PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1736910
PUBLISHER: Verified Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1736910
The growing consumer shift toward healthier lifestyles and wellness-focused products is driving the increase in demand for functional waters. As individuals become more health-conscious, they look for beverages that not only hydrate but also offer extra health advantages. Functional water which is commonly fortified with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients caters to this desire by providing improved hydration and health benefits by enabling the market to surpass a revenue of USD 6763.88 Million valued in 2024 and reach a valuation of around USD 11596.53 Million by 2032.
The growing awareness of chronic lifestyle disorders like diabetes and obesity has increased the demand for functional water. Consumers are increasingly interested in beverages that promote long-term health without the harmful effects of high sugar or artificial components by enabling the market to grow at a CAGR of 7.69% from 2026 to 2032.
Functional Water Market: Definition/ Overview
Functional water is a type of enhanced water product that goes beyond simple hydration to provide extra health advantages. These beverages are often fortified with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, or electrolytes, and are intended to assist a variety of wellness goals such as immunity, digestion, energy levels, and post-exercise recovery.
Because of its additional health benefits, functional water has grown in popularity as a multipurpose product in a variety of settings. Its principal applications include fitness and sports. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts frequently use functional water mixed with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to help with hydration, muscle rehabilitation, and restoring lost nutrients during physical activity.
The future use of functional water is predicted to grow dramatically driven by rising health awareness and desire for individualized wellness solutions. Functional water packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and electrolytes will continue to cater to consumers seeking improved hydration advantages beyond normal water.
The growing engagement in sporting activities is a crucial driver for the functional water market. As more people engage in regular physical activity and sports, there is a growing demand for hydration solutions with added health advantages. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American will spend 0.3 hours per day on sports, exercise, and recreation in 2021, up from 0.27 hours in 2019. This rise in physical activity corresponds to a rising need for functional water products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of persons who satisfy the Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic activity rose from 63.2% in 2015 to 65.2% in 2018.
The global trend toward healthy lives is also driving the growth of the functional water market. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a lack of physical exercise is a major risk factor for noncommunicable illnesses motivating many governments to encourage active lifestyles. For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' "Move Your Way" program aims to improve physical activity among Americans which could raise demand for functional hydration products.
Price issues can stymie the expansion of the functional water market, especially as these products are generally more expensive than ordinary bottled water. The addition of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other functional additives raises production costs which are then passed on to consumers. In price-sensitive areas or regions where customers value affordability over extra health benefits, premium pricing may impede the widespread adoption of functional water.
Competition from lower-cost alternatives such as flavored water, sports drinks, or even homemade infused water may affect pricing dynamics. Consumers who are not completely informed about the health benefits of functional water may find it difficult to justify the increased price, especially when cheaper hydration options are readily available. To solve this challenge, functional water brands must effectively articulate the value proposition and health benefits connected with their products.
Is the Vitamins and Minerals Segment Expected to Dominate the Functional Water Market?
Vitamins and minerals have emerged as the most dominant sector in the functional water market due to their widespread appeal and vital role in supporting overall health. Consumers are actively seeking ways to improve their health, and the popularity of vitamin- and mineral-infused beverages originates from their ability to address a wide range of health concerns. The prominence of vitamins and minerals indicates a significant shift in consumer health consciousness.
As the importance of balanced nutrition becomes more widely acknowledged, functional water enriched with essential nutrients provides an easy approach to filling dietary gaps and supporting optimal health. Herb-infused water is the rising star of the functional water industry. This area is expanding the fastest due to its distinct and natural approach to wellness. The variety of herbs used matches individual demands attracting a growing consumer base seeking natural solutions to improve their health.
Can the Expanding Presence of Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Boost the Growth of the Functional Water Market?
In the functional water industry, these retail stores will serve as critical distribution channels giving consumers easy access to a wide range of products including functional water. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are growing their global footprint, particularly in urban areas with high consumer foot traffic providing an ideal platform for functional water brands to showcase their products and attract a bigger audience. Furthermore, strategic positioning and exposure of functional water products in supermarkets and hypermarkets may contribute to increased customer awareness and adoption.
Firms with prominent shelf space and effective marketing tactics can successfully explain their product's unique health benefits to customers resulting in purchase decisions and brand loyalty. However, online stores are anticipated to grow quickly. Furthermore, online subscriptions for functional water delivery give consumers a convenient option, which drives the segment's growth.
The functional water market is dominated by North America owing to increased consumer awareness and a strong preference for healthy beverage choices. The increased health consciousness in North America is driving the functional water market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 49.1% of American adults attempted to reduce weight in the previous 12 months in 2017-2018, demonstrating a significant emphasis on health and wellness.
Public health measures and shifting consumer tastes help to drive market expansion. The FDA's (FDA) revised Nutrition Facts label which now includes added sugars has raised consumer awareness of sugar content in beverages, potentially leading more people to functional waters. Furthermore, Health Canada's Healthy Eating Strategy which aims to improve the nutritional quality of foods and promote better eating is expected to increase demand for functional beverages such as enhanced waters. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in North America also adds to market growth.
The Asia Pacific region is having the greatest development in the functional water market owing to rapidly expanding disposable incomes across the region. This rapid increase is being driven by economic development, urbanization, and shifting consumer preferences toward healthier beverage options. The rise in disposable income in Asia Pacific countries is driving the functional water market. According to the World Bank, the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in East Asia and the Pacific region went from $7,370 in 2010 to $11,490 in 2020, reflecting a 55.9% rise over ten years.
The region's expanding health consciousness combined with an increase in disposable income is propelling the functional water market forward. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 71% of all deaths worldwide with a large proportion occurring in low- and middle-income nations many of which are located in the Asia Pacific area. This health concern is driving customers to seek healthier alternatives to sugary beverages which benefits the functional water industry.
The Functional Water Market is a dynamic and competitive space, characterized by a diverse range of players vying for market share. These players are on the run for solidifying their presence through the adoption of strategic plans such as collaborations, mergers, acquisitions, and political support. The organizations are focusing on innovating their product line to serve the vast population in diverse regions.
Some of the prominent players operating in the functional water market include:
PepsiCo, Inc.
The Coca-Cola Co.
Pepper Snapple Group, Inc.
Balance Water Company
Trimino Brands Company LLC
Danone SA
Unique Foods (Canada)
Function Drinks
San Benedetto
Herbal Water
Nestle SA
Disruptive Beverages, Inc.
NYSW Beverage Brands, Inc.
Bridgepoint Group plc
In February 2023, Kyowa Hakko USA and Centr introduced Centr Enhanced, a sparkling water infused with nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients. Centr Enhanced marks Centr's first entry into an area other than CBD. Center Enhanced sparkling water contains Kyowa Hakko's Cognizin citicoline, a vitamin that supports "comprehensive brain health," according to the company.
In September 2023, UC Berkeley and PepsiCo renewed their cooperation, with PepsiCo being the campus' official beverage partner for the next decade. This extended collaboration with PepsiCo is expected to increase the company's support for Berkeley's sustainability, equity, and health and wellness initiatives.