Drink trends for 2026 | Medical Coverage

Key takeaways:

These trendy drinks sound like wholesome treats, but some are healthier than others
Regular consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to a higher risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes
Watch out for hidden or natural sweeteners and sugary toppings when buying your drink.
Discover smart ways to moderate your consumption, so you can enjoy your treat without putting your health at risk!

Ube matcha latte. Pureed sweet potatoes. Prebiotic sodas. Collagen-infused beauty tea. A new class of trendy concoctions has arrived. These thirst-quenchers are easy to look at, sound like a healthy brew, and taste like a dream. Perhaps you’ve tried them on a whim or picked them up as part of your lifestyle, like the post-lunch matcha that keeps you feeling awake in the office or the fragrant teas you grabbed after a sweat-drenched Pilates session.

These drinks make for a soothing treat, but don’t let them turn into a daily sip. Consuming an additional 250ml of sweet drinks daily is said to increase diabetes risk by up to 26 per cent, while a study by Nanyang Technological University revealed that some young adults in Singapore consumed as many as four sweetened beverages a day¹. Gulp!

Still, it doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your favourite beverage. With smarter choices and moderate sugar levels, you can still enjoy a cup of your favourite drink when you’re craving for it!

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How to pick a healthier brew

Labels, ingredients, and hidden lumps of sugar to look out for.

This simple label lets you make smarter, informed drink choices. Nutri-Grade C and D beverages are higher in sugar and saturated fats, so opt for A or B-graded drinks, or stick to plain water as your primary thirst quencher¹⁴!

Pearls and jellies look innocent, but they’re frequently simmered in brown sugar or honey syrup. Look out for the sugar content on the “Toppings” label next to the Nutri-Grade mark on the menu to find out what’s been added to your drink¹⁵.

Sugar is often present in your favourite beverages in disguised forms. For example, while a drink may claim to have no added table sugar, the fruit puree base might have already contained high levels of natural fructose¹⁶. Watch out for alternative forms for sugar in pre-packaged drink labels, including maltodextrin, agave, or fruit juice concentrate.

While considered a healthier alternative to dairy due to their lactose-free, cholesterol free content, plant-based milk is not always sugar-free. Oat milk is naturally high in maltose and comes with a higher glycemic index rating due to its high starch content¹⁷.Likewise, coconut milk is often served with evaporated cane juice to improve taste.

Occasional treats like trendy drinks can easily creep into your lifestyle, becoming a regular fixture that hurts your health and your wallet. A 100ml increase in consumption of sugary beverages heightens your cancer risk by up to 18% overall, and 22% for breast cancer¹⁸. Just one daily serving of sugary drinks contributes to an 18% higher risk of contracting cardiovascular diseases¹⁹!

There’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence, but it’s essential to set a simple rule for yourself (like the amount of pre-packaged drink you’d allow yourself to get each week!) and tracking its impact on your blood sugar, cholesterol levels and overall health. A nutrition journal that tracks your daily meals and drinks could help. Think of it as another way of budgeting!

Given the amount of processed food and sugary drinks out there, cutting off sugar and unhealthy fats from your diet completely may not be entirely realistic. Other than moderating your intake and keeping an active lifestyle to torch off those extra calories, you can protect yourself from the impact of imperfect dietary choices by getting adequate health coverage against critical illnesses linked to high intakes of sugar.

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