As 2025 unfolds, the UK drinks market is shifting in powerful ways. Traditional soft drinks still dominate, but health, innovation, and sustainability are redefining what people order, especially in cafés, takeaways, and foodservice businesses. For operators looking to stay ahead, understanding these evolving UK drinks trends is critical. 

Here’s a detailed look at the key beverage trends that are shaping demand and what they mean for your wholesale drink sourcing strategy at Magna Foodservice. 

The Rise of Functional Soft Drinks 

One of the most prominent trends in 2025 is the growing popularity of functional beverage drinks that do more than quench thirst. Consumers are increasingly looking for functional benefits: gut health, low-calorie energy, vitamins, and even adaptogenic ingredients.  

  • Gut Health & Kombucha: Still and juice drinks with gut-friendly probiotics are gaining ground.  
  • Shots & Wellness Boosters: Ginger, turmeric, and other “health shots” are surging.  
  • Adaptogens & Vitamins: Ingredients like ashwagandha, L-theanine, and added B-vitamins are being used in new soft drink formats to target stress, focus, and immunity.  

Why it Matters for Foodservice? 

  • Cafés can offer functional sodas or wellness shots as premium upsells. 
  • Caterers and event operators can use these trend-forward drinks to differentiate menus and attract health-conscious audiences. 

Health-Conscious Packaging & Sugar Reduction 

The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) reports that over 70% of soft drinks sold in the UK are now low or no-sugar.  

This aligns with neutral trends around calorie-conscious drinking and regulatory pressures (such as HFSS: high fat, salt, sugar rules).  

Other notable points: 

  • Still water has seen a big increase in sales volume and value, driven by consumer preference for simple, healthy hydration.  
  • Sparkling water is also on the rise, with both value (+) and volume growth.  
  • There’s a growing demand for naturally flavoured waters and “posh pop” options made with fruit extracts rather than artificial sweeteners.  

Implications for Wholesale & Menu Strategy 

  • Stock more still and sparkling water; these aren’t just add-ons, they’re core drivers. 
  • Offer zero or low-sugar soda alternatives to appeal to health-aware customers. 
  • Promote flavoured waters as premium, low-cal options for impulse buys or meal deals. 

Experimental Flavours & Nostalgia 

Flavour innovation remains a major theme. According to recent trend forecasts, consumers are drawn to global influences, nostalgic re-creations, and imaginative textures.  

Key flavour directions for 2025: 

  • Global Inspiration: Lychee, coconut, matcha, and other Asian-inspired flavours are appearing in soft drinks and syrups.  
  • Nostalgic Favourites: Retro flavours (think childhood sodas, classic tonics) are being reimagined with modern twists and cleaner formulations.  
  • Functional Variants with Texture: Drinks combining flavour with added functional benefit (e.g., vitamin infusions or texture innovation) are becoming more mainstream.  

Takeaway for Foodservice 

  • Offer limited-edition or seasonal soft drinks/flavoured syrups to tap into “drop culture” and novelty. 
  • Use global or nostalgic flavours in mocktails or speciality menu items to appeal to trend-savvy diners. 
  • Leverage syrup-based drinks for creative and Instagrammable menu options. 

Sparkling Tea and “Nolo” Beverages are Gaining Momentum 

A surprising but growing trend: sparkling tea is becoming a refined, low or no-alcohol alternative positioned almost like a soft sparkling wine.  

  • Tea-based soft drinks (especially fizzy or sparkling) are increasingly seen as premium, healthier alternatives.  
  • These beverages appeal to both wellness-focused consumers and those looking for “sophisticated non-alcoholic” experiences.  

Strategies for Operators 

  • Include canned or bottled sparkling teas as an upscale, healthy option on menus. 
  • Serve them in wine glasses or elegant glassware to elevate the experience. 
  • Market these as “grown-up fizz”, especially in settings where non-alcoholic options are important (family restaurants, events). 

Premiumisation of Water 

Water is no longer just a side-game item; it’s becoming a menu differentiator. 

  • According to Food Manufacture’s 2025 report, bottled still water is experiencing significant volume growth.  
  • There is also a rise in “water sophistication” consumers are drawn to premium waters (microfiltered, mineral, spring) and unique formats.  
  • Some UK restaurants are even going so far as to introduce water-only menus, elevating water to a standalone, curated offering.  

How Your Foodservice Business Can Leverage This? 

  • Stock a mix of premium still and sparkling water brands. 
  • Use water as an upsell: “Pair your meal with our premium mineral or spring water.” 
  • Educate Consumers: Train staff to talk about water as a thoughtful option, not just filler. 

The Impact of Sustainability & Transparency 

Sustainability continues to shape consumer behaviour: 

  • Demand for sustainable packaging (recycled plastic, recyclable cans, lightweight bottles) is growing sharply.  
  • Consumers are more likely to choose drinks with “clean labels”, natural ingredients, fewer artificial additives, and transparent sourcing.  
  • Foodservice venues can lean into sustainability by choosing suppliers that emphasise responsible packaging and ingredient integrity. 

What to Do as a Buyer? 

  • Work with suppliers that provide eco-friendly packaging options. 
  • Highlight the sustainability credentials of your drink menu (on menus or displays). 
  • Consider stocking small-batch, craft or local drink options that emphasise natural ingredients. 

Conclusion 

The UK drinks market in 2025 is not just evolving, it’s transforming. From health-led innovation to nostalgic flavour revivals, from premium water to sparkling teas, and sustainability to sleek packaging, consumer demands are more nuanced than ever. 

For foodservice operators and buyers at Magna Foodservice, these trends represent a compelling opportunity: 

  • Curate your drink range to reflect functional, health-conscious, and globally inspired options. 
  • Stock premium waters and sparkling teas to elevate your offering. 
  • Embrace sustainable packaging and make it part of your brand story. 

By aligning with these macro trends, you can stay ahead of demand, delight your customers, and grow your drink sales in meaningful and profitable ways.