What was once seen as a simple refreshing beverage must now meet an increasingly broad set of consumer demands. Today’s consumer is no longer satisfied with just quenching their thirst—they also want to take care of their health, feel good, and choose products that align with a more balanced lifestyle. This shift in purchasing priorities has completely redefined the way beverages are conceived, developed, and positioned.A new type of product has emerged that combines natural ingredients, functionality, and a lighter mouthfeel: still soft drinks.
In this article, we explore the rise of still soft drinks, their benefits, the most popular varieties, how to choose a healthy option, and the technological challenges involved in their development. At Cosmos Aromática, as specialists in flavours and beverages, we work every day to help the food industry innovate with stable, tasty, and functional products. Let’s get started!
What are still soft drinks and what are their benefits?
Still soft drinks are non-carbonated beverages designed to offer a smoother, more natural alternative to traditional fizzy drinks. Their composition may include mineral water, natural juices, herbal infusions, botanical extracts, natural sweeteners, and food-grade flavourings. Unlike conventional soft drinks, they contain no added carbon dioxide, which affects both their texture and sensory perception.
What are their main benefits?
- Improved digestive tolerance: as they contain no carbonation, these beverages are ideal for individuals who experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or acid reflux.
- Healthier profile: many modern formulations focus on natural ingredients, free from added sugars and artificial preservatives.
- Functional versatility: active ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, and adaptogens can be added without compromising the product’s texture or stability.
- Sensory appeal: the absence of carbonation allows for a smoother mouthfeel, enhancing the perception of aroma and flavour nuances.
Why are more people choosing still soft drinks?
This shift in consumer preferences reflects a broader trend: the pursuit of well-being through nutrition. According to reports by McKinsey & Company, 79% of global consumers prioritise their well-being, and over 60% are willing to pay more for products that support this goal—driving the growth of functional beverages.
Moreover, still soft drinks better meet the expectations of consumer profiles such as athletes, individuals following strict diets, or those aiming to reduce their intake of ultra-processed products. They are also perceived as more sustainable, both due to their more natural formulations and their lower environmental impact compared to canned carbonated drinks.
What are the most popular still soft drinks on the market?
Within the still soft drink category, several types have gained significant traction in recent years. Some of the most in-demand options across retail and the functional food sector include:
Flavoured waters with natural extracts
These combine mineral water with natural fruit or herbal flavours, without added sugars.
Cold infusions
Ready-to-drink cold beverages made from green tea, rooibos, hibiscus, or matcha, often enhanced with lemon or ginger.
Juice and water blends
Light combinations that preserve the natural fruit flavour without carbonation or high concentrations.
Botanical soft drinks
Blends of water and plant extracts such as mint, sage, turmeric, or lavender, designed for adult consumers seeking sophisticated non-alcoholic alternatives.
Functional beverages
Formulations with ingredients like collagen, vitamin C, magnesium, or adaptogens, aimed at supporting cognitive, immune, or muscular functions.
At Cosmos Aromática, we have worked with leading brands in the development of beverages and tailor-made solutions for this type of product, adapting each formula to the desired organoleptic profile, the target consumer, and the distribution and shelf-life requirements.
How to choose a healthy and natural still soft drink
When formulating or selecting a still soft drink for distribution, it is essential to pay attention to several key factors:
Clear ingredient list
Simplicity on the label has become a key differentiator. Opting for formulas with a short list of natural, easily recognisable ingredients builds consumer trust and reinforces the product’s healthy positioning. The absence of artificial additives or unnecessary preservatives is crucial for achieving a positive perception.
Use of natural flavours
Natural flavourings enhance the drink’s organoleptic profile without the need for sugar, artificial sweeteners, or synthetic flavour enhancers. At Cosmos Aromática, we develop flavour solutions that preserve taste authenticity—even in non-carbonated beverage matrices.
Sugar reduction or use of alternatives
Today’s consumers aim to reduce their sugar intake without compromising on taste. As a result, natural sweeteners such as stevia, erythritol, or even soluble fibres have become popular choices to balance sweetness in a healthier way.
Functional added value
More and more brands are investing in beverages that not only hydrate and refresh but also offer functional benefits. Vitamins like B12, minerals such as zinc, or antioxidant-rich plant extracts (such as green tea, turmeric, or açaí) make still soft drinks more appealing—particularly in sectors like healthy retail or pharmacy channels.
Dietary compatibility
Formulating products that are suitable for vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, or allergen-free diets (e.g. nuts or soy) helps reach a broader and more diverse consumer base. This aspect is especially relevant in export contexts, where certifications and labelling can play a decisive role in commercialisation.
Technical challenges in their development
Although still soft drinks offer many advantages, their development involves significant technological challenges that require specialized expertise in formulation and flavouring.
Flavour and stability without carbonation
The absence of carbonation radically changes how flavours are perceived. On one hand, carbon dioxide acts as a carrier for aromatic volatilization, so its absence requires redesigning the aromatic profile to avoid a flat or dull taste. Additionally, the lack of bubbles affects texture and mouthfeel, demanding a more precise formulation to maintain a balanced and pleasant sensory experience.
Preservation and cloudiness
One of the major challenges for still soft drinks is preventing phase separation, sedimentation, and cloudiness, especially when using natural extracts or juices. Designing appropriate stabilizers and employing natural emulsifiers is key. At Cosmos Aromática, we work with stabilizing solutions that help maintain clarity and consistency throughout the product’s shelf life.
Texture and body
Without carbonation, the body of the beverage can feel too light. It is essential to work with soluble fibres, plant-based proteins, or body agents such as gum arabic to create a richer mouthfeel without adding calories or sugars.
Solubility of active ingredients
Vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts require stable solubility in water without altering the taste or appearance. Through microencapsulation and water-soluble solutions, ingredients can be effectively integrated, ensuring both functionality and final product quality.
Ready to lead the next generation of still soft drinks?
The still soft drink market is steadily growing, driven by an increasingly demanding demand for natural, functional, and well-formulated products. For brands in the food sector, this is a strategic category with great potential for innovation and healthy positioning.
At Cosmos Aromática, we offer technical, creative, and customized solutions for developing still beverages that meet the evolving needs of consumers.
Want to develop your next still soft drink? Contact us and discover how we can help you create unique, stable beverages ready to conquer the market.
