that stand out in the market, our team is ready to help you take candy drink innovation to the next level. Get in touch with our team today and start creating unique experiences that will captivate your consumers.