Top 20 Beverage Startups

The beverage industry is bubbling with innovation, driven by startups that blend sustainability, health, and bold flavors to meet evolving consumer demands. From functional drinks to eco-conscious packaging, these 20 companies are setting trends and disrupting traditional markets. Below, we explore each startup’s vision, products, and unique edge, offering a window into the future of beverages.

1. Liquid Death

• Founders: Mike Cesario
• Founded Year: 2019
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA, USA
• Product Categories: Canned Water, Sparkling Water, Iced Tea
• Company Description: Liquid Death has taken the beverage world by storm with its irreverent branding and premium canned water. Targeting eco-conscious Gen Z and Millennials, the company markets its alkaline mountain water with a heavy metal aesthetic, using slogans like “Murder Your Thirst.” Beyond water, it offers flavored sparkling waters and iced teas. By packaging in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans, Liquid Death champions sustainability while appealing to a youthful, rebellious demographic. Its rapid growth and retail presence in major chains like Whole Foods underscore its disruptive potential in the hydration market.
• Key Features:
  • Infinitely recyclable aluminum cans reduce plastic waste.
  • Premium alkaline mountain water sourced sustainably.
  • Bold, edgy branding with heavy metal-inspired logos.
  • Expanded portfolio includes sparkling water and iced teas.
  • Targets younger, environmentally conscious consumers.

2. NotCo

• Founders: Matias Muchnick, Pablo Zamora, Karim Pichara
• Founded Year: 2015
• Headquarters: Santiago, Chile
• Product Categories: Plant-Based Milk, Dairy-Free Beverages
• Company Description: NotCo leverages its proprietary AI, Giuseppe, to craft plant-based beverages that mimic dairy’s taste and texture. Focused on sustainability, the company produces milk alternatives like NotMilk, made from ingredients such as pea protein and pineapple juice. NotCo’s mission is to reduce the environmental impact of food production while delivering indulgent flavors. With a global presence and partnerships with major retailers, NotCo is a leader in the plant-based revolution, appealing to flexitarians and vegans alike. Its innovative approach has attracted significant investment from players like Jeff Bezos.
• Key Features:
  • AI-driven formulation for dairy-like taste and texture.
  • Sustainable ingredients like pea protein and cabbage juice.
  • Low environmental footprint compared to traditional dairy.
  • Wide range of milk alternatives for various dietary needs.
  • Global distribution in major retail chains.

3. Bevi

• Founders: Sean Grundy, Eliza Becton, Frank Lee
• Founded Year: 2013
• Headquarters: Boston, MA, USA
• Product Categories: Smart Water Dispensers, Flavored Water
• Company Description: Bevi is transforming office hydration with its bottleless water dispensers that serve customizable sparkling and still water. Using a smartphone app, users can select flavors and carbonation levels, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles. Bevi’s IoT-enabled machines monitor flavor supplies and alert managers to maintenance needs, ensuring seamless operation. The startup’s focus on eco-friendly hydration has made it a favorite in corporate settings, with clients like Google and Microsoft. Bevi’s blend of technology and sustainability positions it as a pioneer in workplace beverage solutions.
• Key Features:
  • Touchless dispensing via smartphone app.
  • Customizable flavors and carbonation levels.
  • IoT monitoring for real-time maintenance alerts.
  • Reduces single-use plastic bottle waste.
  • Commercial-grade dispensers for offices and public spaces.

4. Remedy Organics

• Founders: Cindy Kasindorf
• Founded Year: 2018
• Headquarters: Carlstadt, NJ, USA
• Product Categories: Plant-Based Juices, Smoothies, Wellness Shots
• Company Description: Remedy Organics crafts nutrient-dense, plant-based beverages packed with superfoods like cocoa, MCT oil, and adaptogens. Its sleek packaging and focus on functional ingredients appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking convenient wellness solutions. Recognized by PepsiCo as a top innovator, Remedy offers juices, smoothies, and shots designed to boost immunity and energy. The direct-to-consumer model, combined with retail partnerships, has fueled its growth. Remedy’s commitment to organic, clean-label products positions it as a standout in the functional beverage space.
• Key Features:
  • Organic, plant-based ingredients with no added sugars.
  • Functional blends with adaptogens and superfoods.
  • Sleek, consumer-friendly packaging.
  • Direct-to-consumer and retail distribution.
  • Focus on immunity and energy-boosting formulations.

5. Dash Water

• Founders: Alex Wright, Jack Scott
• Founded Year: 2017
• Headquarters: London, UK
• Product Categories: Sparkling Water, Infused Beverages
• Company Description: Dash Water tackles food waste by infusing sparkling water with “wonky” fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded. Its closed-loop production system minimizes environmental impact, making it a darling of sustainability advocates. Flavors like cucumber and lemongrass appeal to health-conscious sippers seeking low-calorie, natural drinks. Dash’s transparent sourcing and eco-friendly ethos have earned it a loyal following in the UK and beyond. With innovative packaging and a mission-driven approach, Dash is redefining sparkling water for the conscious consumer.
• Key Features:
  • Uses “wonky” produce to reduce agricultural waste.
  • Zero-calorie, naturally infused sparkling water.
  • Eco-friendly, closed-loop production process.
  • Transparent sourcing from local farms.
  • Available in unique flavor profiles like blackcurrant.

6. Tost Beverages

• Founded Year: 2018
• Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
• Product Categories: Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Beverages
• Company Description: Tost Beverages offers dry, non-alcoholic sparkling drinks crafted with natural ingredients like white tea and ginger. Designed for sophisticated palates, Tost’s low-calorie beverages provide a refreshing alternative to sugary sodas or alcohol. Sold through e-commerce and select retailers, Tost caters to consumers seeking elegant, health-conscious options for social occasions. Its focus on clean-label ingredients and crisp, dry flavors has carved a niche in the growing non-alcoholic beverage market, making it a go-to for mindful drinkers.
• Key Features:
  • Dry, non-alcoholic sparkling beverages.
  • Natural ingredients like white tea and cranberry.
  • Low-calorie and no artificial sweeteners.
  • Elegant packaging for social settings.
  • E-commerce-driven distribution model.

7. Recess

• Founders: Benjamin Witte
• Founded Year: 2018
• Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
• Product Categories: Sparkling Water, Drink Powders
• Company Description: Recess is a wellness brand infusing sparkling water with hemp extract and adaptogens to promote calm and clarity. Its vibrant cans and drink powders target stressed-out urbanites seeking functional beverages. Recess’s direct-to-consumer model and striking branding have made it a favorite among Millennials and Gen Z. Available in flavors like peach ginger, Recess combines mental health advocacy with innovative formulations, positioning itself as a leader in the mood-enhancing beverage trend.
• Key Features:
  • Infused with hemp extract and adaptogens.
  • Promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
  • Vibrant, Instagram-friendly packaging.
  • Offers drink powders for on-the-go convenience.
  • Direct-to-consumer and retail availability.

8. Leilo

• Founders: Unknown
• Founded Year: 2019
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA, USA
• Product Categories: Kava-Based Beverages
• Company Description: Leilo harnesses the calming properties of kava, a traditional Pacific Island root, to create non-alcoholic drinks that soothe without sedation. Targeting health-conscious consumers and athletes, Leilo’s beverages offer a natural alternative to alcohol and energy drinks. Available in flavors like mango, Leilo has partnered with sports leagues and grocers, expanding its reach. Its focus on clean ingredients and stress relief taps into the growing demand for functional, plant-based drinks, making it a rising star in the wellness beverage space.
• Key Features:
  • Kava-based drinks for natural relaxation.
  • No artificial flavors or sweeteners.
  • Appeals to athletes and wellness enthusiasts.
  • Available online and through major retailers.
  • Unique tropical flavor profiles.

9. Good Idea Drinks

• Founders: Björn Öste
• Founded Year: 2017
• Headquarters: San Francisco, CA, USA
• Product Categories: Functional Sparkling Water
• Company Description: Good Idea Drinks, founded by Oatly co-founder Björn Öste, offers sparkling water infused with amino acids and chromium to stabilize blood sugar post-meal. Clinically proven, its functional beverages cater to health-conscious consumers seeking metabolic support. With a sleek design and natural flavors, Good Idea is gaining traction in retail and online channels. Öste’s decades of industry experience fuel the brand’s mission to innovate with science-backed hydration, positioning it as a trailblazer in functional beverages.
• Key Features:
  • Clinically proven to balance blood sugar.
  • Infused with five amino acids and chromium.
  • Zero sugar and natural flavors.
  • Sleek, modern packaging for retail appeal.
  • Backed by experienced industry veteran.

10. BeatBox Beverages

• Founders: Justin Fenchel, Aimy Steadman, Brad Schultz
• Founded Year: 2013
• Headquarters: Austin, TX, USA
• Product Categories: Alcoholic Punch, Hard Tea
• Company Description: BeatBox Beverages burst onto the scene with its high-energy, party-ready alcoholic punches in eco-friendly Tetra Pak cartons. After a $1 million Shark Tank investment from Mark Cuban, BeatBox scaled rapidly, reaching $2.4 million in sales by 2018. Its bold flavors like Blue Razzberry and low-sugar options appeal to young adults. Navigating the regulated alcohol industry, BeatBox’s innovative packaging and vibrant branding have made it a staple at festivals and retailers nationwide.
• Key Features:
  • High-alcohol (11.1% ABV) punch in Tetra Pak cartons.
  • Eco-friendly, recyclable packaging.
  • Vibrant, festival-friendly branding.
  • Low-sugar and hard tea options.
  • Nationwide retail presence in over 5,000 stores.

11. Evora Greens

• Founders: Unknown
• Founded Year: 2020
• Headquarters: Mumbai, India
• Product Categories: Functional Coffee
• Company Description: Evora Greens reimagines coffee as a wellness beverage by blending premium Arabica and Robusta beans with Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and turmeric. Targeting India’s health-conscious urbanites, its clean-label, functional coffee supports immunity and mental clarity. Evora’s easy-dip coffee bags offer convenience without sacrificing quality, bridging the gap between generic instant coffee and expensive café brews. With a focus on modern formats and sustainable sourcing, Evora is carving a niche in India’s competitive beverage market.
• Key Features:
  • Infused with Ayurvedic herbs for wellness.
  • Easy-dip coffee bags for convenience.
  • Clean-label with no artificial additives.
  • Supports immunity and mental clarity.
  • Locally sourced premium coffee beans.

12. Lahori

• Founders: Saurabh Munjal, Nikhil Doda, Saurabh Bhutna
• Founded Year: 2019
• Headquarters: Gurugram, India
• Product Categories: Ethnic Beverages
• Company Description: Lahori celebrates India’s culinary heritage with ready-to-drink ethnic beverages like Jeera and Shikanji. Aiming to disrupt the underserved desi drinks market, Lahori uses natural ingredients to deliver authentic flavors that resonate with urban and rural consumers. Backed by $15 million from Verlinvest, the startup is expanding its portfolio and distribution. Lahori’s vibrant branding and cultural connection make it a standout in India’s beverage scene, blending nostalgia with modern convenience.
• Key Features:
  • Authentic Indian flavors like Kacha Aam and Nimboo.
  • Natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives.
  • Targets both urban and rural markets.
  • Scalable ready-to-drink format.
  • Strong investor backing for expansion.

13. Raskik

• Founders: Abhay Parnerkar, Vikas Chawla, Satyajit Ram
• Founded Year: 2019
• Headquarters: Gurugram, India
• Product Categories: Fruit Juice Fusions, Coconut Water
• Company Description: Raskik crafts millennial-centric, natural fusion beverages that blend fruit juices with coconut water for a refreshing, healthy sip. Available in Delhi-NCR through e-grocers like Bigbasket, Raskik’s affordable pricing and vibrant branding appeal to young urbanites. With $14 crore raised in 2021, the startup is expanding its footprint and product line. Raskik’s focus on clean, great-tasting drinks positions it as a rising player in India’s competitive non-alcoholic beverage market.
• Key Features:
  • Natural fruit juice and coconut water fusions.
  • Affordable pricing for mainstream appeal.
  • Vibrant, millennial-focused branding.
  • Available through e-commerce and local chains.
  • Expanding portfolio with new variants.

14. The Rockclimber

• Founders: Hariprasad Shetty, Deepak Poduval
• Founded Year: 2019
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, India
• Product Categories: Mixers, Wine Coolers
• Company Description: The Rockclimber offers a dynamic portfolio of crafted mixers, wine coolers, and non-alcoholic beverages, targeting India’s evolving drinking culture. Sourcing fruits directly from farmers, its vinified drinks are available in states like Goa and Maharashtra. With $1 million raised in 2021, the startup aims to disrupt the bottled wine and beer market with fresh, locally inspired flavors. The Rockclimber’s innovative approach and farmer-centric model make it a promising contender in India’s beverage industry.
• Key Features:
  • Locally sourced, vinified fruit beverages.
  • Portfolio includes mixers and wine coolers.
  • Farmer-direct sourcing for authenticity.
  • Targets India’s growing cocktail culture.
  • Expanding to international markets.

15. Jimmy’s Cocktails

• Founders: Ankur Bhatia, Nitin Bhardwaj
• Founded Year: 2019
• Headquarters: Gurugram, India
• Product Categories: Non-Alcoholic Mixers
• Company Description: Jimmy’s Cocktails crafts low-calorie, non-alcoholic mixers in flavors like mojito and cosmopolitan, catering to India’s burgeoning cocktail scene. Designed for home mixologists, its products are available nationwide through e-commerce and retail. With a focus on natural ingredients and bold flavors, Jimmy’s has tapped into the demand for premium, convenient drink options. The startup’s sleek packaging and innovative recipes have made it a favorite among urban consumers seeking sophisticated non-alcoholic experiences.
• Key Features:
  • Low-calorie, non-alcoholic cocktail mixers.
  • Natural ingredients with bold flavors.
  • Sleek packaging for home bartending.
  • Nationwide availability through e-commerce.
  • Appeals to urban, cocktail-savvy consumers.

16. Endless West

• Founders: Alec Lee, Mardonn Chua
• Founded Year: 2016
• Headquarters: San Francisco, CA, USA
• Product Categories: Molecular Spirits
• Company Description: Endless West pioneers molecular science to create spirits like Glyph, a whiskey alternative made without barrel aging. By extracting flavor molecules from natural sources, it reduces environmental impact, using less wood and water. The startup’s innovative approach delivers high-quality spirits with a lower carbon footprint, appealing to eco-conscious drinkers. With $95 million in funding, Endless West is redefining the spirits industry, blending technology with craftsmanship.
• Key Features:
  • Molecular spirits with no barrel aging.
  • Reduced environmental impact in production.
  • High-quality, sustainable whiskey alternatives.
  • Backed by significant venture funding.
  • Appeals to eco-conscious spirit enthusiasts.

17. Koia

• Founders: Dustin Baker, Maya French
• Founded Year: 2016
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA, USA
• Product Categories: Plant-Based Protein Drinks
• Company Description: Koia offers ready-to-drink, plant-based protein beverages that balance taste and nutrition. Using high-quality ingredients like almond milk and pea protein, Koia’s low-sugar drinks cater to fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. Available in flavors like vanilla bean, Koia is sold in major retailers like Whole Foods. Its focus on convenience, sustainability, and clean nutrition has driven its popularity, making it a leader in the plant-based beverage market.
• Key Features:
  • Plant-based protein drinks with low sugar.
  • High-quality ingredients like almond milk.
  • Ready-to-drink for on-the-go convenience.
  • Available in major U.S. retailers.
  • Appeals to fitness and wellness markets.

18. PlantBaby

• Founded Year: 2020
• Headquarters: San Francisco, CA, USA
• Product Categories: Plant-Based Milk
• Company Description: PlantBaby’s Kiki Milk is a pediatrician-approved, organic plant-based milk packed with superfoods like oats and hemp seeds. Designed for kids and adults, it offers a nutritious, dairy-free alternative with no artificial additives. The startup’s planet-forward ethos and focus on clean ingredients resonate with eco-conscious families. PlantBaby’s innovative formulations and sustainable packaging are driving its growth in the competitive plant-based milk market.
• Key Features:
  • Organic, superfood-packed plant-based milk.
  • Pediatrician-approved for kids and adults.
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives.
  • Sustainable, eco-friendly packaging.
  • Targets health-conscious families.

19. Buoy

• Founded Year: 2019
• Headquarters: San Diego, CA, USA
• Product Categories: Hydration Supplements
• Company Description: Buoy creates flavorless hydration supplements that enhance any beverage with electrolytes and micronutrients. Its liquid concentrate can be added to water, coffee, or cocktails, boosting immunity and hydration without altering taste. Buoy’s science-backed formulation targets health-conscious consumers seeking versatile wellness solutions. With a direct-to-consumer model and retail partnerships, Buoy is gaining traction in the functional beverage space, offering a seamless way to elevate everyday drinks.
• Key Features:
  • Flavorless hydration concentrate for any drink.
  • Packed with electrolytes and micronutrients.
  • Boosts immunity and hydration.
  • Direct-to-consumer and retail distribution.
  • Science-backed, versatile formulation.

20. Funk

• Founded Year: 2020
• Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
• Product Categories: Functional Sports Drinks
• Company Description: Funk produces functional beverages rich in amino acids, B vitamins, and natural caffeine from guarana, targeting athletes and health enthusiasts. Its sugar-free, GMO-free drinks support muscle regeneration and energy without artificial sweeteners. Funk’s sleek bottles and science-backed formulations appeal to calorie-conscious consumers across Europe. By combining natural ingredients with performance-driven benefits, Funk is carving a niche in the competitive sports nutrition market.
• Key Features:
  • Sugar-free, GMO-free functional drinks.
  • Rich in amino acids and B vitamins.
  • Natural caffeine from guarana for energy.
  • Supports muscle regeneration for athletes.
  • Sleek, modern packaging for retail appeal.

Conclusion

These 20 beverage startups are not just quenching thirst, they’re reshaping the industry with innovation, sustainability, and consumer-centric products. From AI-driven plant-based milks to kava-infused relaxation drinks, they reflect a shift toward health, eco-consciousness, and bold branding. For investors, entrepreneurs, and consumers, these companies offer a glimpse into the future of beverages, where taste meets purpose. Keep an eye on these trailblazers as they continue to disrupt and delight in 2025 and beyond.