New mushroom-based soft drink Zooz set to launch in UK
A new non-alcoholic wellness drink, Zooz, is set to make its debut on 5 September 2024, introducing a unique mushroom-based beverage to the growing no-and-low alcohol market.
The drink, developed by former personal trainer Daniel Soos, aims to redefine adult soft beverages with its unusual ingredients and focus on wellbeing.
Zooz, which has secured £1.25 million in seed funding, is entering the market with ambitions to carve out a new sub-category in the no-and-low sector. The drink stands out not only for its base of Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane mushrooms but also for its sophisticated flavour profile, which Soos believes will appeal to health-conscious consumers and those looking for alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages.
The drink is low in calories, containing just 26.25 calories per 250ml serving, and is designed to be a versatile option for a variety of drinking occasions. Soos describes Zooz as having a taste akin to Italian bitters, with a depth of flavour that makes it enjoyable on its own or as a mixer. Its amber hue adds to its appeal as a visually attractive beverage.
Zooz is free from sugar, gluten, and artificial additives, and is packaged in environmentally friendly 250ml aluminium cans, chosen for their recyclability. The drink’s ingredients are sustainably sourced, with the mushrooms being harvested in East Asia and processed in Germany before being incorporated into the final product in the UK.
The launch follows a successful trial of the product in several high-end bars in London, where it received positive feedback. With an RRP of £1.95, Zooz is expected to be available in both on- and off-trade venues.
Soos, who transitioned from a career in personal training to create Zooz, says the idea for the drink came during a visit to a supermarket, sparking a journey that led him to quit his job and dedicate himself fully to developing the product. “Zooz is not just another soft drink; it’s a new benchmark in the non-alcoholic beverages category,” he said. “This has been a labour of love, and I’m excited to see how it will resonate with consumers.”
The drink is positioned as a choice for those who are sober, sober-curious, or simply looking for a healthier, more sophisticated alternative to traditional soft drinks.
It is available now, with the company eyeing distribution across the UK.
