NEW YORK CITY – Want a little kick to your drink? You’re not the only one, as sweet, spicy and savory flavors are showing up in beverages these days, SmartBrief.com reports. With consumers increasingly desiring more sophisticated tastes and flavor combinations, as well as healthier options, packaged beverages and restaurant drinks have begun reflecting that as well.

According to Food IQ, around 33% of consumers use beverages as a treat, including cocktails and soft drinks. Tart and bitter flavors have been forecasted as the flavors to watch this year, with Baum + Whiteman predicting they will show up in cold brew and carbonated coffees, teas and matcha beverages.

The use of natural sweeteners has also been on the rise. Last year, the natural sweetener market reached an estimated $337.7 million, and is predicted to top $556 million by 2024. For beverages, natural sweeteners accounted for 34.8% of the total volume. Meanwhile, the desire for low-calorie sodas will drive demand for stevia-sweetened beverages.

For more packaged beverage trends, read “The Workhorse” from the August issue of NACS Magazine.