Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet may be the colour of the year 2018 but here at Treatt we are seeing shades of lavender.
The ingredient Lavender is beginning to shine, providing a host of benefits. It can support stress relief, it can offer a sense of calm before bedtime which is why we may be seeing it appear in sophisticated adult soft drinks, allowing us to wind down after a stressful day. It contains vitamin A which is good for eye health, as well as calcium and iron.
According to the Office for National Statistics, 1 in 5 adults do not drink alcohol in the UK. It is also noted that adults are choosing premium soft drinks when going to bars and pubs, according to Mintel. Consumers are seeking organic or natural ingredients, leaning towards lower sugar content options, which is why consumers may perceive botanical infused beverages as a healthy and trendy alternative.
Botanicals give a sense of sophistication, which is why soft drinks are getting serious when it comes to formulations - more like the craft gin explosion of recent years. We are mixing soft drinks with flavoured tonics, whether it is lavender, rose or elderflower, combining more unfamiliar flavour profiles to create more unusual, experience-based drinks. A little can go a long way too and it can be found used as a flavour in yogurt, teas, lemonade gins, ales, baked goods and even lavender lattes. It can often be found paired with honey, lemon or elderflower.
