Low-calorie drinks: A popular trend in healthy consumption

Author:

Ms. Lê Thị Ánh Trinh 8:30 - 19/2/2026

☰ Table of contents

Low-calorie drinks are becoming the preferred choice for modern consumers as interest in weight management and healthy living continues to rise. Rather than a short-lived zero-calorie craze, this trend signals a lasting shift in consumption habits, moving away from sugary soft drinks toward lighter options that remain refreshing and enjoyable.

1. Current trends in searching for low-calorie drinks

In recent years, search interest in low-calorie drinks and zero-sugar drinks has shown steady growth on Google Trends. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global sugar-free beverage market was valued at approximately USD 65.35 billion in 2024 and is expected to maintain sustainable growth, reflecting rising consumer awareness of health concerns.

In addition, busy urban lifestyles, increasing obesity rates, and sugar taxes imposed in several countries have encouraged consumers to opt for lower-calorie drink options. As a result, low-calorie drinks are now widely featured on café menus, beverage counters, and even in everyday household kitchens.

2. Popular types of low-calorie drinks today

Below are several low-calorie drinks that are rich in nutrients and may help support fat burning:

Ginger tea: Helps warm the body, improve blood circulation, and stimulate fat burning. Drinking ginger tea before bedtime can increase feelings of fullness, which may reduce late-night cravings.
Cucumber juice: Naturally high in water and low in energy, cucumbers provide essential vitamins for the body. When combined with lemon, ginger, or mint, cucumber juice can aid detoxification and support weight loss.
Grapefruit juice: Assists in regulating insulin levels, limiting fat accumulation, reducing abdominal fat, and stabilizing blood sugar.
Green tea: Rich in antioxidants that enhance fat oxidation, thereby helping to reduce fat storage.
Winter melon juice: Very low in calories yet free from lipids, this drink helps prevent the conversion of sugar into fat, supporting weight control and skin health.
Lemon water or lemon with honey: Promotes digestion, supports detoxification, and provides a source of clean energy.
Soy milk and skim milk: Contain healthy fats plus B vitamins that contribute to fat metabolism while increasing satiety.
Cinnamon water: Helps stabilize insulin levels, offers antibacterial properties, and supports fat burning.
Black coffee: Nearly calorie-free, it enhances alertness and boosts metabolic rate.
Vegetable, apple, and pineapple juices: Low in calories yet high in fiber, these drinks promote prolonged fullness and help limit fat accumulation.

Green tea with aloe vera is a low-calorie drink that supports weight management.

3. Why is GC Food coconut jelly suitable as a topping for low-calorie drinks?

Thanks to its unique structure and low-calorie content, coconut jelly is widely regarded as an ideal topping for low-calorie drinks. Coconut jelly produced by G.C Food Joint Stock Company (GC Food) offers several distinctive advantages:

A natural cellulose fiber structure that delivers a crisp, chewy, and refreshing texture.
A light, delicate sweetness that can be easily adjusted to suit low-sugar formulations.
Low calorie content makes it suitable for health-conscious consumption.
A closed production process utilizing Aseptic UHT technology, allowing GC Food coconut jelly to retain its crunch, clarity, and natural flavor.

In addition, GC Food is a pioneering company in unlocking the value of coconut and aloe vera through a sustainable development approach, with strict quality control from raw material selection to finished products.

4. Recipes combining GC Food coconut jelly with low-calorie drinks

4.1 GC Food coconut jelly green tea

Ingredients:

1 green tea bag or brewed green tea
1 - 2 tablespoons of GC Food retail packaged coconut jelly
Ice cubes
Sugar substitute (optional)

Preparation: Brew the green tea, let it cool, then add ice cubes and GC Food coconut jelly before serving. For a slightly sweeter taste, you may add a small amount of honey or a sugar substitute, depending on your preference.

4.2 GC Food coconut jelly fruit tea

Ingredients:

1 black tea bag or oolong tea
A suitable amount of fresh fruit or low-sugar syrup
1 - 2 tablespoons of Pura GC Food young coconut jelly
Ice cubes

Preparation: Brew the tea, let it cool, then add fresh fruit or a small amount of low-sugar syrup. Finally, top with GC Food coconut jelly and ice cubes to enhance the refreshing flavor of the fruit tea.

Fruit tea combined with coconut jelly topping is a low-calorie, refreshing beverage.

The above recipes are recommended by the GC Food team - A coconut jelly manufacturer that meets food safety standards.

It is evident that low-calorie drinks are no longer a short-term trend but have evolved into a new consumption habit. To safeguard health, consumers are advised to choose fresh and safe ingredients from GC Food. You may visit the GC Food introduction page to explore a wider range of coconut jelly and aloe vera toppings tailored to diverse needs.

This article is compiled by the GC Food Team - Specialists in natural ingredient solutions.

GC Food Communications Department Ms. Lê Thị Ánh Trinh

Content has been verified

Specializing in compiling and sharing in-depth knowledge on aloe vera and coconut jelly ingredients and production processes. Directly responsible for developing content on GC Food’s product quality, sourcing regions, and product standards.

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Now Nata de Coco is not only a chewy topping in drinks but also an export from Vietnam. In Bến Tre, which is the heart of the coconut land GC Food saw a way to give new life to coconut water. What people often poured away before is now turned into a product enjoyed in many countries and it shows the taste of Vietnam and the effort of the farmers.

How to make nata de coco at home: Chewy coconut jelly like the shops

Nata de coco is a popular topping in many refreshing drinks thanks to its chewy, crunchy texture and light sweetness. Many people still wonder what it’s made of and how to prepare this coconut jelly at home to achieve the same bite. This article shares a simple method you can try at home and explains how the chewy coconut topping is produced on an industrial scale.

What is a coconut jelly cube? Characteristics of the production process, uses

Raw coconut jelly cube is produced through fermentation of mature coconut water by Acetobacter xylinum, forming a firm cellulose layer with a naturally crisp and chewy texture. In its raw state, the jelly remains in large blocks and is not cut or sweetened, then it can be further processed into nata de coco used in foods or drinks.

What is young nata de coco? The rising star in the F&B industry

Nata de coco is made by fermenting coconut water with Acetobacter xylinum, which creates a layer of plant-based cellulose with a naturally crisp and chewy texture. Compared to regular coconut jelly, it is softer and more pleasantly crunchy, making it a popular topping in modern beverages and desserts.

Where to buy nata de coco? Trusted bulk nata de coco supplier

When businesses search for where to buy nata de coco, wholesale buyers often prioritize consistent quality and a reliable long-term supply. While raw nata de coco is available from wholesale markets, F&B ingredient distributors, and factories, finding a supplier that meets food safety standards and maintains stable quality can still be challenging.

Is raw nata de coco good for you? Who should avoid eating it?

The answer to the question “Is raw nata de coco good for your health?” is yes when it is consumed in moderation at about 50 to 100 grams per serving. It suits people who want more dietary fiber and those who prefer a low-fat topping. However, young children and people who must control their blood sugar should limit this dessert because it may affect their health.