Ghee water to matcha, for Gen Z wellness is a sip away

For health-conscious youngsters, functional beverages offer an easy yet effective way to get their daily fix of nutrients

- Pooja Prabbhan Srijith

The wellness industry is constantly evolving with new trends popping up almost every day. The latest one that’s caught our attention is the low-key obsession that young millennials and Gen Z have for wellness drinks.

Think matcha, turmeric water, mushroom coffees, functional bubble teas with collagen pearls, and almond-based concoctions that promise a host of health benefits and mental well being. If there's even an iota of 'goodness' promised in a drink, people are only too happy to sip it. This interest is reflected in market trends: gut health-focused probiotic, prebiotic and fibre-infused waters, along with kombucha, which were once consumed occasionally, are becoming everyday staples.

There are good reasons to do so, we won't deny. These fermented drinks are believed to help rebalance the gut microbiome which in turn reduces bloating, improves nutrient absorption, and influences mood through the gut-brain axis. To enjoy these benefits, however, consistency is key, says Shradha Sounil Khanna, assistant vice president (AVP)-nutrition at Wellbeing Nutrition, a nutraceutical company in Mumbai. “Consistency translates to smoother digestion, stronger immunity and less inflammation over time,” Khanna notes.