Gen Z and Creative Beverages: Why They Love Sparkling Drinks, Mocktails, and Fusion Flavors
Generation Z — born roughly between the mid-1990s and early 2010s — is redefining the global beverage industry. This cohort doesn’t just want hydration; they want experiences, identity, and meaning. As a result, sparkling drinks, mocktails, and fusion-flavored beverages have emerged as major trends, with manufacturers and OEM/ODM partners taking note.
Why Gen Z Loves Sparkling Drinks
1. Fizzy, Fun, and Multi-Sensory
Sparkling drinks offer more than just taste — they deliver a full experience. From the satisfying pop when opening a can to the effervescent bubbles tingling on the tongue, they engage multiple senses. For Gen Z, enjoyment is a full-package deal, and sparkling beverages deliver exactly that.
2. A Healthier Alternative to Soda
Gen Z is highly health-conscious. They are actively replacing sugary sodas with alternatives that are better for their bodies. Many sparkling drinks today contain natural fruit juices, zero sugar, added vitamins, or even functional ingredients like collagen and adaptogens.
A Statista 2023 study found that 30% of Gen Z in the UK are drinking less alcohol, while 13% have quit entirely. Sparkling water, kombucha, and functional fizz drinks are now their top choices, offering the refreshment of soda without the guilt.
3. Made for Social Sharing
Gen Z lives online. Visually appealing sparkling drinks in bold cans, bright colors, and eye-catching designs are perfect for TikTok and Instagram. The aesthetic matters — and when beverages are photogenic, they naturally become a part of Gen Z’s social storytelling.
Mocktails: The Non-Alcoholic Revolution
Mocktails — or non-alcoholic cocktails — are surging in popularity, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. These drinks mimic the complexity and sophistication of alcoholic cocktails but without the buzz.
Mocktails often use sparkling water as a base, and they include fresh fruit, herbs, and wellness-driven ingredients. They feel grown-up but align better with Gen Z’s sober-curious lifestyle.
Fusion Flavors: Global Tastes with a Twist
This generation craves boldness and adventure — not just in travel or fashion, but in flavor too. Fusion beverages, including sparkling drinks that blend unexpected ingredients from around the world, resonate strongly with Gen Z’s curious and experimental mindset.
Flavor combinations like pineapple with basil, mango with chili and lime, or coconut with rose are gaining popularity. These blends don’t just taste good — they surprise, delight, and offer something new. For Gen Z, fusion isn’t just a trend — it’s becoming the new standard. Brands that experiment with creative, daring profiles in sparkling drinks are more likely to catch their attention and inspire loyalty.
Sustainability: Non-Negotiable for Gen Z
It’s no longer just about the taste or packaging design — Gen Z cares deeply about how a product is made, from ingredient sourcing to environmental impact. This generation sees sustainability not as a bonus, but as a standard expectation.
According to a 2023 report by First Insight, 62% of Gen Z prefer to buy from sustainable brands, and 73% are willing to pay more for products that support environmental responsibility. For beverage businesses— especially those in the sparkling drinks segment — this means prioritizing recyclable materials, reducing carbon footprints, and being transparent about sourcing and production. Brands that invest in sustainability aren't just doing good — they're building long-term trust with the next generation of consumers.
What Beverage Brands and OEM/ODM Manufacturers Should Do
For OEM, ODM, and private label partners, Gen Z’s preferences offer a clear roadmap to success. Here’s what to prioritize:
Develop sparkling drinks that are sugar-free or low in sugar, with added functional benefits like vitamins, adaptogens, or electrolytes.
Launch photogenic mocktails and sparkling drinks in ready-to-drink formats that appeal to Gen Z’s visual-first, social media lifestyle.
Introduce bold fusion flavors that mix tropical fruits and global ingredients — perfect for creative sparkling drink innovations.
Focus on clean-label sparkling drinks using natural ingredients, with no artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives.
Embrace sustainable packaging and ensure transparency from sourcing to distribution to align with Gen Z’s values.
With access to tropical fruits, competitive costs, and modern production capabilities, a Vietnam beverage manufacturer like Nam Viet Group is well-positioned to co-develop export-ready sparkling drinks, mocktails, and clean-label products that resonate with this rising generation.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-moving global market, automation in F&B manufacturing is no longer optional — it’s a key driver of efficiency, consistency, and growth. From real-time data systems to smart packaging and quality control, these innovations empower OEM beverage producers to stay ahead in both performance and sustainability. This is especially true in trending categories like sparkling drinks, where precision, scalability, and quality are critical to meeting Gen Z expectations.
👉 At Nam Viet Group, we combine smart technology with deep industry expertise to deliver export-ready beverage solutions that meet international standards. As automation continues to evolve, we remain committed to building a scalable, future-ready manufacturing model that puts quality and flexibility first.