Are functional beverages worth it? + The cold brew alternative

Functional drinks are everywhere right now, from energizing blends to digestion tonics. Each bottle promises a quick health boost in attractive packaging.

Here in Canada, this trend is booming. In 2024, the market exceeded USD 4.6 billion (CAD 6.3 billion), and growth isn't slowing down.

It's tempting to grab one on the go and carry on with your day. But before I fill my fridge with shiny labels, I take a moment to consider: what do they really contain?

When I prepare a cold-pressed juice at home, I know exactly what I'm putting in it. It's fresh, nutrient-rich, and tailored to what my body needs.

So, are functional drinks really worth it? Let's see what they offer, and why the cold-pressed alternative might be more sensible.

What is a "functional" drink?

A functional drink hydrates, yes, but it goes further. It is designed to meet a specific health objective: digestion, energy, immunity, or concentration. For this, it often contains ingredients like probiotics, adaptogens, or vitamins.

According to Health Canada, a functional food is "… a food that is part of the daily diet and that provides physiological benefits and/or reduces the risk of chronic diseases beyond its basic nutritional functions."

Most beverages sold in stores fall within this definition, but their actual effectiveness depends on the ingredients, dosage, and especially the transparency of the label.

Main categories of functional drinks (by benefit)

Functional drinks are generally divided into a few broad categories based on their health benefits:

• Digestive support: With added probiotics or fibers to promote gut health.

• Energy boost: Caffeine or stimulating plants to improve alertness.

• Immune system: Vitamin C, antioxidants, or medicinal herbs to strengthen defenses.

• Mental clarity and concentration: Drinks with nootropic mushrooms or adaptogens for mood and cognition.

• Sports performance and recovery: Electrolytes for hydration and muscle repair.

• Beauty and skin: Collagen water and antioxidant-rich blends for healthy skin.

Targeted functional ingredients

Many of these drinks highlight certain ingredients selected for their specific effects. You'll see ginger and turmeric for their 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 fibers, and adaptogens like ashwagandha or maca.

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

Functional drinks: natural or industrial?

When talking about functional drinks, it's useful to differentiate between what you prepare at home and what you buy ready-made. The goal may seem similar, but the ingredients, control, and manufacturing processes are often very different.

Natural functional drinks

These are simple drinks, prepared from whole ingredients, with minimal processing and no additives. Since they are generally homemade, you control exactly what you put in them, and what you avoid.

Here are some common examples:

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

• Herbal infusions: Chamomile, mint, hibiscus… traditional medicine classics.

• Artisanal kombucha: Homemade or local, rich in natural probiotics.

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

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

Industrial functional drinks

These are branded, ready-to-drink beverages that can be found everywhere on shelves. They are designed for durability and to meet the demands of mass distribution. Their promise often relies on specific formulations intended to provide targeted benefits.

Some typical examples:

• Adaptogen drinks: Based on ashwagandha, maca, or ginseng, to help manage stress and promote balance.

• Nootropic mushroom drinks: To support concentration and mental clarity, often with lion's mane, L-theanine, or alpha-GPC.

• Mushroom coffee: A blend of caffeine and adaptogens or nootropics for a targeted boost.

• Probiotic sodas: Sparkling drinks with prebiotic fibers and live probiotic cultures, for gut health.

• Electrolyte or sports drinks: For hydration and recovery, with sodium, potassium, and magnesium.

• Energy drinks: A quick shot of energy thanks to caffeine, taurine, or guarana (with varying effects depending on the brand).

• Collagen waters: Water-based drinks containing bioactive proteins like collagen peptides, often promoted to support skin, joint, and hair health.

Why are functional drinks so popular in Canada?

Let's look at why these drinks are so successful in the country:

Convenient wellness, on the go

In fast-paced Canadian cities, convenience is key. Between commutes, busy schedules, and lack of time to cook, not everyone has the opportunity to prepare fresh meals.

Functional drinks become an easy solution: ready-to-drink, health-focused, they fit perfectly into a daily routine without effort.

According to British data from Ocado Retail, 22% of adults have replaced coffee or tea with functional drinks like matcha, herbal infusions, or mushroom drinks. Among Generation Z, this figure rises to 39%.

A similar shift is observed in Canada: these drinks adapt perfectly to a "grab-and-go" lifestyle.

Brand image and social influence

The power of marketing should not be underestimated. These drinks don't just sell a taste: they sell a lifestyle. Clean labels, minimalist design, keywords like "natural" or "pure"... Everything is designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

These messages give the impression of making a smart and healthy choice, even if you don't know exactly what's in the bottle.

A transition led by younger generations

Millennials and Generation Z are driving the functional beverage revolution in Canada. They are looking for drinks that go beyond simple thirst-quenching. In fact, about 23% of millennials and Gen Z claim to prefer functional drinks to traditional ones.

These young consumers are mindful of what they consume and what they buy. And brands have understood this well. They adapt their communication to Gen Z's values: health, transparency, and practicality.

Climate-influenced preferences

There's also an ecological aspect to this trend. More and more consumers are looking for products aligned with their environmental values.

Functional beverage brands leverage this commitment: recyclable packaging, organic ingredients, messages focused on sustainability.

What labels don't always tell you

I know, it's easy to be seduced by marketing. Bright colors, health claims, careful packaging... everything gives the impression that these drinks are a shortcut to better health.

But there's often more to discover than meets the eye:

• Hidden sugars and sweeteners: Even so-called "natural" drinks can contain a lot of sugar or discreet sweeteners that add unnecessary calories. In the long run, this can negate the benefits you're seeking.

• Vague and unregulated claims: Words like "detox," "clean," or "immune-boosting" sound good, but often lack scientific basis or clear legal definition.

• Low doses of active ingredients: The featured star ingredients (turmeric, ashwagandha, probiotics) are sometimes present in quantities too low to make a real difference. What you read in bold letters doesn't always reflect what's actually in your sip.

• Green image vs. packaging reality: Many brands highlight recyclable packaging and a sustainable commitment. However, a bottled drink still generates a carbon footprint. On a daily basis, this accumulates: plastic waste, production, transportation... The eco-friendly image doesn't always reflect the actual impact.

• Regulatory grey area: Canada doesn't even have a legal category for "functional beverages." According to Health Canada, they fall under the Food and Drugs Act, and can be classified as foods or drugs depending on their claims and format. A drink that claims to improve immunity or reduce cholesterol might even require a Drug Identification Number (DIN).

Cold pressing: a real alternative to functional drinks

Ready-to-drink functional beverages are convenient, but when I cold-press at home, I get something no bottle can offer. I know exactly what I put in it, and I trust what I get out of it.

What is cold pressing?

Cold pressing uses a slow auger or hydraulic press to extract juice without heat. This allows for better preservation of nutrients, flavor, and texture.

Without heat or oxidation, key vitamins, minerals, and enzymes remain closer to their natural state. It's a simple and effective way to get fresh nutrition with every use.

Why cold pressing is ideal for Canadian households

Cold pressing fits naturally into Canadian habits. As the seasons change, you can adapt your juices based on fresh, local, and affordable produce: carrots in the fall, citrus in the winter... It's a great way to stay healthy while reducing your reliance on imported ingredients.

And most importantly, it adapts to real life here. Brands like Hurom design cold-press juicers with quiet motors for early mornings, compact sizes suitable for condo kitchens, and easy-to-clean parts that save time after long workdays.

You get fresh juice at your own pace, without the noise, mess, or daily cost of bottled juice.

Switching to cold pressing: is it worth it?

When I started making my own juices at home, the difference was striking. It was healthier, clearer, and more aligned with what I truly needed.

If you're considering making the switch, here are a few things to consider:

Long-term cost comparison

Commercial functional drinks can quickly become expensive.

Cold pressing at home is cheaper per serving, especially if you use seasonal, locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

Over time, you save money while getting fresher, higher-quality drinks.

Health and personalization

Making your own juices means choosing exactly what goes into them. No added sugar, no artificial ingredients. You get essential nutrients, without compromise. And you can adapt your recipes to your needs: digestion, energy, immunity...

A study conducted in Turkey showed that cold press juicers produced significantly more juice (up to 92% with pineapple) than centrifugal juicers (only 47%). While antioxidant levels were comparable, cold-pressed juices offered better texture, color, and overall feel.

This means that when you press at home, you're not just getting more juice, you're also getting more out of your ingredients.

Environmental impact

Making your own juices at home means saying goodbye to single-use bottles and unnecessary packaging.

It's also a way to reduce food waste. Even the pulp can be reused: in dog food, homemade masks, compost, or cooking recipes. It's a simpler, more eco-friendly way to take care of yourself, and the planet.

Types of functional cold-pressed juices you can make at home

Making juices at home isn't just about freshness. It's also a way to create custom functional drinks, adapted to your goals: focus, digestion, immunity...

Here are some simple juice types to prepare at home, with easy-to-find ingredients and clear benefits.

Green juices

Green juices are my go-to for filling up on chlorophyll, antioxidants, and plant-based nutrients. They help me gently detoxify, stay balanced, and give me stable energy daily. It's a simple way to consume plenty of essential nutrients... in a single glass.

Common ingredients:

• Kale: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, it supports immunity and has antioxidant properties.

• Spinach: Loaded with iron and folate, it helps maintain energy levels and overall vitality.

• Cucumber: A natural hydrator, it provides electrolytes and helps with fluid balance.

• Celery: Rich in natural sodium and antioxidants, it promotes digestion and reduces inflammation.

• Parsley: Very rich in vitamin C and chlorophyll, it is often used to support the liver and natural detox.

Recipe to try: Green Power Fusion Juice

Created by Ana Machado, private chef to NFL player Nick Bosa, this recipe is full of flavor and very nutrient-dense.

Why it works: This juice is packed with antioxidants, chlorophyll, and natural electrolytes. Kale and parsley support the liver, celery and cucumber provide freshness and hydration, and lime adds a bright touch of vitamin C.
It's one of those simple and effective blends that always make me feel good.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of celery

• 2 bunches of kale

• 1 cucumber

• 2 peeled limes

• 1 apple

• ¼ cup of parsley
  
  

Preparation:

1. Rinse all ingredients well.

2. Cut larger pieces so they fit in the juicer.

3. Alternate leafy greens and juicy ingredients to optimize extraction.

4. Serve chilled, with ice cubes if you like your juices extra cold and crisp.

Tip: Want to change up your usual green juice? Try this green energy boost soy milk recipe. It's a creamy version that combines leafy greens and plant-based protein for a sustained boost.

Detox juices

I prepare these juices when I need a little digestive boost or to relieve bloating. They are rich in anti-inflammatory and purifying ingredients. Each time, I feel lighter, refreshed, and more balanced.

Common ingredients:

• Beetroot: Rich in iron and antioxidants, it promotes blood circulation and reduces inflammation.

• Lemon: Packed with vitamin C and citric acid, it stimulates digestion and supports immunity.

• Apple: Provides fiber, natural sweetness, and several useful vitamins.

• Ginger: Stimulates digestion, has anti-inflammatory effects, and a nice spicy kick.

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

Recipe to try: Lemon Detox Juice

A zesty and vibrant blend with a spicy kick. Light, refreshing, and perfect for gently waking up the taste buds and rebooting the system.

Ingredients:

• 1 pear

• 1 banana

• 2 peeled lemons
  
  

Preparation:

1. Wash the pear, remove the core and seeds.

2. Peel the banana and lemons.

3. Start by extracting half of the pear, then the banana and lemons.

4. Finish with the other half of the pear.

5. Serve and enjoy this well-deserved reset.

Tip: Do you like green juices but are looking for a detox effect? Check out these detox green juice recipes: they combine freshness and gentle cleansing, without sacrificing taste.

Immunity-boosting juices

If you need an extra boost of vitamin C and anti-inflammatory support, immunity juices do the trick perfectly. They are especially useful during flu season or when Canadian winters get harsh.

Common ingredients:

• Carrot: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, it supports immunity and eye health.

• Orange: Packed with vitamin C and natural antioxidants to boost defenses.

• Ginger: Already known for its digestive benefits, it also helps defend the body with its antimicrobial properties.

• Turmeric: Here, it is used to regulate inflammation that can weaken the immune response.

• Lemon: Beyond digestion, it provides a good shot of vitamin C to quickly stimulate immunity.

Recipe to try: Citrus Immunity Shot

This powerful and spicy blend is my secret weapon when I feel a cold coming on. It helps me curb the first symptoms and supports my body quickly.

Ingredients:

• 1 to 2 cloves of garlic

• 1 tsp fresh grated ginger

• 2 to 3 tbsp peeled lemon

• 2 to 3 tbsp peeled orange

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• ¼ tsp turmeric powder

• 1 pinch of cinnamon

• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper

Preparation:

1. Peel and prepare all ingredients.

2. Press the garlic, ginger, lemon, and orange.

3. Then incorporate the honey, turmeric, cinnamon, vinegar, and cayenne pepper.

4. Drink immediately for optimal effect.

Tip: Want an even stronger juice for the cold season? This ultra-immune system booster juice combines powerful ingredients that truly support your body when it needs it most.

Juices for peaceful digestion

I prepare these juices when I need a little digestive boost or to relieve bloating.

They are very hydrating and rich in natural fibers. The fiber helps maintain good transit, while keeping a light and pleasant texture.

Common ingredients:

• Fennel: Helps with digestion and reduces bloating.

• Pear: Natural sweetness and fiber to support digestion.

• Cucumber: Calms the gut and reduces inflammation.

• Mint: Refreshing, it soothes digestive discomfort.

• Celery: Its natural sodium helps balance fluids and transit.

• Cabbage: Contains vitamin U, known to protect the gastric mucosa.

Recipe to try: Soothing Cabbage-Carrot Juice

This colorful juice is perfect for supporting digestion in several ways. The flavors are well balanced, and the texture is light and gentle on the stomach.

Ingredients:

• ½ cabbage

• 2 medium carrots

• 2 medium beets

• 1 lemon (unpeeled, thoroughly washed)

Preparation:

1. Wash and prepare all ingredients.

2. Peel the beets.

3. Juice by alternating ingredients.

4. Mix and serve immediately.

Natural Energy Juices

I opt for these juices when I need a boost without resorting to caffeinated energy drinks. Perfect before a workout or to get through the afternoon without a slump.

Common ingredients:

• Beetroot: Already present in detox juices, it is also an excellent energy booster thanks to nitrates that promote endurance.

• Orange: Vitamin C and natural sugars for recharging without excess.

• Lemon: Hydrates and serves as a light base for energizing juices.

• Grapefruit: Tart, hydrating, and rich in antioxidants.

• Matcha (infused): Low in caffeine but rich in L-theanine for balanced concentration.

• Mint: Fresh and stimulating touch that awakens without over-exciting.

Recipe to try: Energizing Pomegranate-Citrus Juice

For constant energy without a crash, this juice does the trick perfectly. Light, refreshing, and perfect for staying focused without jitters.

Ingredients:

• ½ pomegranate (seeds only)

• 1 orange (peeled)

• ½ cup pineapple (peeled and chopped)

Preparation:

1. Separate pomegranate seeds.

2. Peel and chop the orange and pineapple.

3. Juice all ingredients and mix well.

4. Serve chilled, with ice cubes for an extra refreshing version.

Tip: Need more ideas to boost your mornings? These energizing juice recipes are ideal for starting the day with energy, focus, and good mood.

A better way to drink for your health

I don't see functional beverages as the enemy. But let's be honest: not all of them deliver on their promises. Many hide added sugars, vague claims, or minuscule amounts of active ingredients.

Conversely, a cold-pressed juice made at home gives you total control. It's fresh, customizable, and focused on what your body truly needs.

Using a Hurom juicer makes it easy to adopt this habit. Our innovative slow pressing technology helps preserve nutrients, flavor, and texture, so every glass offers more than just taste. And thanks to our Easy Clean design, cleaning takes minutes, not your whole evening.

If you're thinking of integrating juices into your daily routine, check out the Hurom catalog and find a model suited to your space. A small change can transform your well-being, day after day.

FAQs

What is a functional beverage?

It's a drink that goes beyond classic hydration. Many are designed to support digestion, improve energy, boost immunity, or promote mental balance. These effects come from added ingredients like probiotics, adaptogens, or vitamins.

What can be found in a functional beverage?

It often contains elements such as adaptogens (ashwagandha, maca), nootropic mushrooms (like lion's mane), probiotics, collagen, caffeine, herbal infusions, vitamins, and minerals. Each ingredient is chosen for a specific purpose, whether it's digestion, energy, or immune support.

Are functional beverages effective?

Some are, but it all depends on what you drink. Natural options made from whole ingredients can have real benefits. Industrial versions are more variable: some contain effective doses, but others rely mostly on marketing, with few active ingredients, vague claims, or added sugars that cancel out the benefits.

How do cold-pressed juices compare to commercial functional beverages?

When you prepare a cold-pressed juice at home, you know exactly what's in it: fresh fruits and vegetables, without hidden sugars or preservatives. Ready-to-drink beverages are convenient, but often sacrifice freshness for a longer shelf life. Some rely more on their image than on actual quality.

Can I make functional beverages at home without additives?

Absolutely. Cold pressing at home is one of the simplest ways to stay natural. You control the ingredients, avoid processed products, and create blends tailored to your needs: energy, digestion, or immune support.

What are good ingredients for functional juices in Canada?

You have excellent options year-round. Try kale, spinach, carrots, apples, beets, ginger, turmeric, citrus fruits, cucumbers, or berries. These foods are rich in nutrients, easy to find, and perfect for juices that support energy, digestion, or immunity.