Upcycled Ingredients in Beverage Market Poised for Growth with Rising Vegan and Clean-Label Demand

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By Macro Analyst Desk

Upcycled Ingredients in Beverage Market Size is predicted to develop with an 7.4% CAGR during the forecast period for 2025-2034. 

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Upcycled ingredients are increasingly reshaping the beverage industry by presenting a sustainable and economically viable approach to reducing food loss and waste, while simultaneously fostering innovation and product differentiation. These ingredients—derived from by-products such as fruit and vegetable pulp from juicing, spent grains from brewing, and cacao pulp from chocolate manufacturing—are being transformed into high-value components including dietary fibers, concentrates, protein powders, and essential oils. Their integration into a wide range of beverage categories—such as juices, teas, functional drinks, and alcoholic beverages—enhances nutritional content, improves sensory attributes, and aligns with circular economy principles.

For instance, the inclusion of fruit and vegetable pulps in smoothies and juices boosts fiber and nutrient levels; mushroom extracts and vegetable pomace in functional beverages offer prebiotic benefits and natural preservation; spent grains from breweries serve as foundational ingredients in certain spirits; and plant-derived stabilizers like citrus fiber and apple pomace pectin enhance mouthfeel and product consistency.

The adoption of upcycled ingredients contributes meaningfully to environmental sustainability by diverting food waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting more efficient use of agricultural resources. This model supports the full utilization of raw materials, encourages the development of innovative beverage formulations, and aligns with evolving consumer preferences for health-conscious and environmentally responsible products. As a result, companies that integrate upcycled components into their product lines can strengthen brand differentiation, enhance sustainability credentials, and capture premium pricing opportunities in an increasingly competitive and eco-aware market.

List of Prominent Players in the Upcycled Ingredients in Beverage Industry:

  •   Non-Alcoholic Beverages

o   Drinking Beverages (Functional Drinks, Tonics, Sparkling Waters):

  • The Spare Food Co.
  • WAJU
  • Nestlé SA
  • Crust Group

o   Juices and Soft Drinks:

  • Oisix ra Daichi
  • Green Bowl

o   Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Teas and Coffees:

  • Upcycled Foods, Inc.
  • Discarded Spirits Co.

o   Dairy and Plant-Based Beverages:

  • Renewal Mill
  • Planetarians
  •   Alcoholic Beverages

o   Beers:

  • Toast Ale
  • Crust Group
  • Upcycled Foods, Inc.

o   Spirits (Vodka, Gin, Rum):

  • Black Cow Vodka
  • Discarded Spirits Co.
  • Misadventure Vodka
  • Hang 10 Distillery
  • Hayman’s

o   Low-ABV and Alternative Spirits:

  • Upcycled Foods, Inc.
  • Dog and Spoon Distillery

Market Dynamics:

Drivers:

The increasing incorporation of upcycled ingredients in the beverage industry is primarily driven by the urgent need to address food waste and reduce carbon emissions. With an estimated one-third of global food production lost or wasted—contributing to nearly 8% of total greenhouse gas emissions—upcycling offers a viable and sustainable solution aligned with circular economy objectives. By converting food by-products into high-value ingredients, manufacturers are able to enhance environmental performance while optimizing resource utilization.

Consumer demand for clean-label, eco-friendly, and innovative beverage products is further reinforcing this trend. Certifications such as the Upcycled Certified™ Standard lend credibility to product claims, strengthening consumer confidence and enabling differentiation in a competitive marketplace. Upcycled ingredients also offer functional benefits, including distinctive flavor profiles and enhanced nutritional value, which support innovation in plant-based and functional beverages. From an economic perspective, upcycling improves resource efficiency, generates additional revenue streams from existing supply chains, and is increasingly supported by government policies and industry-led sustainability frameworks that promote responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices. 

Challenges:

Despite its promise, the integration of upcycled ingredients into beverage formulations presents a number of operational and technical challenges. Variability in raw material composition—due to differences in source material and processing methods—can result in inconsistencies in taste, texture, and nutritional content. Sourcing reliability is another concern, as fluctuations in waste stream volumes and quality can pose supply chain risks. Additionally, the physical and chemical properties of upcycled materials—such as higher moisture content, sugar levels, or fiber density—may compromise product stability and shelf life. These characteristics often require advanced processing, preservation, and formulation strategies to ensure product consistency and safety. 

Regional Trends:

North America currently leads the global adoption of upcycled ingredients in the beverage sector, supported by a strong consumer base that prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. The region is home to several leading innovators—such as ReGrained, Comet Bio, and Outcast—who are advancing the development of upcycled beverage ingredients. Organizations like the Upcycled Food Association and the implementation of certification standards have played a crucial role in validating sustainability claims and enhancing consumer trust. Furthermore, increased investment activity from both established industry players and emerging startups is accelerating product innovation and commercialization. As a result, North America is poised to maintain a strong growth trajectory and remain at the forefront of the upcycled beverage ingredient market in the coming years. 

Recent Developments:

  •       In June 2021, Discarded Spirits launched Grape Skin Vodka in the UK, made from wine-making waste like grape skins and seeds. Part of its zero-waste spirits range, the vodka supports sustainable drinking and comes in fully recyclable packaging.
  •       In Dec 2021, The Spare Food Co. launched Spare Tonic, an upcycled whey-based drink aimed at reducing food waste. Rich in protein, electrolytes, and B vitamins, it doubles as a sustainable and healthy post-workout beverage.

Segmentation of Trusted Platform Module Market-

By Ingredient Type:

  •       Spent Grains
  •       Fruit Byproducts
  •       Whey and Dairy Byproducts
  •       Vegetable Byproducts
  •       Other Byproducts

By Beverage Type:

  •       Non-Alcoholic Beverages:

o   Functional Drinks

o   Plant-Based Milks

o   Juices and Smoothies

o   Teas and Infusions

o   Flavored Waters

  •       Alcoholic Beverages:

o   Beers

o   Spirits

o   Hard Seltzers

By Distribution Channel:

  •       Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  •       Online Retail
  •       Specialty Stores
  •       Foodservice

By End-User:

  •       Household Consumers
  •       Commercial Users
  •       Institutional Users

By Region-

North America-

  •       The US
  •       Canada

Europe-

  •       Germany
  •       The UK
  •       France
  •       Italy
  •       Spain
  •       Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific-

  •       China
  •       Japan
  •       India
  •       South Korea
  •       South East Asia
  •       Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America-

  •       Brazil
  •       Argentina
  •       Mexico
  •       Rest of Latin America

 Middle East & Africa-

  •       GCC Countries
  •       South Africa
  •       Rest of Middle East and Africa 

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