Did you know that a major recent review (2024) found magnesium to be one of the top six nutrients Australians consistently fail to get enough of? Alongside calcium, vitamin D, fibre, folate and omega‑3s, magnesium appeared at the top of the list for nutrient inadequacy across multiple demographic groups.
That matters, because magnesium is involved in hundreds of biochemical reactions, powering energy production, regulating mood, supporting muscle and nerve function and helping the body recover from stress. When intake is low, symptoms like fatigue, poor sleep and low mood can follow.
It’s not just magnesium. Many people also fall short when it comes to nutrients that functional ingredients like zinc, folate, or adaptogenic botanicals can deliver. Functional drinks exist to bridge these gaps. They’re made using ingredients that have been researched for specific benefits: adaptogens that help the body adapt to stress, nootropics that support cognitive clarity, calming botanicals, and essential minerals.
These drinks are purpose-built to support how we actually live: clearer energy in the morning, steady focus in the afternoon, calmer evenings and restful nights. If the body is missing something, the drink is designed to deliver it.
In the sections that follow we’ll dive into what ingredients really count, how they support different times of day and needs, and how to recognise a drink that’s actually doing something for you, not just filling space in the fridge.
Why Functional Drinks Are Trending
There is a growing demand in Australia for drinks that deliver functional benefits along with refreshment.
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In 2023, 58 per cent of soft drink spending in Australia was on healthier options like juices and mineral water. A clear shift away from traditional fizzy drinks.
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Mintel reports that 36 per cent of Australians are willing to pay more for food or drinks with functional health claims, such as immune support, energy or stress relief.
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Functional beverages account for 10 per cent of all new food and drink launches across the Asia‑Pacific and Australia holds the fifth‑largest share of products with functional claims.
From adaptogens to added vitamins, consumers are increasingly choosing drinks that do more than just taste good. They want benefits that align with their wellness goals.
Key Functional Ingredients to Know
As functional drinks become more mainstream, understanding what goes into them and why helps consumers make smarter choices. Here are the most common ingredient types found in functional beverages today:
Adaptogens
Examples: Ashwagandha, Holy Basil (Tulsi), Rhodiola Rosea
Adaptogens are natural compounds that help the body adapt to physical and emotional stress. By supporting the adrenal system, they may help regulate cortisol levels and promote a sense of calm. Drinks with adaptogens are often marketed for stress relief, balance and recovery from daily pressures.
Nootropics
Examples: L-theanine, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, Bacopa Monnieri
Nootropics are cognitive enhancers that may support memory, concentration and mental clarity. For instance, L-theanine, found in green tea, is known for promoting focus without jitters, making it a popular addition to drinks designed for productivity, study, or work.
Prebiotics & Gut-Friendly Additions
Examples: Inulin and Chicory Root Fibre
Gut health plays a crucial role in immunity, energy and even mood. Prebiotics feed beneficial gut bacteria and support digestion. Functional drinks often include these ingredients to help maintain microbiome balance and support overall well-being from the inside out.
Botanicals & Herbal Blends
Examples: Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Ginseng
Herbal ingredients are used to target specific mood or sleep benefits. Calming herbs like chamomile and lemon balm are common in beverages meant for relaxation or sleep support, while energising herbs like ginseng or ginger are included for their uplifting or invigorating effects.
Minerals
Examples: Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium
Minerals are essential for physical and mental function. Magnesium helps with muscle recovery and sleep, while zinc plays a role in immunity and mood regulation. Many functional drinks now include bioavailable forms of these minerals to support daily wellness needs, especially for active lifestyles or stressful routines.
How Functional Drinks Support Daily Life
Morning motivation
Start your day with drinks that gently boost your energy and help you feel focused. Ideal if you’re cutting back on coffee but still want to feel switched on.
Staying focused through the day
Busy days call for ingredients that support mental clarity and concentration. These drinks help keep you alert without the caffeine crash.
Easing into the evening
Evenings are easier with blends that help you switch off. Great for relaxing after work, errands or anything in between.
Getting better sleep
Struggle to settle at night? Drinks with calming herbs or minerals can support a smoother wind-down and deeper rest.
Everyday support for gut and mood
Sip your way to better gut health and mood balance with drinks that contain prebiotics or mood-friendly botanicals. Consistency here is key.
What to Look for When Choosing a Functional Drink
It has to taste good
Let’s be honest. If it doesn’t taste great, you won’t go back for a second sip. A functional drink should do what it says, but flavour still matters. You want something you actually enjoy drinking, not something you’re forcing down because it’s “good for you.”
Ingredients should make sense, not just sound fancy
Skip the fluff. Look for drinks that use ingredients with a real purpose and in amounts that matter. If there’s ashwagandha or magnesium or ginseng in it, you should know why it’s there and what it’s supposed to help with. The best brands are upfront and clear about what they use and why.
Watch the sugar
Some drinks load up on sugar or artificial sweeteners to cover the taste of functional ingredients. But a clean label with low or no added sugar? That’s a win. Your body doesn’t need the crash that comes with hidden sweeteners.
Check the brand’s vibe
Some brands are just trend-chasing. Others are doing the work. Look for ones that share their process, talk about the science behind their blends, or work with actual nutritionists. If a brand seems thoughtful and consistent, chances are the drink is too.
Pick something that fits your lifestyle
Are you after a boost in the morning, focus in the afternoon, or something calming in the evening? The best drink for you depends on when and why you’re having it. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and that’s a good thing.
Bonus points if it’s planet-friendly
If it comes in sustainable packaging or supports responsible sourcing, that’s a nice extra. A drink that’s good for you and easier on the planet? Even better.
Functional Drinks We Love at Sans Drinks
HEYLO Magnesium Sparkling Water – Blackcurrant
This sparkling water delivers 90 mg of bio‑available magnesium per can, plus vitamin C, B‑complex and blackcurrant extract. It’s designed to support sleep quality, stress management, mental clarity and muscle recovery, all with zero sugar and very few calories. The blackcurrant adds natural antioxidant benefits and a subtle nootropic lift for focus and immune support.
Savvy Brain + Boost – Mixed Berry
This is a nutritionist‑blended sparkling drink made to energise the mind and nourish the body. Packed with nootropics like L‑theanine, Rhodiola, ginseng, green coffee and green tea extracts, plus B vitamins and vitamin C, it offers focus without caffeine and mood support without crash. It’s zero sugar, under six calories per serve and tastes bright and refreshing in mixed berry flavours.
Savvy Brain + Boost – Passionfruit
This tropical‑flavoured version delivers the same brain‑supporting benefits in a lighter, fruitier format, made with the same blend of nootropics and vitamins for mental performance and energy without jitters.
Noot Fire Flyer Whisky Functional Spirit
Inspired by the warmth and depth of whisky, Fire Flyer brings together cinnamon spice, orange zest, rich toffee and a hint of smoke. It’s made with a botanical blend to support focus, mood and mental clarity. Crafted in Australia using natural ingredients, it contains no sugar and only 20 calories per serve. Try it over ice with soda and orange or mix it into a bold cocktail when you want something that feels a little more grown-up.
Curious about how magnesium helps with mood, sleep and stress? We’ve got a quick guide you’ll want to check out.
