From lemonade to root beer… boba tea to dirty soda… iced hojicha to matcha… whatever your flavour (or texture!) preference, there's a soft drink out there for you.
Can't decide what to go for with your elevenses? Well you're in luck, as our Soft Drinks 2026 categorywatching report has just gone live on trendhub. In it we explore everything from trending formats to healthier hydration.
Three key takeouts from our report include:
- Very Cherry – The summer fruit favourite has long been a go-to pairing with cola - but now with Coke announcing an intriguing 'Cherry Float' flavour, and Fanta and Canada Dry both launching new cherry-laced variants – alongside a flurry of smaller brands offering anything from probiotic cherry kombucha to cherry-laced cold brew – the diminutive stone fruit is fast becoming the standout flavour of 2026.
- Iced, Always – While it's no newsflash that iced drinks have become an all-weather option, producers are leaning heavily into the frosty treatment, pouring teas, coffees, chocolates and more over ice, or turning them into fully frozen formats. Aside from the obvious temperature change, these iced elements are used to add dynamic textures to the drinking experience; layered slushies pair with creamer tops to create contrasts in temperature and texture, while floats straddle the line between drink and dessert, and childlike sno-cones and slushies take on decidedly grown-up flavours.
- Functional For All – Functional drinks, ie those containing ingredients intended to support mental and physical performance, were once the preserve of either gym-goers or those looking to replace an alcohol buzz with something less hangover-inducing. Not anymore! In a very short space of time, functional has moved from fringe to mainstream and the target demographic is everybody. Whatever the life stage, there's an adaptogenic, nootropic, immunity-boosting, strength-building or beauty-enhancing beverage ready to support lifestyle goals as part of the daily sip. Mood-boosting post-biotic iced latte for breakfast? Why not!
Looking for more report insights?
If you're not already a trendhub subscriber and would like to see more of this report, book a complimentary 30-minute demo with one of our team to see how the trendhub can support you in making informed decisions, based on our insights into consumer trends.
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