The Biggest Drink Trends Taking Over Google in 2026: Matcha, Dirty Soda, prebiotic soda, functional beverages, mocktails
- Sue Powell-Reed
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Biggest Drink Trends of 2026: Matcha, Dirty Soda, prebiotic soda, functional beverages, mocktails
Discover the hottest beverage industry trends exploding on Google right now, including matcha lattes, dirty soda, prebiotic drinks, mocktails, and functional beverages. Learn why they’re trending and what consumers are searching for.
The Biggest Drink Trends Taking Over Google Right Now Matcha, Dirty Soda, prebiotic soda, functional beverages, mocktails
The drinks industry is changing faster than ever with the rise of Matcha, Dirty Soda, prebiotic soda, functional beverages, mocktails.
In 2026, consumer behavior is being driven by TikTok trends, wellness culture, social media aesthetics, functional ingredients, and “better-for-you” alternatives. Millions of people are searching Google every month for drinks that boost energy, improve gut health, reduce stress, or simply look amazing online.
Right now, three beverage trends are dominating Google searches worldwide Matcha, Dirty Soda, prebiotic soda, functional beverages, mocktails.
Matcha drinks
Dirty soda
Functional beverages
At the same time, alcohol-free cocktails, prebiotic sodas, and ready-to-drink cocktails are exploding in popularity.
This guide breaks down:
What these drink trends actually are
Why they’re going viral
The most searched drink questions online
What consumers really want
Which beverage trends are likely to dominate the next 5 years
If you work in food, beverage, hospitality, eCommerce, or content marketing, these are the trends you need to know.
Matcha Is Officially the Biggest Drink Trend in the World
Why Is Matcha Trending So Hard? Matcha, Dirty Soda, prebiotic soda, functional beverages, mocktails.
Matcha has gone from a niche Japanese tea product to one of the most searched drinks on Google.
Searches for:
“matcha latte”
“iced strawberry matcha”
“matcha near me”
“ceremonial grade matcha”
“best matcha powder”
have skyrocketed.
Consumers love matcha because it combines:
caffeine
wellness
aesthetics
antioxidants
calm energy
social media appeal
Unlike coffee, matcha delivers a smoother energy boost without the intense crash.
That alone has made it incredibly popular with Gen Z and millennials.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies.
Unlike regular green tea, you consume the entire tea leaf, giving matcha a much higher concentration of:
antioxidants
chlorophyll
L-theanine
caffeine
This combination creates what many consumers call “calm focus.”
Why Are Matcha Lattes So Popular?
People are searching for alternatives to coffee.
Coffee culture is still huge, but consumers increasingly want:
less anxiety
less caffeine crash
more wellness-focused drinks
visually aesthetic beverages
functional ingredients
Matcha fits all of those categories.
It also photographs extremely well on TikTok and Instagram.
That matters more than most businesses realize.
Most Viral Matcha Drinks Right Now
Strawberry Matcha Latte
A layered iced drink combining strawberry puree, milk, and matcha.
Coconut Matcha
A tropical version using coconut milk.
Banana Matcha Latte
A sweeter smoothie-style variation.
Protein Matcha
Fitness creators are adding protein powder into iced matcha drinks.
Ceremonial Matcha Rituals
Consumers are increasingly searching for premium “ceremonial grade” matcha experiences.
Is Matcha Healthier Than Coffee?
This is one of the biggest searched questions online.
The answer depends on the person.
Many people find matcha provides:
steadier energy
fewer jitters
less anxiety
better focus
reduced caffeine crash
Matcha also contains antioxidants called catechins.
However, coffee also has health benefits.
The real reason matcha is exploding is because consumers perceive it as a cleaner, more balanced energy source.
Dirty Soda Is One of the Fastest Growing Drink Trends
What Is Dirty Soda?
Dirty soda is soda mixed with:
cream
flavoured syrups
fruit purees
coconut cream
lime
sweeteners
It started gaining traction in Utah before exploding on TikTok.
Now major brands are trying to capitalise on the trend.
Why Is Dirty Soda Trending?
Dirty soda combines:
nostalgia
customisation
visual appeal
dessert-style indulgence
social media share ability
Consumers increasingly want “experience drinks” rather than ordinary beverages.
Dirty soda feels customisable, fun, and highly photogenic.
Most Popular Dirty Soda Flavours
Coconut Cream Cola
One of the original viral dirty soda combinations.
Cherry Vanilla Soda
Classic retro diner vibes.
Lime Cream Soda
A citrus-heavy version popular on TikTok.
Dr Pepper Dirty Soda
One of the most searched versions online.
Tropical Dirty Soda
Usually includes pineapple, coconut, or mango flavours.
Is Dirty Soda Healthy?
This is another heavily searched question.
Generally, dirty soda is considered more of an indulgence drink.
However, some brands are now creating:
low sugar versions
probiotic versions
prebiotic dirty soda
functional soda blends
That crossover between indulgence and wellness is becoming a massive trend.
Functional Beverages Are Exploding Worldwide
What Are Functional Drinks?
Functional beverages are drinks designed to provide benefits beyond hydration.
They often include ingredients linked to:
gut health
focus
relaxation
energy
immunity
sleep
hydration
This category is becoming one of the largest growth sectors in the beverage industry.
Why Are Functional Drinks So Popular?
Consumers increasingly want products that feel productive.
People no longer just want drinks that taste good.
They want drinks that:
improve performance
support health goals
reduce stress
replace supplements
fit wellness lifestyles
This shift has completely transformed the beverage market.
Most Popular Functional Beverage Ingredients
Adaptogens
Ingredients associated with stress management.
Probiotics
Live bacteria intended to support gut health.
Prebiotics
Fiber compounds that support healthy gut bacteria.
Electrolytes
Popular in hydration-focused beverages.
Nootropics
Ingredients marketed for focus and cognitive performance.
Collagen
Frequently added to beauty-focused beverages.
Prebiotic Soda Is Becoming Mainstream
What Is Prebiotic Soda?
Prebiotic soda is marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional soda.
These drinks often contain:
fiber
lower sugar
gut-health-focused ingredients
natural flavouring
Brands in this category have exploded across social media.
Why Are People Switching to Prebiotic Soda?
Consumers want:
healthier soda
less sugar
gut health support
better ingredients
trendy alternatives to energy drinks
Prebiotic soda brands are also extremely good at social media marketing.
The branding is colourful, modern, wellness-focused, and highly shareable online.
Does Prebiotic Soda Actually Help Gut Health?
Consumers search this constantly.
Prebiotic fiber may support healthy gut bacteria.
However, many nutrition experts suggest consumers should still prioritize:
whole foods
vegetables
fiber-rich diets
hydration
The reason prebiotic soda is succeeding is because it feels like a “better choice” compared to traditional soda.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Mocktails Are Surging
Why Is the Sober Curious Movement Growing?
More consumers are reducing alcohol consumption.
Younger demographics especially are increasingly focused on:
wellness
sleep quality
mental clarity
fitness
productivity
As a result, mocktails and alcohol-free drinks are booming.
Most Popular Non-Alcoholic Drink Trends
Botanical Mocktails
Drinks featuring herbs, floral flavours, and natural ingredients.
Functional Mocktails
Alcohol-free drinks with adaptogens or calming ingredients.
Zero-Proof Cocktails
Cocktails designed to replicate classic alcoholic drinks.
Sparkling Wellness Drinks
Lightly carbonated drinks focused on relaxation and hydration.
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails Continue to Grow
What Are RTD Cocktails?
RTD stands for “ready-to-drink.”
These are canned or bottled cocktails consumers can drink immediately.
Popular options include:
margaritas
espresso martinis
tequila cocktails
canned mojitos
vodka sodas
Why Are RTD Cocktails So Popular?
Consumers prioritise convenience.
RTD cocktails offer:
portability
consistency
convenience
social sharing
premium branding
The category is especially strong among younger consumers.
Most Searched Drink Questions on Google Right Now
What Is the Healthiest Trending Drink?
Many consumers currently view matcha and functional beverages as healthier choices.
However, “healthy” depends on ingredients, sugar levels, and overall diet.
Why Are Functional Drinks So Expensive?
Functional drinks often include premium ingredients like:
adaptogens
collagen
probiotics
nootropics
botanical extracts
Consumers are paying for both ingredients and branding.
What Drink Trend Is Growing the Fastest?
Right now, matcha appears to be the strongest internet-native beverage trend globally.
Prebiotic soda and functional beverages are close behind.
Are Energy Drinks Losing Popularity?
Traditional energy drinks remain massive.
However, many consumers are shifting toward:
cleaner caffeine
matcha
hydration drinks
wellness beverages
nootropic drinks
This is reshaping the entire energy category.
Why Are Drinks Going Viral on TikTok?
TikTok has completely transformed the beverage industry.
Drinks now succeed based on:
visual appearance
customisation
novelty
aesthetics
emotional branding
health positioning
A drink that looks amazing online can generate millions of searches almost overnight.
The Future of Beverage Trends
The future of drinks is moving toward:
wellness
personalisation
functional ingredients
social media aesthetics
low sugar alternatives
premium experiences
convenience
Consumers increasingly want beverages that fit both their lifestyle and identity.
That’s why categories like matcha, dirty soda, functional drinks, and mocktails are exploding.
The beverage industry is no longer just about taste.
It’s about:
mood
wellness
identity
community
aesthetics
experience
Brands that understand this shift are likely to dominate the next decade.
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