Adequate hydration supports optimal organ function, digestion, temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and detoxification. Hydration affects cognitive function, mood, and energy levels. Dehydration can lead to headaches, fatigue, and decreased concentration. We know hydration is an essential part of day-to-day functionality, but do we know the types of hydration our consumers and guests want and seek out when at the point of purchase? We’re seeing a steady uptick in non-carbonated product success as a component of health and wellness.
Fountain machines, commonly found in restaurants, fast food establishments, and convenience stores, are versatile systems that dispense beverages on demand. Although carbonated drinks like soda are popular, many businesses also offer non-carbonated options to cater to a broader audience and meet different customer preferences.
What Are Non-Carbonated Drinks?
A unique study was published in Food Research International in 2021, looking at the correlation between consumer sensory perception and emotional response to carbonated beverages. The research concluded that to consumers, flavor is more important than carbonation, and carbonation was more associated with negative health perceptions overall. The science supports the consumer trend in that sense. Healthy behaviors of consumption continue to heavily influence the market.
We know from experience that a growing number of consumers are looking for non-carbonated beverage options and until recently, bottled drinks have been the best way to provide those options. Bottled water, fruit drinks, and energy drinks are increasingly sold in quick-service restaurants and convenience stores. If you’re looking to expand your options, don’t overlook your fountain drink options for offering non-carbonated beverages.
The variety of fountain options has grown in recent years to the point that it is now possible and quite easy to have a fountain drink machine that serves non-carbonated beverage options. Many convenience stores and restaurants have found that offering guests a mix of carbonated and non-carbonated options is optimal for their image and business success.
Fountain drinks have historically been based on the fizzy goodness of carbonation. Today’s consumers want more variety and many seek out non-bubbly options of appealing beverages to enjoy alongside a meal or as an enjoyable standalone beverage.
Options today include:
- Unsweetened & Sweetened Tea—iced tea is a common non-carbonated choice, with options for sweetened and unsweetened varieties. Flavored iced teas, such as lemon, peach, or raspberry, are also popular.
- Lemonade—lemonade, both traditional and flavored (like strawberry or pink lemonade), is a refreshing option. Lemonade-based drinks can offer a citrusy alternative to sodas.
- Energy Drinks—certain energy drinks can be dispensed through fountain machines. These drinks usually contain caffeine and other stimulants but are non-carbonated.
- Juices—many fountain machines can dispense juice drinks, such as orange juice, apple juice, fruit punch, or cranberry juice. These options are typically not 100% juice but are diluted with water or other non-carbonated bases.
- Flavored Water—provides a non-carbonated and lower-calorie alternative to sugary drinks. It can have subtle flavors like lemon, lime, or berry.
- Sports Drinks—formulated to provide electrolytes and hydration, are another non-carbonated option. They are often dispensed through fountain machines in athletic or fitness-related settings.
- Specialty Coffee Drinks—some fountain machines are designed to dispense coffee-based drinks, such as iced coffee or cold brew. These drinks are non-carbonated and can be served with various flavorings and sweeteners.
This vast selection of non-carbonated beverage options offers consumers of all types the ability to enjoy healthier drink options with their meals at a reasonable cost. While the cost to the consumer is lower than the cost of the bottled drinks, the profit to businesses is higher than if the consumer purchased a bottled drink, making the addition of these non-carbonated beverage fountain options a win for all parties involved.
The Need for Non-Carbonated Beverages
Non-carbonated beverages are currently experiencing massive growth in terms of availability in fountain machines. In fact, non-carbonated drinks are currently the fastest-growing category of drinks in fountains. The 2023 State of Beverage Industry report highlights the impetus behind low or no-sugar beverage choices.
This isn't because consumers are specifically seeking out drinks without carbonation, we all still love our soda. The main reason for this increased growth is that more consumers are looking for healthier options that are also tasty and offer a unique experience.
Consumers seeking low-in-sugar, real sugar, and healthier options are simply starting to gravitate towards various beverage options that are more widely considered healthier, including tea, water, and fruit drinks. While higher sales of these types of drinks in fountain machines may reduce the sales of bottled versions of these types of drinks, convenience store and restaurant owners tend to see a higher profit on fountain drink sales. Non-carbonated fountain options are great for your business, the more options you have that can cater to specific desires, the better.
Hydration is Central to Recovery
Hydration is critical for maintaining health and proper bodily functions. Health standards for hydration encompass a range of recommendations and guidelines that consider factors like age, gender, activity level, climate, and overall health. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, and reduced physical and cognitive performance. Chronic dehydration may contribute to kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and other health issues. This can lead to more serious complications, such as heat stroke, organ failure, or hypovolemic shock.
Daily Water Intake Recommendations
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests a daily intake of about 3.7 liters (125 ounces) for men and 2.7 liters (91 ounces) for women. This includes all fluids consumed, not just water, and encompasses water content in food. These are general recommendations; individual needs vary based on factors like age, body size, activity level, environmental conditions, and health status.
Switching to Non-Carbonated Fountain Options
If you already have a fountain machine in your business, switching the products you offer is pretty simple. When you decide which non-carbonated fountain beverage options you’d like to offer, simply speak with your supplier to start ordering these new products.
If your current fountain flavors are selling well and you don’t want to make too many drastic changes in what you’re offering, that’s okay. Many establishments simply choose to add a second smaller fountain machine, or “tea tower,” that offers various non-carbonated options that some of their consumers and guests prefer. Other businesses choose to invest in non-carbonated fountain options and upgrade to a larger fountain machine that can hold more flavors rather than remove options or add a second machine.
Just because you decide to add non-carbonated beverage options to your selection of drink options does not mean you need to decrease or stop providing carbonated drinks—you will certainly still have a large number of consumers who prefer those options. Non-carbonated beverages are simply an option that continues to increase in popularity. They are growing at a rapid enough rate that offering them to consumers is another new way to further expand the way your business profits from fountain drinks.
Author's Note: This post was originally published in May 2017 and has been updated with the most recent research and information.
