Functional drinks are gaining popularity in the U.K., but experts question their benefits. Sales of these “healthy” beverages infused with ingredients like CBD, ashwagandha, and lion’s mane have surged, with nearly 30% of households now buying them and the market valued at £178M. Consumers see them as an easy way to boost wellbeing, and even celebrities like Jonny Wilkinson, a former English rugby player, have launched their own brands. But dietitians warn the science behind their claimed benefits often lags behind the marketing, with most studies small or inconclusive. While generally safe for healthy adults, experts advise caution around added sugars, caffeine, and herbal interactions for teens, stressing that these drinks may offer little more than a wellness trend wrapped in slick branding. (The Times)
👀 Read more from YPulse: European Gen Z’s Favorite Drinks Are Energy Drinks
