2024
9
US Sports and Performance Drinks Market Report 2024
2024-06-13T20:02:28+00:00
REP25D45415_DC76_4906_950C_F858CAA57FA3
4995
173685
[{"name":"Drinks","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/industries\/drinks"},{"name":"Sports and Energy Drinks","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/industries\/drinks\/sports-energy-drinks"},{"name":"Market Intelligence Reports","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/report-type\/market-intelligence-reports"},{"name":"US","url":"https:\/\/store.mintel.com\/markets\/us-market-research"}]
Report
en_GB
Sports and performance drinks look to sustain steady growth, with forecasted prediction of reaching $27.5 billion by 2028. This surge comes from consumers who utilize these beverages to enhance their…
US
Drinks
Sports and Energy Drinks
simple

US Sports and Performance Drinks Market Report 2024

The US performance and sports drinks market is experiencing robust growth, fueled by consumer interest in beverages that offer benefits beyond hydration, such as added nutritional value and energy boosts. These drinks are becoming a regular part of consumers’ daily routines, with a growing demand for products that provide enhanced nutrition and functionality for various occasions.

US Sports and Performance Drinks Market – Current landscape

The performance and sports drinks industry looks to sustain steady growth. This surge comes from consumers who utilize these beverages to enhance their workout experiences − before, during, or after exercise – as well as more casual users that seek hydration sans heavy physical activity. Many people are incorporating sports and performance beverages into their daily routine to boost energy, increase their protein consumption, or simply quench their thirst.

The appeal of sports and performance drinks spans demographics, with men typically seeking muscle-building and recovery benefits, while women may favor drinks for quick pick-me-ups through on-the-go consumption or as meal replacements. Consumers desire sports and performance beverages that offer benefits beyond just hydration, which could lead to a further blurring of the category. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right drink, resulting in consumers tending to stick to familiar brands and product types despite this interest in more nutritional and functional benefits.

US Sports and Performance Drinks Market Report – What’s inside?

Key topics analyzed

  • Sports and performance drink market size and forecast.
  • Consumption and frequency of different types of sports and performance drinks.
  • Reasons for increased/decreased sports and performance drink consumption.
  • Occasions and motivations for sports and performance drinks.
  • Attitudes about sports and performance drinks.
  • Company and brand activity.

Report Scope

  • Sports drinks: liquid drinks and drink mixes designed specifically to help people perform and recover better from physical activity (eg Gatorade or Powerade).
  • Performance drinks: liquid drinks and drink mixes marketed for enhanced sports performance, including both pre/post-workout beverages, and performance protein drinks (e.g. Muscle Milk, Core Power).

Meet The Expert

This report is written by Kamari Davis. Kamari joined Mintel in 2023 as a Food & Drink Analyst on the US Reports Team. He brings a background within the alcoholic beverage industry as a category analyst. Kamari holds a degree in Food & Consumer Package Goods Marketing from Western Michigan University.

The sports and performance drinks category continues to experience steady growth, with consumers showing interest in more functional and flavor-forward innovations.

Kamari Davis, Research AnalystKamari Davis
Research Analyst, Food & Drink

Collapse All
  1. Executive Summary

    • What you need to know
    • Consumer trends: key takeaways
    • Market size and forecast
    • Market predictions
    • Opportunities
  2. Market Dynamics

    • Market context
    • Market drivers
    • Lifestyle changes and the demand for more functional beverages
    • Graph 1: exercise frequency, 2020-23
    • Hold off on the added sugar
    • Graph 2: types of sports and performance drinks consumed, 2022 & 2024
    • Zero sugar, big benefits
    • Market size and forecast
    • Expect continued growth across the sports and performance drink category
    • Physical activity and multipurpose beverages propel the category forward
    • Anticipated valuation of the category to exceed $27bn by 2028
    • Market segmentation
    • Sports drinks dominate the market share
    • Graph 3: segment share of total sports and performance sales, 2023
    • Sports drinks form the bulk of sales, but performance drinks see double-digit percent growth
    • Graph 4: total retail sales and forecast of sports and performance drinks, by segment, at current prices, 2018-28
    • Retail sales of sports and performance drinks, by segment
    • Market share/brand share
    • Top brands lose share as newcomers gain a following
    • PepsiCo and Coca-Cola hold strong, Prime expands its share
    • Sports drinks segment
    • Sports drinks brand sales and share
    • Prime continue to rise the ranks
    • Performance drinks segment
    • Performance drinks brand sales and share
    • Core Power flexes its muscle with sales growth
  3. Consumer Insights

    • Consumer fast facts
    • Sports and performance drink consumption
    • Sports and performance drinks see elevated participation
    • Graph 5: types of sports and performance drinks consumed, 2022 & 2024
    • Consumers fit their needs across different drink types
    • Graph 6: types of sports and performance drinks consumed, NET, 2022 & 2024
    • The thirst for variety is growing
    • Graph 7: repertoire number of sports and performances drink types consumed, 2022 & 2024
    • Bring women along by leading with health aspects
    • Graph 8: types of sports and performance drinks consumed, by gender, 2024
    • Younger generations don’t mind exploring
    • Graph 9: types of sports and performance drinks consumed, by generation, 2024
    • Hispanic consumers seek healthier options
    • Graph 10: types of sports and performance drinks consumed, by race, 2024
    • Change in consumption
    • The buzziness of hydration drives consumption frequency
    • Graph 11: change in sports and performance drink consumption, 2024
    • Consumers will look to get the most out of sports and performance drinks
    • Graph 12: change in sports and performance drink consumption, by drink type, 2024
    • Millennials blur lines between sports and lifestyle beverages
    • Graph 13: reasons for increased sports and performance drink consumption, 2024
    • Water will continue to challenge sports and performance drinks
    • Graph 14: reasons for decreased sports and performance drink consumption, 2024
    • Sports and performance drink consumption frequency
    • Room for growth as consumers thirst for more
    • Graph 15: sports and performance drink consumption frequency, 2024
    • Hispanic consumption increases with more natural and lower sugar options
    • Graph 16: sports and performance drink consumption frequency, by race, 2024
    • Reasons for using sports and performance drinks
    • The promise of an energy boost outweighs quenching thirst
    • Graph 17: sports and performance drink usage, 2022 & 2024
    • Gender disparities prevail in performance drinks
    • Graph 18: reasons for sports and performance drink use, by gender, 2024
    • Reasons for use speak to different stages of life
    • Graph 19: reasons for sports and performance drink use, by generation, 2024
    • Occasions to use sports and performance drinks
    • Blurred meal and snack occasions offer opportunity for sports and performance drinks
    • Graph 20: occasions for sports and performance drink uses, 2024
    • Gen Z’s usage of sports drinks extends beyond recovery
    • Graph 21: occasions for sports drink uses, by generation, 2024
    • Women look to stay hydrated while on the go
    • Graph 22: occasions for sports drink uses, by gender, 2024
    • Performance drinks meet dessert cravings: a fusion of nutrition and indulgence
    • Graph 23: occasions for performance drink uses, by gender, 2024
    • Can performance drinks break into the snacking market?
    • Graph 24: occasions for performance drink uses, by generation, 2024
    • Motivations for increased use of sports and performance drinks
    • Reimagining sports drinks: enhanced functionality and innovative flavors
    • Graph 25: motivations for increased usage of sports and performance drinks, 2024
    • Size matters more to younger generations
    • Graph 26: motivations for increased usage of sports and performance drinks, by generation, 2024
    • Function and flavor motivate both genders
    • Graph 27: motivations for increased usage of sports and performance drinks, by gender, 2024
    • Attitudes toward sports and performance drinks
    • Consumers find comfort in familiarity
    • Graph 28: attitudes toward sports/performance drinks, 2024
    • Established brands can do more to help younger generations
    • Graph 29: sports and performance drink attitudes, by generation, 2024
    • Analysis paralysis may have core category users feeling like their routines aren’t up to par
    • Graph 30: sports and performance drink attitudes, by gender, 2024
  4. Innovation and Marketing Trends

    • Launch activity and innovation
    • Stick packs gain on bottles thanks to Liquid IV and its imitators
    • Graph 31: launch of sports drinks by package type, 2019-24
    • Different formats allow consumers to stay more connected to brands
    • Functional claims meet a consumer desire, but will soon force brands to find more points of difference
    • Graph 32: launches of sports drinks by select claims, 2019-24
    • Innovation brings more functional variations
    • Mintel Flavourscape AI explores the future of flavor and flavor combinations using data science
    • Lean into multiple combinations
    • Marketing and advertising
    • Add a little familiarity to the bottle
    • Graph 33: [no title]
    • Capitalizing on the record-breaking moment
    • Continuing to break gender norms
    • Opportunities
    • Fueling the lifestyle with Gatorade Water
    • Alani Nu snack-friendly carb- and calorie-conscious protein bars
    • Added inspiration for the sober-curious group
    • Cocktail-inspired hydration drinks
    • Provide more benefits to combat other reasons
  5. Appendix

    • Retail sales and forecast of sports and performance drinks adjusted for inflation
    • Market definition
    • Consumer research methodology
    • Generations
    • Abbreviations and terms
    • Forecast methodology
    • Forecast fan chart methodology

Market Intelligence Made Easier With Mintel

The first Mintel Market Intelligence report was published over 50 years ago. Since then, we have provided our unique insights and understanding of consumers, innovation and global markets to thousands of customers worldwide. Here’s why our customers rely on Mintel:

  • Gain a comprehensive, 360-degree view of the market: Mintel reports blend consumer research, market forecasts, product innovation tracking, and competitive analysis, allowing businesses to see every angle of their industry and identify new opportunities quickly.
  • Make decisions with confidence, grounded in robust data: Each report draws on up-to-date, reliable information from trusted sources and industry experts, ensuring your strategies are based on solid evidence rather than speculation.
  • Benefit from expert analysis and practical recommendations: Mintel’s reports are written by experienced analysts who interpret complex data and provide clear, actionable insights you can trust to guide your next moves.
  • Stay ahead with actionable intelligence on market trends and consumer behaviour: By combining fresh research with long-term market monitoring, our reports help businesses anticipate changes and adapt strategically. So you’re prepared to make informed decisions and drive growth.

What goes into a Mintel Market Intelligence Report?

Curious about how a Market Intelligence report comes together? We like to think of it as building a detailed puzzle. We start with individual pieces: data from consumers, market statistics, industry trends, and online conversations. Then our expert analysts add world-class human insight and industry knowledge. The pieces are assembled to reveal a clear, comprehensive picture of a market.

The Four Pillars of Our Research

We use a combination of four main research methods when creating our reports, each adding a valuable perspective:

  • Consumer Research: Direct surveys with real people, giving us clear, current insights into what people think and do.
  • Desk Research: In-depth review of trusted data sources. We use this rich database, plus powerful internal tools that track new products and market sizes, to detect trends and guide forecasts.
  • Trade Research: Insights from conversations with industry experts. Their real-world experience helps us understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
  • Brand and Social Media Research: Analysis of online opinions and trends. This lets us spot trends, measure brand sentiment, and capture feedback in real time, adding further depth to our research.

Bringing It All Together

Each of these four pillars provides a different piece of the puzzle. Consumer research tells us what customers think, desk research provides the factual framework, trade research offers an insider’s view, and social media analysis reveals public sentiment.

Our expert analysts are skilled in weaving these diverse data streams together. They apply a range of quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to uncover the deeper story, connecting the dots to deliver clear, actionable insights. This comprehensive, multi-layered process is how we transform raw data into a market intelligence report you can trust to inform your most important business decisions.

$ 4,995 (Excl.Tax)
  • Download today with instant access
  • Multiple formats provided
  • Interactive databook included
  • Save 20% when you purchase two or more reports
Add to cart

Next Starts Here

Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.

Learn more

Trusted by global industry leaders

Epsilon logo

We utilize Mintel Reports, Trends and Comperemedia to mine for insights across the numerous business verticals that Epsilon serves, such as CPG, automotive, telecom, healthcare/pharma, retail and financial services.

By integrating Mintel insight into new business opportunities, we have been able to gain the competitive edge necessary to advance partnerships with global brands and key business players.

For our organization, it’s about depth and breadth. Having one without the other doesn’t enable success in our business.

Virginia Harvey, Secondary Research Manager, Epsilon
Mediacom logo

Mintel is really good for getting a handle on a particular category quickly. If we are working on a new business pitch in an area we don’t have much experience in, it’s a brilliant way to get up to speed with what’s going on, what’s changing and what the key trends are in any category.

It’s very rare now that anyone will plough through a 200-page report – that’s why the summaries are really useful. We know they are backed up by a lot of detail, so if you need to go into something in more depth you know the information will be all there for you.

Pauline Robson, Managing Partner, Mediacom
Bauer Media Group logo

We have such a great working relationship with Mintel on lots of different levels. As an insight partner, they have helped us to develop our business planning in specific categories as well as supporting our creative process but they’ve also been super helpful with facilitating our events in their inspirational offices near St Paul’s.

They’re an innovative company, with a client-focused team that always delivers.

Abby Carvosso, Group Managing Director, Bauer Media Group
VocaLink logo

We use Mintel Reports, mostly for financial services and ecommerce markets, plus a few retail and technology ones.

As a leading payments provider, we value additional insights into consumer behaviour, opinions and trends that are shaping the many different markets we operate in. Mintel is a very good and very quick way for us to obtain those insights.

We use Mintel to get a view on where a particular market is going, which can support us in product development and help us identify opportunities or indeed risks, it is a very useful barometer of a market’s potential.

 

Andrew Neeson, Market Intelligence Manager, VocaLink
Waitrose & Partners logo

We’ve found it so useful working more closely with Mintel. They helped support our recent flagship event for our top suppliers by providing a really unique viewpoint on the future of online retailing.

Nick Carroll from their Retail Team was also an excellent panelist, sharing useful and actionable consumer insights. We definitely look forward to working with Mintel again on future projects.

Zac Steele, E-Commerce Trading Development Manager, Waitrose & Partners

Next Starts Here

Whatever your business needs, we have the solution. From market intelligence reports to customised growth strategies.

Learn more