Colourful cans promising calm or focus are now a familiar sight in supermarket aisles. Known as functional beverages, these drinks often contain ingredients such as Ashwagandha, Lion’s Mane mushrooms, or L-theanine, all marketed as natural ways to improve mental wellbeing.
The trend has boomed alongside a broader shift away from alcohol, with nearly half of young adults in the UK now choosing low or non-alcoholic alternatives. According to Grand View Research, the global functional drinks market could hit €212bn by 2030.
“They fit perfectly into today’s wellness culture,” said Nicolle Cucco, a registered dietitian. “In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced, the idea of a quick, drinkable fix is very attractive.”
But how much of what they promise is real?
Functional drinks aren’t new – coffee and chamomile tea are longstanding examples – but brands like TRIP and Huel have turned them into a booming commercial sector. TRIP’s pastel-coloured cans, often infused with CBD, also feature magnesium and other trendy compounds. Some, like L-theanine and Ashwagandha, have shown limited benefits in trials, but results vary. Magnesium, meanwhile, only helps if you’re deficient.
Scepticism remains high. In July, TRIP had an advert banned in the UK for implying its drinks could reduce stress and anxiety – claims regulators said were unproven. “Over-promising will eventually lead to consumer disillusionment,” warned dietitian Lena Bakovic.
Experts point out that the placebo effect is powerful: believing a drink will help can genuinely alter how stress feels. But while they can be a pleasant addition to a healthy lifestyle, these drinks are not a substitute for medical treatment, particularly for conditions like anxiety disorders or ADHD.
With a 12-pack costing up to €27, functional drinks may do more harm to wallets than to health. “I’d urge consumers to look past the buzzwords,” Cucco said. “Understand what you’re putting into your body – some ingredients may help, others less so. Quick fixes are rarely the whole solution.”
