January 24, 2026
The global functional beverage industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the years, fueled by increasing consumer awareness of diet-related chronic diseases and a growing interest in natural, plant-based, health-promoting alternatives to caffeinated beverages. Functional beverages, such as kombucha, probiotic beverages, fortified fruit juices, plant-based milks, and herbal teas, have become popular as consumers are seeking beverages that offer both nutritional and functional benefits. Coffee and tea are the most widely consumed beverages. However, they both contain caffeine, which, when consumed in excess, can pose negative health risks such as cardiovascular, behavioral, and bone health effects. This has created a gap and, therefore, a need to develop non-caffeinated alternatives that can also provide additional health benefits to consumers. Among emerging options, lemongrass and chicory beverages have gained popularity because of their rich phytochemical profiles and therapeutic effects. Previous studies have shown that chicory and lemongrass confer health benefits to consumers, such as anti-inflammatory properties and anti-cancer potential but they have not been fully exploited, particularly in the development of a functional beverage. Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Chicory, which is caffeine-free has been used for a long time for nutritional purposes. For example, its roots contain inulin, a prebiotic fiber, that improves gut composition, supports bowel health, as well as high dietary fiber, which exhibits hypoglycemic properties.
