Are Functional Drinks Worth It? + The Cold-Press Alternative

Functional drinks are everywhere these days, from energy blends to gut-boosting tonics. Each bottle promises a quick health fix in a sleek package.

Here in Canada, the trend is growing fast. In 2024, the market hit over USD 4.6 billion (CAD 6.3 billion) and shows no signs of slowing down.

It’s easy to grab one off the shelf and call it a day. But before I fill my fridge with flashy labels, I stop to think: what’s actually inside?

Instead, when I make cold-pressed juice at home, I know exactly what goes in. It’s fresh, nutrient-rich, and tailored to what my body needs.

So, are functional drinks really worth it? Let’s break down where they stand, and why the cold-press alternative might be the better move.

What Makes a Drink “Functional”?

Functional drinks do more than hydrate. They’re designed to support specific health goals, like digestion, energy, immunity, or mental focus, by adding ingredients such as probiotics, adaptogens, or vitamins.

According to Health Canada, a functional food is “...a part of a usual diet, and is demonstrated to have physiological benefits and/or reduce the risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions.” 

Most store-bought drinks fit that description, but their actual value depends on the ingredients, dosage, and transparency behind the label.

Common Functional Drink Categories (By Benefits)

Functional drinks are typically grouped into a few key categories, based on the health benefit they offer:

• Digestive support: Drinks with probiotics or added fibre to help keep your gut health in check.

• Energy enhancement: Formulas packed with caffeine or herbal ingredients to increase alertness.

• Immune health: Blends using vitamin C, antioxidants, or herbal medicine to support your immune system.

• Cognitive and mental clarity: Nootropic mushroom beverages or adaptogen drinks for mood or focus.

• Sports performance and recovery: Drinks with electrolytes to support hydration and muscle repair.

• Beauty and skin support: Collagen water and antioxidant-rich blends aimed at healthy skin.

Targeted Functional Ingredients

Many of these drinks highlight certain ingredients chosen for specific effects. You’ll see ginger and turmeric for anti-inflammatory properties, probiotics for digestive health, and trendy additions like lion’s mane for cognitive or mood benefits.

Other popular ingredients include collagen peptides, beta-glucan fibre, and adaptogens such as ashwagandha or maca. 

These functional ingredients aim to provide essential nutrients or bioactive proteins that support immunity, energy levels, or focus.

Natural vs. Commercial Functional Drinks

When you think about functional drinks, it’s good to see the difference between something you make at home and what you buy off the shelf. The goal might be similar, but the ingredients, control, and processing are often very different.

Natural Functional Drinks

These are simple drinks made from whole ingredients with minimal processing and zero additives. Since they’re usually homemade, you control what goes in and what stays out.

Some common examples include:

• Cold-pressed juices: Green blends for energy, citrus shots for immunity, or detox mixes with ginger and beet.

• Herbal infusions: Chamomile, mint, or hibiscus; all classic ingredients in traditional herbal medicine.

• Gut-healthy kombucha: Homemade or artisanal, rich in natural probiotics.

• Natural tonics: Lemon water, apple cider vinegar, or turmeric shots.

• Functional plant-based milks: Cashew, almond, or oat milk infused with maca, cacao, or turmeric.

Commercial Functional Drinks

These are the branded, shelf-stable drinks you see everywhere. They’re processed to last longer and designed for mass retail. They often rely on specific formulas to deliver certain health benefits.

Here are a few common types you’ll find:

• Adaptogen drinks: These functional beverages are often made with ingredients like ashwagandha, maca, or ginseng. They are meant to help with stress management and maintain balance.

• Nootropic mushroom beverages: Drinks that focus on supporting mental clarity and concentration, typically using lion’s mane, L-theanine, or alpha-GPC.

• Brain-powering mushroom coffee: Coffee blends that combine caffeine with nootropics or adaptogens to offer an added boost for focus and alertness.

• Probiotic sodas: Carbonated drinks designed to support gut health, usually made with prebiotic fibres and live probiotic cultures.

• Electrolyte or sports drinks: Target hydration and mineral replacement with ingredients like sodium, potassium, and magnesium

• Energy drinks: These drinks provide a quick energy boost with stimulants like caffeine, taurine, or guarana (though their actual effects can vary by brand).

• Collagen water: Water-based drinks that include bioactive proteins such as collagen peptides, often promoted for supporting skin, joints, and hair.

Why Are Commercial Functional Drinks Trending in Canada?

Now, let’s take a look at why these drinks are trending:

Convenient Wellness, On the Go

In fast-moving Canadian cities, convenience matters. Between long commutes, stacked schedules, and limited prep time, not everyone has the space to make something fresh. Functional drinks offer a simple swap, health-focused, ready-to-drink options that slide easily into daily routines.

In fact, according to UK data from Ocado Retail, 22% of adults have swapped coffee or tea for functional drinks like matcha, herbal infusions, or mushroom-based beverages. Among Gen Z, that number jumps to 39%.

We’re seeing a similar shift in Canadian cities. Functional drinks fit into a grab-and-go lifestyle without much effort.

Branding and Social Influence

Let’s not ignore the power of marketing. These drinks don’t just sell flavour; they sell a lifestyle. Clean labels, minimalist design, words like “natural” or “pure,” are carefully chosen to appeal to health-conscious shoppers.

These messages are designed to make you feel like you’re making a smart, healthy choice, even if you don’t know what’s inside the bottle.

Younger Generations Lead the Shift

Millennials and Gen Z are driving Canada’s functional drink revolution. They’re reaching for beverages that go beyond just quenching thirst. In fact, around 23% of Millennials and Gen Z say they prefer functional drinks over standard ones.

These younger consumers care deeply about what goes into their bodies and their shopping carts. And brands are paying attention. They’re shaping their marketing to align with what Gen Z values most: health, transparency, and convenience.

Climate-Driven Preferences

There’s also an eco-friendly side to this trend. Many consumers want choices that align with their environmental values. Functional drink brands lean into this by using recyclable packaging, organic ingredients, and promoting sustainability across their messaging.

What the Labels Don’t Always Tell You

I know, it’s easy to get pulled in by the marketing. Bright colours, health claims, and polished packaging make these drinks feel like a shortcut to better health.

But there’s often more going on than the label shows:

• Hidden sugars and sweeteners: Even “natural” drinks can have high sugar content or sneaky sweeteners that add unnecessary calories. Over time, this can cancel out the health benefits you were aiming for.

• Unregulated and vague claims: Words like “detox,” “clean,” or “immune support”  may sound impressive but often lack clear scientific standards or legal definitions.

• Low concentrations of “active” ingredients: The hero ingredients featured on the front, like turmeric, ashwagandha, or probiotics, are sometimes present in amounts too low to have any real impact. What you see in bold letters doesn’t always reflect what you’re getting in each sip.

• Packaging reality vs. green branding: While many brands promote recyclable packaging and sustainability, bottled drinks still come with a carbon cost. Daily use adds up, through plastic waste, production, and shipping. The eco-friendly image doesn’t always match the full impact.

• Regulatory ambiguity: Canada doesn’t even have a legal category for “functional drinks.” According to Health Canada, these products fall under the Food and Drugs Act and can be classified as either food or a drug depending on their claims and format. If a beverage makes a health claim, like improving immunity or lowering cholesterol, it could even require a Drug Identification Number (DIN).

Cold-Press Juicing as a Functional Drinks Alternative

Store-bought functional drinks are convenient, but when I cold-press at home, I get something those bottles can't offer. I know exactly what goes in, and I trust what comes out.

What Is Cold-Press Juicing?

Cold-press juicing uses a slow-moving auger or press to extract juice without heat. This helps preserve more nutrients, taste, and texture. Since there’s no heat or oxidation, key vitamins, minerals, and enzymes stay closer to their natural state. It’s a simple, effective way to get fresh nutrition every time you juice.

Why Cold-Press Juicing is Better for Canadian Households

Cold-press juicing fits naturally into Canadian routines. As seasons change, you can adjust your blends based on what's fresh, local, and more affordable, like carrots in the fall or citrus in the winter. It’s an easy way to stay healthy while saving on imported ingredients.

It also fits real life here. Brands like Hurom design cold-press juicers with quiet motors for early mornings, compact sizes that work in condo kitchens, and easy-clean parts that save time after long workdays. You get fresh juice on your schedule, without the noise, mess, or daily cost of buying bottled.

Making the Switch To Cold-Press Juicing: Is It Worth It?

When I started making juice at home, the difference was clear. It felt better, cleaner, and more aligned with what I actually needed.

If you're thinking about switching too, here’s what to consider:

Cost Comparison Over Time

Store-bought functional drinks can add up quickly. On the other hand, cold-pressing at home costs less per serving, especially when you use local, seasonal ingredients. Over time, that saves you money while giving you higher-quality, fresher drinks.

Health and Personalization

When you make juice at home, you choose exactly what goes in. No added sugars or artificial ingredients. You get fresh, essential nutrients without any compromise. You can build blends that support digestion, energy, or immunity, based on your needs.

A study in Turkey showed that cold-press juicers extracted significantly more juice (up to 92% from pineapple) than centrifugal ones (47%). While antioxidant levels were similar, cold-pressed juices offered better texture, colour, and overall appeal. 

That means when you press at home, you're not just getting more juice, you’re getting more out of your ingredients, too.

Environmental Impact

Home juicing reduces the use of single-use bottles and extra packaging. It also helps reduce food waste. Even the pulp can be reused in dog food, facial masks, compost, or food recipes. It’s a simpler, greener way to support your health and the environment.

Types of Functional Cold-Pressed Juices You Can Make at Home

Cold-pressing at home gives you more than just freshness, it lets you create juices with a purpose. Whether it’s staying sharp, easing digestion, or keeping your immune system on track, these blends work with your goals.

Here are a few easy, functional juice types you can make in your kitchen, with simple ingredients and clear benefits.

Green Juices

Green juices are my go-to for chlorophyll, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients. They help me with gentle detox, keep things balanced, and give me steady daily energy. It’s an easy way to load up on essential nutrients all in one glass.

Common Ingredients

• Kale: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, it supports immune function and offers antioxidant benefits.

• Spinach: Loaded with iron and folate to help maintain energy levels and overall health.

• Cucumber: Naturally hydrating and refreshing with electrolytes to support fluid balance.

• Celery: Provides sodium and antioxidants that can aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

• Parsley: High in vitamin C and chlorophyll, often used to support liver health and natural detox.

Must-Try Recipe: Green Power Fusion Juice

Created by Ana Machado, private chef to NFL star Nick Bosa, this recipe is packed with flavour and nutrient dense ingredients..

Why it works: It’s full of antioxidants, chlorophyll, and natural electrolytes that keep you hydrated and energized. Kale and parsley give your liver some extra love, celery and cucumber add that crisp refreshment, and lime brings in a bright, citrusy hit of vitamin C.

It’s one of those easy, go-to blends that always helps me feel good and stay refreshed.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of celery

• 2 bunches of kale

• 1 cucumber

• 2 peeled limes

• 1 apple

• ¼ cup parsley

Preparation:

• Rinse everything well.

• Chop any large pieces to fit your juicer chute.

• Alternate leafy greens and juicy items as you feed them in.

• Serve fresh, over ice if you like it chilled and crisp.

Pro Tip: Want something different from your usual green juice? Try this energy-boosting green soymilk recipe. It’s a creamy twist that blends leafy greens with plant-based protein, and gives you a smooth, sustained lift.

Detox Juices

I make these when I want to give my digestion extra support or reset my system. The focus is on anti-inflammatory and cleansing ingredients that help me feel lighter, refreshed, and more balanced.

Common Ingredients

• Beetroot: Rich in iron and antioxidants, it supports blood flow and helps reduce inflammation.

• Lemon: High in vitamin C and citric acid to aid digestion and support immune function.

• Apple: Adds fiber, natural sweetness, and a range of supportive vitamins.

• Ginger: Offers anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits with a warming kick.

• Turmeric: Known for its strong anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant support.

Must-Try Recipe: Lemon Detox Juice

This one is a bright, citrusy blend with a sharp kick that feels super clean and light on the palate. It’s refreshing, easy to drink, and perfect when I want something that wakes up my taste buds while giving my body that gentle cleansing vibe.

Ingredients:

• 1 pear

• 1 banana

• 2 peeled lemons

Preparation:

• Wash the pear, remove the core and seeds.

• Peel the banana and the lemons.

• Juice half the pear first, then the banana and lemons.

• Finish with the remaining pear.

• Pour and enjoy the reset.

Pro Tip: Love green juices but want something with a detox edge? Take a look at these detox green juice recipes; they strike a solid balance between cleansing ingredients and everyday freshness.

Immunity-Boosting Juices

If you need an extra dose of vitamin C and anti-inflammatory support, immunity support juices deliver. They’re especially helpful during flu season or when Canadian winters hit hard.

Common Ingredients

• Carrot: Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A to support immune health and eye function.

• Orange: Rich in vitamin C and natural antioxidants that help strengthen immunity.

• Ginger: Already known for its digestive perks, it also helps defend the body with antimicrobial and immune-supportive properties.

• Turmeric: You’ve seen it before, but here it shines for its ability to help regulate inflammation that can weaken your immune response.

• Lemon: Beyond its digestive benefits, it adds a bright dose of vitamin C that gives your immune system a quick lift.

Must-Try Recipe: Immune Booster Citrus Shot

This fiery, nutrient-dense blend is what I reach for when I feel a cold coming on. It helps counter early symptoms and gives my body quick support when I need it most.

Ingredients:

• 1–2 cloves garlic

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 2–3 tbsp peeled lemon

• 2–3 tbsp peeled orange

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• Dash of cinnamon

• Dash of cayenne pepper

Preparation:

• Peel and prep all ingredients.

• Juice the garlic, ginger, lemon, and orange.

• Stir in honey, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, and apple cider vinegar.

• Drink immediately for best results.

Pro Tip: Want something even stronger when cold season hits? This ultra-immunity booster juice combines powerful ingredients that give your system real support when it needs it most.

Gut-Friendly Juices

Make these when you want to support digestion and ease bloating. They’re super hydrating and packed with natural fiber. That extra fiber helps keep everything moving while still tasting fresh and light.

Common Ingredients

• Fennel: Supports digestion with natural compounds that help reduce bloating.

• Pear: Adds natural sweetness and fibre to promote healthy digestion.

• Cucumber: Useful for calming the gut and helping reduce inflammation.

• Mint: Offers a refreshing taste and can help calm digestive discomfort.

• Celery: In gut-supporting juices, its natural sodium helps maintain fluid balance while aiding regularity.

• Cabbage: Rich in vitamin U, which can help protect the stomach lining.

Must-Try Recipe: Cabbage Carrot Gut-Healer Juice

This colorful blend is great if you’re looking to support digestion from multiple angles. The mix of flavors and ingredients keeps things balanced, light, and easy on your stomach.

Ingredients:

• ½ cabbage

• 2 medium carrots

• 2 medium beets

• 1 lemon (unpeeled, washed)

Preparation:

• Wash and prep everything.

• Peel the beets.

• Juice ingredients, alternating types.

• Stir and serve right away.

Energy-Enhancing Juices

I go for these when I want a natural energy lift without reaching for those caffeine-heavy energy drinks. They’re perfect before a workout or when I need help getting through that afternoon slump in a fresher, lighter way.

Common Ingredients

• Beet: You’ve seen this one in detox blends, but it’s also a natural energy booster thanks to its high nitrate content, which supports blood flow and endurance.

• Orange: Already known for its immune perks, it also brings in natural sugars and vitamin C that can help recharge you in a clean, sustained way.

• Lemon: While it’s been used for digestion and immunity, here it helps with hydration; a solid base for any energizing juice.

• Grapefruit: Tangy and hydrating, with antioxidants that support metabolism.

• Matcha (infused): Offers steady focus with low caffeine and L-theanine for balanced alertness.

• Mint: A crisp, uplifting finish that adds freshness and subtle stimulation

Must-Try Recipe: Pomegranate Citrus Energizer

If you’re after steady energy without the crash, this blend delivers. It’s light, refreshing, and helps you stay focused, without the jitters that come from heavy caffeine.

Ingredients:

• ½ pomegranate (seeds only)

• 1 orange (peeled)

• ½ cup pineapple (peeled and chopped)

Preparation:

• Separate the pomegranate seeds.

• Peel and chop the orange and pineapple.

• Juice everything and stir well.

• Serve fresh, over ice if you want it extra chilled.

Pro Tip: Need more ideas to power through your mornings? Check out these energizing juice recipes to kickstart your day, perfect for steady focus and lasting energy.

A Better Way to Drink for Your Health

I don’t see functional drinks as the enemy. But let’s be honest: not all of them live up to their labels. Many hide added sugars, vague health claims, or barely any active ingredients.

Whereas cold-pressed juice at home gives you full control. It’s fresh, customizable, and built around what your body actually needs.

Using a Hurom juicer makes it easy to keep the habit going. Our innovative slow squeeze technology helps preserve nutrients, taste, and texture, so every glass delivers more than just taste. And thanks to our Easy Clean design, cleanup takes minutes, not your whole evening.

If you’re thinking about adding juicing to your daily routine, check out Hurom’s catalogue and find a model that fits your space.  One small switch can reshape how you feel, every single day.

FAQ’s

What’s a functional drink?

It’s a drink that goes beyond basic hydration. Many are made to support digestion, improve energy, strengthen immunity, or help with mood. These effects come from added ingredients like probiotics, adaptogens, or vitamins.

What’s in a functional drink?

You’ll often find stuff like adaptogens (ashwagandha, maca), nootropic mushrooms (like lion’s mane), probiotics, collagen, caffeine, herbal teas, vitamins, and minerals. Each one’s picked for a specific goal, whether that’s better digestion, an energy kick, or immune support.

Do functional drinks work?

Some do, but it depends on what you’re drinking. Natural options made with real, whole ingredients can offer real benefits. Commercial ones vary: some include effective doses, but others are mostly hype with tiny doses, vague claims, or added sugars that cancel out the positives.

How do cold-pressed juices stack up against store-bought functional drinks?

When you make cold-pressed juice at home, you know exactly what’s in it: fresh fruits and veggies, without any hidden sugars or preservatives. Store-bought options are convenient, but often sacrifice freshness for a longer shelf life. Some rely on fancy marketing instead of real quality.

Can I make functional drinks at home without additives?

Absolutely. Cold-pressed juicing at home is one of the easiest ways to keep it clean and natural. You can control the ingredients, skip the junk, and make blends that match your needs, like an energy boost, immune support, or better digestion.

What are some good functional juice ingredients in Canada?

You’ve got great options year-round. Try kale, spinach, carrots, apples, beets, ginger, turmeric, citrus fruits, cucumbers, and berries. They’re nutrient-dense, easy to find, and work well in juices that support energy, digestion, or immunity.