Pickle soda, magnesium drinks and ambient juice shots: The best new soft drinks

Soft drinks remain one of the most popular beverage categories for UK hospitality outlets, but in order to maintain customer interest, operators have to keep abreast of the latest taste trends.

Functional drinks and combining familiar flavours with new twists are proving popular for soft drinks sales. Therefore, we have brought together the latest and greatest soft drinks launches that can generate spend for hospitality operations.

Find new soft drinks menu options below. Mixers brand Three Cents has unveiled Pickle Soda, which taps into the booming demand for the on-trend flavour profile.

The bold taste combines brine, vinegar, salt and sugar into a multidimensional soda with the signature Three Cents fizz. Available to UK operators now via distributor Cask Liquid Marketing, the Pickle Soda is made using natural ingredients, without using preservatives or artificial colourings.

Trade price 24 x 200ml, £22.50

Functional soft drinks brand Skip has launched a range of magnesium drinks in two lightly sparkling fruity flavours: Berry & Cherry and Kiwi & Lime.

Each 250ml can contains 188mg of magnesium as well as vitamins B6 and D, representing 50% of reference daily intake. Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system, vitamin D helps to maintain strong bones and teeth while magnesium can improve sleep quality, relieve anxiety and stress and boost energy. Skip has been developed in conjunction with a team of Oxford University scientific researchers and all its drinks are suitable for vegans and contain no added sugar.

Trade price 12 x 250ml, £13.99

Cawston Press is expanding into the fast-growing functional drinks category with the launch of its new Juice Shots range, giving hospitality operators a premium new option to capitalise on the growing consumer appetite for healthier breakfast and morning beverage choices. Available in Fiery Ginger and Beetroot & Ginger, each recyclable 500ml carton contains seven daily shots, providing an ambient alternative to the predominantly chilled juice shot category.

Made using real pressed fruit and vegetables, including 20% organic pressed Peruvian ginger juice, the range contains no added sugar, sweeteners or concentrates.

Trade price 6 x 500ml cartons, £13.52

VitClear has launched the UK’s first creatine soda, Active Health, in lemon and lime flavour.

The low sugar soda is designed to enhance hydration and support endurance without affecting sleep, as caffeinated drinks can. Active Health is formulated to provide 100% of the recommended daily amount of water-based vitamins, 50% of oil-based vitamins, 15% of most minerals, and more than 400mg of comprehensive electrolytes, as well as nutrients including protein, branched-chain amino acids, L-carnitine and taurine.

It also contains nootropic herb ashwagandha, a substance that could help the body cope with stress and anxiety, and L-theanine, which can reduce stress and anxiety and enhance sleep.

Trade price 330ml can, £1.40

Hip Pop has launched a lemonade flavour, made with real lemon juice and no added sugar or sweeteners. High in fibre, the low-calorie drink is designed to support gut health.

Trade price 12 x 330ml, up to £14

Funnybones Foodservice has expanded its range of tropical soft drinks with the additions of two new Grace Say Aloe flavours.

Made with real pieces of aloe vera, the naturally flavoured drinks are now available in Fruit Medley or Lychee flavours. Both are rich in vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system, collagen production and absorption of plant-based iron to help boost energy. They are available in 500ml bottles with a convenient screw-cap lid for grab-and-go, as well as larger 1.5 litre packs for more serving flexibility and portion control.