Beverage Market Outlook 2026 Report

Report Overview

Beverages Are Viewed as a Path to Health & Wellness

Around 90% of US adults view food and beverage choices as a path to health and wellness. This indicates that there is solid market potential for beverage options that are designed to be or perceived to include some sort of additional wellness boost, such as increased energy, more hydration, digestion/gut health support, reduced stress, improved focus, and boosted immunity.

Key Themes Covered in this Report:

• Rising prices continue to impact consumer beverage choices.
• An increasing number of consumers are looking for more functional benefits from beverages.
• Perceived healthiness supporting above-average sales of bottled water and sports drinks.

Sales of the major beverage categories are forecast to increase at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2025 to 2030, reaching sales of over $271 billion. Dollar growth will be slower through 2030 compared to 2019 to 2025 as inflation, which significantly propped up dollars over the last couple of years, continues to moderate in most categories.

The market will continue to face headwinds, but opportunities do exist to drive growth in many beverage categories and segments.

• An increasing number of consumers are looking for more functional benefits from beverages, which often come with higher price points.
• Changing consumption patterns as well as many people still working at home either full or part time have led to all-day eating, drinking, and snacking. Beverages are increasingly considered snacks by more people.
• People are still cooking or preparing more meals at home, especially since dining out and takeout have become more expensive. This fosters more overall beverage consumption as well as use of cooking liquids like milk and cream.
• Time-starved consumers are seeking convenience as well as ways to customize beverages. This helps drive sales of RTD beverages and instant mixes.

Beverage Market Outlook 2026 Report Scope

This report focuses on the market for select packaged beverage products sold to consumers in the United States via retail channels. All retail distribution channels are covered. Market size data are provided at the retail sales level for 2019-2025, and projections are provided for 2025-2030.

The product categories covered include:

• carbonated soft drinks
• coffee
• dairy beverages/dairy alternatives
• energy and sports drinks
• juice
• tea
• water (bottled and enhanced)

Alcoholic beverages are excluded from this report.