Why Choose Food Research Lab's FRL as Your Food Product Development (FPD) Consultant and Partner?

There are several options in almost every product area in today’s market, and the difficulty is in coming up with unique items that stand out and connect with customers. Food Research Lab's Food Research Lab takes a holistic approach to creating food and beverage products. We define, demographically target, and build effective goods through a sequential process for category selection and comprehension. The client can visit the lab to learn the process. We offer unlimited rounds of revisions to ensure customer satisfaction. The final product prototype, along with the documentation process, including the video (through email), will be shipped to the client, and in case the client is not satisfied with the video, a food technology consultant will visit the place for the product demo at the client’s costs.

What are the different forms that you deliver the Food Product Formulations?

The food industry is witnessing a new form of consumption. Keeping that in mind, we can formulate the products in the form of ready-to-eat, ready-to-drink, ready-to-mix, ready-to-serve, and ready-to-cook food products. We use ingredients that offer an added value to the development and improve its indulgence and sustainability in terms of its functional ingredients, plant-based food dyes, and natural preservatives with a clean label.

What are the sectors Food Research Lab cover?

We cover a wide range of sectors such as soups, sauces and dips, chips, tortillas, dry beverage powder, plant-based products, masalas, puddings, instant mixes and many more.

How is sensory testing been carried out?

Our sensory examination leads to the precise formulation and recipe recommendations. We develop data-driven design models based on sensory research and customer insights. The fact-based design methodology used by Food Research Lab reduces risk and gives our clients market confidence while cutting development time in half. With our dedicated sensory lab facility, our team takes satisfaction in creating and optimizing successful products in the marketplace, generating a favourable return on investment, and developing brand advocates.

The UK hydration market is evolving, and Punchy is at the forefront with its latest innovation—two brand-new canned hydration drinks, marking the brand’s first venture into the hydration category. These lightly sparkling, functional beverages are designed to offer a premium, all-natural alternative to traditional sports drinks, which often rely on plastic packaging, artificial ingredients, and high sugar content.

Punchy Launches UK’s First Premium Hydration Canned Drinks – A Game Changer in Functional Beverages

Interesting News . Feb 26, 2025

The UK hydration market is evolving, and Punchy is at the forefront with its latest innovation—two brand-new canned hydration drinks, marking the brand’s first venture into the hydration category. These lightly sparkling, functional beverages are designed to offer a premium, all-natural alternative to traditional sports drinks, which often rely on plastic packaging, artificial ingredients, and high sugar content.

By securing listings in M&S, Ocado, and eight national wholesalers, Punchy is redefining hydration, bringing flavour-led functionality to consumers looking for a healthier, everyday hydration solution.

What Sets Punchy Apart?

Powered With: Electrolytes, Minerals, Vitamin C & D, and Real Fruit
Proudly: Low-Calorie, Recyclable, and Plastic-Free
Supports: Hydration, Muscle Function, and Immunity

Punchy, a certified B Corp brand, is known for its commitment to sustainability and social impact. 40% of its manufacturing runs on solar power, and it donates 1% of sales and stock to FareShare, supporting communities in need.

The Drinks

Punchy’s hydration range debuts with two bold flavours:

Blueberry – A refreshing lightly sparkling drink, infused with real blueberries and a hint of lemon juice to balance the natural sweetness.

Mango – A tropical hydration boost, combining juicy mango and zesty lemon for a smooth, revitalizing sip.

These beverages are caffeine-free, vegan-friendly, and free from artificial sweeteners, ensuring a clean and functional hydration solution for everyday life—not just the gym. Key ingredients like magnesium and potassium support muscle function, reduce fatigue, and maintain electrolyte balance, making these drinks ideal for recovery, daily hydration, and overall wellness.

A New Era of Functional Hydration

Paddy Cavanagh-Butler, co-founder of Punchy, shares the brand’s vision:

“At Punchy, we’re always looking for ‘white space’—categories where legacy brands dominate but lack the vibrance and quality of challenger brands. Hydration was a natural move for us. We saw an opportunity to create a drink that delivers on effectiveness, taste, and ingredient integrity—without shortcuts.”

Where to Find Punchy’s Hydration Drinks

The new range is available for purchase at: M&S, Ocado, and eight national wholesalers Online at www.punchydrinks.com

Shelf-stable for ambient storage

FRL Insights: Functional Beverages on the Rise

At Food Research Lab, we recognize the growing demand for clean-label, functional hydration solutions. Punchy’s success reflects a shifting consumer preference toward:

Flavour-driven, natural hydration beyond traditional sports drinks

Sustainable, plastic-free packaging in the beverage industry

Holistic wellness-focused formulations, incorporating vitamins, electrolytes, and adaptogens

As a leading R&D partner, FRL assists brands in developing custom hydration and functional beverages, from ingredient research to formulation, regulatory compliance, and market positioning.

For brands looking to enter or innovate within the functional beverage space, FRL provides end-to-end expertise to bring ideas to market successfully