Which healthy drink tops your list of favorites? If it brings an added benefit to your body or mind, it probably belongs in the category of functional drinks. That group, meanwhile, is storming into the workplace. It makes sense, as the market is booming worldwide due to explosive supply and demand. Find out exactly what these functional drinks are, what varieties you can offer and what positive effects they have on your employees' well-being.

Functional drinks, what are they? This category includes products with an additional ingredient that provides a health benefit to your body or mind. You recognize them by ingredients such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants or probiotics. In addition, they are alcohol-free and low in sugar and artificial ingredients. Think of it this way: you label grapefruit juice as a regular drink. But if you enrich that same juice with plant sterols, you classify it as a functional drink. After all, those natural substances found in grains, seeds and nuts lower your cholesterol. And just because of that function, that juice gets a new benefit, on top of the nutritional value it already has naturally.

Focus your gaze on the functions or benefits of functional drinks and you can cut the cake into four:

1. Health (including addressing stress, fatigue and illnesses
2. Hydration
3. Energy and rejuvenation
4. Weight Management

The popularity of functional drinks has received a solid boost in the last decade. Add to that the impact of the pandemic, which has fiercely fueled the focus on health and wellness. In that context, the food industry is constantly engaged in developing innovative, healthy drinks that meet the needs of their consumers. You see: supply and demand for healthy, natural drinks are on the rise. Thus, experts assume that the revenue of the global functional beverage market will hit a staggering $216.7 billion by 2028. Although the target market is diverse, Generation Z in particular is opting for healthier alternatives than the traditional soft drinks their parents sat at the table with.

With the market exploding, it's hard to be left behind as an employer. Especially if you keep in mind the benefits of healthy drinks: higher energy, concentration and productivity levels and less sick leave. A win-win for you and your employees. But just what functional drinks or extracts do you offer? And how do they improve the well-being of the entire team?

7 functional drinks that will keep you and your team on your toes

Maintain your focus during that important meeting, boost your energy levels or simply arm your immune system in the middle of flu season: functional drinks and extracts will help you do just that. They also contribute to your intake of water, the best staple, of which 50% drink too little. Find out which options the general public is sure to enjoy in the workplace:

1. Coffee (which of course couldn't be missing from the scene)
The fact that your favorite cup of comfort is mostly water makes it a hefty source of fluid. Coffee also lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Drink one to two cups a day and the caffeine acts as an invigorator. Your fatigue ebbs away and your memory, alertness and motivation get a boost.

2. Black tea
Three to five daily cups of this classic will lower your blood pressure, as well as your risk of stroke and type 2 diabetes. You get antioxidants at the same time, which are anti-inflammatory. By the way, black tea boosts your alertness and concentration thanks to the combination of caffeine (which is then called theine) and L-theanine.

3. Matcha
A trendy alternative to tea and coffee is matcha, a type of green tea. The bright green powder is the result of ground young tea leaves. Matcha strengthens your immune system thanks to antioxidants and improves your attention, memory and reaction time. And like black tea, the powder contains caffeine and L-theanine, which improves your brain function. That L-theanine also provides a calming effect and reduces stress.

4. Yerba maté
As a traditional South American drink, maté is gaining popularity in the West. It reduces fatigue and thus contributes to better performance. And yes, this one also does your immune system good thanks to antioxidants. Furthermore, the caffeine content helps increase your mental focus and energy levels.

5. Ginger
For a healthy pick-me-up, look no further than a ginger shot. Ginger, or the golden elixir, is a root bulb or stick of the ginger plant. As an extract in your drink, it combats nausea and inflammation, reduces (muscle) pain and lowers your blood sugar levels.

6. Mint
As a rich source of vitamin A and antioxidants, mint is a grateful ingredient that contributes to your immune system. The plant is good for your brain as it makes you more alert and less tired. It lowers your stress level and soothes the first signs of a cold.

7. Lemon
The flesh, peel and juice of the citrus fruit is rich in vitamins that boost your immunity and reduce the risk of disease. By the way, lemon is also good for your heart and protects against anemia.

How do you bring functional drinks to the office?

And then comes the next step: moving those functional drinks to the shop floor. Which solution do you opt for? With Dripl's Refill Point, your employees immediately reap the health benefits of tasty drinks. The packaging-free drink dispenser pours flat or sparkling water into your glass or reusable bottle. Optionally, you add a natural flavour concentrate there.

You can choose from six flavours: lemon, iced tea, cranberry, ginger-lime, rose-mint and maté. Each artisan flavour contains natural ingredients and minimal sugars. Plus, the offerings are packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C.

Taste buds in overdrive? Time to request your tasting box and test those Dripl drinks extensively!