
Green and clean flavours
An array of fresh and vibrant flavours
Why Herbaceous Green Flavours Work
Green, fresh flavours bring a sense of vitality and balance to beverages. These flavours offer a natural freshness that appeals to both the palate and the nose. Their earthy and vibrant profiles add complexity, balancing sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and even savoury elements in drinks. For example, mint provides cooling notes that offset the citrusy tartness of a mojito, while rosemary adds a piney sharpness that complements the sweetness of honey or apple in a cocktail.
These flavours are highly adaptable, fitting seamlessly into a wide range of beverages—from sparkling waters to bold cocktails. Their versatility allows them to pair well with both sweet and savoury ingredients, serving as either the main focus or a supporting accent. For instance, basil can take centre stage in a fruity gin cocktail or play a subtler role in a cucumber-infused mocktail.
In an era where consumers seek natural, clean-label products, herbaceous flavours resonate deeply. They evoke feelings of health, vitality, and sustainability, aligning with trends in functional and wellness beverages. Beyond taste, herbs like mint, lemongrass, and thyme are often associated with calming properties, enhancing a drink’s value proposition by offering perceived benefits such as relaxation, digestion support, or detoxification.
Botanical ingredients are prominent in Clean label launches

The greener era
In recent years, the popularity of plant-based analogues has surged, leading consumers to expect higher standards in taste and texture from these offerings. According to Innova’s 2025 trend, titled “Plant-based — Rethinking Plants,” companies are now focusing on enhancing flavour and texture while also addressing consumer demands for natural ingredients, health benefits, and environmental sustainability.
Consumers are increasingly concerned about ‘pollutants’ such as air pollution, blue light from screens, microplastics in water, and unwanted chemicals in food and beverages. These concerns present an opportunity for botanical ingredients that can support the body’s mental and physical detoxification.
Brands also have the chance to connect natural ingredients like botanicals to environmental sustainability by promoting “clean and green” ingredient lists and products. Botanical ingredients are often included in food product manufacturing for their flavour, fragrance, or functional characteristics—such as colour (e.g., carotenoids), thickening (e.g., carrageenan), or preservative qualities (e.g., rosemary extract). As natural alternatives, botanicals can replace artificial additives, fostering clean labels and reinforcing a commitment to naturalness.
%
of Finnish consumers agree their food choices are driven by a desire for good nutrition
%
of adults in the UK say they have drunk a flavoured water product in the last three months
%
of Gen Zs consume flavoured water, compared to 51% of Gen Xs
Mintel I The future of water, sports and energy drinks 2024
Mintel I Botanicals: for detox, immunity and clean labels
Foodingredientsfirst I Top ten food drink trends 2025
Innova I Top 10 Global Food and Beverage Trends 2025
BBC I The palstic water bottle industry is booming
Exploring Fresh Herbaceous Green Flavours in Beverage Applications
Herbaceous green flavours are a refreshing and versatile addition to the world of beverages, offering drinkability and refreshing aromas that elevate both classic and functional drinks. Herbal, leafy, and botanical flavours add complexity and balance, making them perfect for a variety of applications. Herbaceous, green flavour notes deliver an experience that is both invigorating and sophisticated.