CBD, Kombucha &Collagen Waters? The 2025 Upgrade in Health Drinks is Finally Here

Walk down any wellness aisle in the UK and you'll see it: row after row of drinks promising calm, beauty, gut health, energy, immunity and everything in between. Over the past few years, health drinks have exploded - CBD, kombucha, collagen waters, vitamin sodas, “clean” energy, prebiotic tonics. It feels like every month there’s a new trend.

But as consumers, we’ve evolved. Yet are left somewhat confused

We no longer just want a drink that sounds healthy.
We want one that works.
We want ingredients we can trust, benefits we can feel and brands that align with our values.

So I looked at the most popular health drink trends in the UK and discovered something surprising.

Most of them only do one thing well. The future of health drinks isn’t another fad. It’s multi-functional, science-led, beautiful wellness in a can.

Let’s explore...

What Should a Health Drink Actually Do?

A truly modern health drink should be:

• Functional - real ingredients with proven benefits
• Multi-dimensional - beauty, energy, calm, immunity… not just one
• Low sugar / low calorie - without tasting like punishment
• Clean and honest - no artificial nonsense
• Science-backed - not just trendy buzzwords
• Enjoyable enough to drink daily
• Aligned with your values - ethical, sustainable, transparent

Once you apply that standard… the current market starts to look very different.

The Biggest Health Drink Trends in the UK (and Where They Fall Short)

1. CBD Drinks 

Why we love them:
They look chic, promise calm, and made wellness social-media friendly.

But here’s the catch:
Most contain 2.5–15mg CBD - often too low to have a noticeable effect.
No vitamins, no adaptogens, no nourishment. Just “calm” as a vibe.

CBD opened the door… but it didn’t finish the job.

2. Kombucha 

Why it had a moment:
Gut health became huge, and mainstream. Fermentation = natural wellness.

Reality:

• Can be high in sugar
• Taste is polarising
• Supports digestion, but not much else
• Limited innovation

Great for the microbiome… but not a full-body solution.

3. Prebiotic Sodas & Flavoured Waters

Why people buy them:
Bloating relief, hydration, Instagram-friendly branding.

The compromise:

• Can be heavy on sweeteners
• Light on genuine function
• Often more “healthy-ish soda” than true wellness

Better than cola—but still one-dimensional.

4. “Healthier” Energy Drinks

The good:
Green tea caffeine, natural energy, cleaner than Monster or Red Bull.

The limitation:

• Still only about energy
• Little support for stress, hormones or recovery
• Stimulant without nourishment

You feel awake—but not necessarily well.

5. Collagen & Beauty Waters 

Why they sell:
The rise of “beauty from within.” Collagen feels luxurious, and it is a great way to boost the outer glow

Why they might disappoint:

• Many collagen drinks contain too little to work
• Collagen needs Vitamin C to even be absorbed—but many don’t include it
• Usually not vegan
• One benefit, no synergy

Beauty deserves more than one ingredient.

The Problem? Most Health Drinks Are One-Trick Products.

Relax or energy.
Gut health or beauty.
Collagen or calm.

But real wellbeing isn’t single-function. Your body, your mood, your skin, your focus -they’re all connected. Wellness is holistic.

Health drinks haven’t caught up… Until now.

The 2025 Upgrade: Health Drinks That Actually Do It All

The next era of functional drinks is:

1. Multi-benefit
2. Clinically-backed
3. Adaptogenic + Nootropic + Vitamin synergy
4. Low sugar
5. Luxury Adult taste
6. Beautiful design
7. Sustainable and ethical

It’s not about chasing the next trend.It’s about evolving the category.

And that’s exactly why I created Catalyse Life Drinks.

Catalyse Life Drinks: A Better Choice – For Mind, Body & Planet

While most drinks focus on one benefit, Catalyse delivers four core pillars of wellbeing - each with a targeted, sophisticated blend.

MIZU – BEAUTY

For skin, hair and glow

A luxury beauty supplement, disguised as sparkling water.

MAYI – ENERGY

For clean, steady energy—not jitters

A functional energy drink your nervous system actually likes.

CORAL – IMMUNITY

Daily protection with clinical ingredients

Immunity meets gut health in one refreshing sip.

---

ACQUA – CALM

Evening wind-down without drowsiness

A relaxation ritual that actually does something.

Comparison: How Catalyse Stands Apart

 

Catalyse isn’t another trend.It’s the evolution of all of them

Which Health Drink Is Best For You?

• Want glowing skin? → MIZU

• Need long-lasting energy? → MAYI

• Support your immune system? → CORAL

• Find calm in the chaos? → ACQUA

• Want to try them all? → The Sampler Pack (best seller)

FAQs

Are health drinks actually good for you?
Some are—but many rely on marketing over substance. Look for evidence-backed ingredients, low sugar, and real functional doses.

Is CBD still the best calming drink?
CBD can help some people, but many CBD drinks are underdosed. Adaptogens like ashwagandha, L-theanine and valerian often offer deeper support.

What is the healthiest drink in the UK right now?
The healthiest drinks are low sugar, functional, and multi-benefit. Catalyse is one of the few that combines vitamins, adaptogens and clinical ingredients in one range.

Can I drink a functional health drink every day?
Yes -Catalyse is designed for daily wellbeing, just like a skincare routine or supplement ritual.

The Future of Health Drinks is Here

Health drinks shouldn’t just be “better than soda.”
They should enhance your mind, support your body and respect the planet.

Find out more about our work with Surfers Against Sewage Here

That’s why I created Catalyse Life Drinks.

Luxury wellness powered by clinical science. A Better Choice – For Mind, Body & Planet.

Explore the range
Or start with the Sampler Pack

The next generation of functional drinks has arrived. And it tastes as good as it makes you feel

Until next time!

Eirian