Designing a Custom RTM Beverage – Key Ingredients & Functional Add-ins
Today’s consumers expect more from their beverages than simple hydration. They want functional ingredients that deliver performance, focus, relaxation, or immunity benefits — all in convenient powder stick packs. For brands, this means crafting custom RTM formulations that balance science, taste, and consumer demand.
The Art and Science of Custom Formulation
Custom RTM beverages must deliver bioactive benefits while still tasting great and dissolving quickly. Formulation involves careful selection of ingredients, consideration of interactions, and attention to consumer trends.
Common Ingredient Categories
- Electrolytes
- Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium
- Essential for hydration powders and sports performance drinks
- Adaptogens & Botanicals
- Ashwagandha, rhodiola, reishi, cordyceps
- Stress relief, stamina, and overall wellness support
- Nootropics & Cognitive Enhancers
- L-theanine, alpha-GPC, bacopa, caffeine synergists
- Popular in focus and productivity formulas
- Proteins & Amino Acids
- Whey, plant proteins, BCAAs, EAAs
- Muscle recovery, satiety, and functional meal replacements
- Vitamins & Minerals
- B-complex for energy, vitamin C and zinc for immunity
- Ensure label claims match consumer expectations
- Sweeteners & Flavor Systems
- Stevia Reb M, monk fruit, sucralose, natural flavors
- Balancing sweetness while avoiding aftertaste
Key Considerations in Formulation
- Solubility: Powders must disperse quickly in water without clumping.
- Flavor masking: Some functional actives have strong tastes that require flavor optimization.
- Stability: Ingredients like probiotics or omega oils may degrade without proper encapsulation.
- Regulatory compliance: Every formula must align with FDA and cGMP standards.
How GRAMS Supports Custom Formulation
Our R&D specialists guide brands through:
- Ingredient selection and sourcing
- Flavor optimization trials via sample runs
- Sample runs for consumer feedback
Final Thoughts
Designing a custom RTM beverage is both creative and technical. By leveraging functional ingredients wisely, brands can deliver products that meet consumer demand for performance and wellness. At GRAMS Inc., we make the process seamless — from ideation to stick pack.
Keywords targeted: custom RTM formulation ingredients, beverage powder functional ingredients, turnkey beverage powders.