The standout drinks at Expo East? Beverages that sparkle

We’ve got water for kids and adults; water with vitamins and fiber; water with caffeine and electrolytes; water made from sap and nuts; and oh boy, sparkling water. What was missing in the aisles of Natural Products Expo East 2018? Beverages containing any type of caloric sweetener, even those sweetened with honey, agave or just recently re-welcomed natural cane sugar. They’re fading fast in favor of fizz. You’ll still find drinks that contain zero- or low-calorie sweeteners such as fruit extract, stevia, monkfruit and erithrytol, but what you’ll strain to find is flat water. Expo East 2018 is proof that we’re a carbonation nation and everyone wants in on the LaCroix action.

In addition to all the new sparkling water innovations, we’re also jazzed about a new wave of tea-based RTD offerings, from highly flavored kombuchas to functional teas designed to help us stress less, recover faster and balance our lives from the inside out.

Check out the 20 thirst-quenchers that caught our eyes at the show.