Functional beverages include sports drinks, energy drinks and nutraceuticals, it is claimed.
Nutraceuticals represent one of the three major UK markets for functional beverages, it has been noted.
Companies and Markets has published its latest analysis of the UK market for functional drinks.
The analyst notes that functional beverages can be separated into three major categories depending on their target audience.
Nutraceuticals form one of these three primary categories, Companies and Markets says.
Meanwhile, functional ingredients are also used in drinks - such as isotonic beverages - for the sports market.
A similar but separate category includes energy drinks - which tend to be based on stimulants such as caffeine and taurine, rather than isotonic compounds.
The report values the industry within the UK in terms of its position as part of the continent of Europe as a whole.
Other countries covered include Hungary, Italy, Poland, Russia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
A corresponding study is also available for the market in the Americas, comprising the US, Canada, Mexico and Brazil.
