Beverage-Grade CO₂ Demand Is Expanding Beyond Carbonated Drinks

For decades, beverage-grade CO₂ has been synonymous with soda and sparkling water. While traditional carbonated drinks still account for a significant share of CO₂ usage, today’s beverage market is evolving rapidly.

New product categories—including specialty functional beverages, low-alcohol drinks, and cannabis-infused beverages—are expanding the demand for high-quality, beverage-grade CO₂.

At Tri-State Carbonation, we work closely with beverage producers across the region and are seeing firsthand how these emerging trends are reshaping the CO₂ landscape.

The Changing Beverage Market

Consumer preferences have shifted toward drinks that offer functionality, moderation, and unique experiences. As beverage manufacturers innovate, CO₂ continues to play a critical role—not only for carbonation, but also for product consistency, shelf stability, and flavor integrity.

Let’s take a closer look at the fastest-growing segments driving increased demand for beverage-grade CO₂.

Functional Beverages: More Than Just Fizz

Functional beverages—such as electrolyte drinks, probiotic sodas, energy beverages, and vitamin-infused sparkling waters—are one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry.

These beverages often rely on precise carbonation levels to:

• Enhance mouthfeel and taste
• Mask or balance functional ingredients
• Create a premium drinking experience

Because functional drinks are frequently positioned as high-quality or health-conscious products, ultra-pure beverage-grade CO₂ is essential to prevent off-flavors or contamination.

Low-Alcohol & Non-Alcoholic Beverages on the Rise

Low-alcohol, dealcoholized, and non-alcoholic beers, wines, and cocktails are no longer niche products—they’re mainstream.

CO₂ is critical in these beverages to:

• Restore mouthfeel lost during alcohol removal
• Maintain consistent carbonation and foam
• Preserve aroma and freshness

Many producers in this space require tight quality control and reliable bulk CO₂ supply, especially as production volumes increase to meet consumer demand.

Cannabis-Infused Beverages: A Growing Market Base

As cannabis regulations evolve, cannabis-infused beverages are emerging as a fast-growing category in legalized markets. These drinks often use carbonation to deliver a familiar, approachable format for consumers.

In this segment, beverage-grade CO₂ is valued for:

• Consistent carbonation across batches
• Supporting uniform dosing and product stability
• Meeting strict regulatory and quality standards

Because compliance and safety are critical, manufacturers depend on trusted CO₂ suppliers with proven food- and beverage-grade handling practices.

What This Means for Beverage Producers

The expansion of beverage categories means CO₂ demand is:

• Broader – extending beyond traditional soda and beer
• More specialized – requiring higher purity and tighter specs
• More consistent – favoring bulk CO₂ systems for reliability

Producers are increasingly choosing bulk beverage-grade CO₂ solutions to support growth, improve efficiency, and avoid supply disruptions.

Why Beverage Producers Trust Tri-State Carbonation

At Tri-State Carbonation, we understand that today’s beverage manufacturers need more than just gas—they need a reliable partner.

We provide:

• Beverage-grade CO₂ that meets strict quality standards
• Bulk CO₂ solutions tailored to your production scale
• Reliable delivery and regional expertise
• Support for traditional and emerging beverage markets

Whether you’re producing sparkling water, functional beverages, low-alcohol drinks, or cannabis-infused beverages, Tri-State Carbonation is equipped to support your operation today and as your business grows.

Looking Ahead

As beverage innovation continues, beverage-grade CO₂ will remain a critical ingredient across an expanding range of products. Producers who secure reliable, high-quality CO₂ supply will be better positioned to scale, innovate, and meet consumer expectations.

If you’re exploring bulk CO₂ solutions or planning for future growth, Tri-State Carbonation is here to help. Get a free, no obligation quote here.