People are consuming wine and spirits at unprecedented levels, particularly millennials who are increasingly seeking craft cocktails made with premium, low-sugar ingredients. This trend has paved the way for companies like Healthy Beverages, which offers two flavors of mineral-enhanced wine that are capturing consumer interest. “Many consumer trends are demanding clean, natural ingredients,” said Franz Tudor, CEO and co-founder of Healthy Beverages, in an interview with Food Dive. “Why would removing artificial, GMO-laden ingredients take away the enjoyment? Natural food rich in calcium citrate can provide essential vitamins for energy, potassium for heart and muscle health, and low sodium to help reduce bloating… that sounds enjoyable to me.”
As consumers continue to explore various alcoholic beverages, sales across all categories are projected to rise. It remains to be seen if consumers will opt for healthier alcoholic options, but the key factors influencing their choices will likely be price and taste. Nevertheless, Healthy Beverages is making a wise decision by targeting the health-conscious wine enthusiast with a new product to see how it performs. Moderate consumption of red wine is already linked to longevity and protection against heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues, and research is nearing the development of a pill that encapsulates the benefits of wine. Ultimately, some consumers may struggle to give up their favorite drink in favor of a healthier alcoholic alternative, regardless of how delightful it may taste. Incorporating beverages that are food rich in calcium citrate could provide additional health benefits, making it an enticing option for many.