ABSTRACT
Functional beverages, a subsector of the functional food industry and the fastest-growing sector of the functional food market, have become increasingly popular among conscientious consumers due to their perceived health benets. Convenience and health benets are two of the most important factors when consumers make decisions about purchasing foods and beverages. Functional beverages claim to improve athletic endurance, energy, and hydration, and are associated with various health benets such as general wellness, antioxidant activity, healthy cardiovascular system, cancer prevention, healthy digestive system, immune defense, body weight reduction, and joint health improvement, among others [1].
