BRANDS YOU SHOULD WATCH.
In the spirit of International Women’s Month – we’re highlighting 13 female-founded beverage brands that you might not already know…but you totally should.
We are HYPED to celebrate these brands and get them on your radar – see something you like? Buy them, stock them, support them!
Think you’re a brand we should know about? Join our Slack channel, introduce yourself in the introductions channel, and join our Brand Database! The possibilities after you do those 3 things are endless – it unlocks the doors to the Startup CPG universe!
Cheers!
AFTERNOON TOAST
Ready-to-drink roasted barley and ginger tea bottled to elevate hydration and digestion. No caffeine. No carbonation. No sugar.
Why we love it: With a saturated caffeine market, it’s refreshing to see a new take on what sipping on something can be: no sugar, no buzz, real ingredients. Who knew we could be so excited about barley?!
Distribution: none yet – they are pre-launch – exciting opportunity to be first to market!
BECK’S BROTH
A collection of products that nourish the body and provide a powerful boost of protein that is as simple as it is delicious. Bone broth coffee, hot chocolate, and matcha.
Founders: Beck Prime / Domenique Mastronardi
Why we love it: Beck’s Broth cleaned up in our innovation section at the Chex Finer Foods show in Rhode Island – there was a constant flow to their booth and retailers wanted to order on the spot. Oh – and it’s delicious! You’d have no idea you were drinking bone broth while sipping on coffee, hot chocolate or matcha!
Distribution: Amazon CA, Amazon US, Avid Gourmet, CHEX Finer Foods, Purity Life, Sheldon’s Creek; Store locator.
BLIND TIGER SPIRIT-FREE COCKTAILS
Blind Tiger creates premium, ready-to-drink spirit-free cocktails inspired by classic cocktail culture — from the Bee’s Knees to the French 75. Crafted with real, clean-label ingredients and layered flavor, they deliver the depth and complexity of traditional cocktails, just without the alcohol.
Founder: Rebecca Styn
Why we love it: Our founder, Daniel Scharff, was gushing over the newest grapefruit SKU for its exquisite flavor, low calorie count and low sugar – something that seems quite difficult to achieve for RTD mocktails and mixers!
Distribution: currently working with 10 Statewide distributor partners across the U.S., including Saccani Distributing (CA), Imperial Beverage (MI), Badger Liquor (WI), Handcrafted Wines & Spirits (OR), CTS Distributing (CO), Otherside Beverage (MD, DC, DE) &others. National grocery partners include: KeHE and POD Foods. Retailers & Hospitality: 1,600+ retail and hospitality locations including Whole Foods Market (national pilot + authorization), Wegmans, Total Wine & More, Fresh Thyme, Kroger (Mariano’s) and multiple independent retailers and restaurants. Also served fleetwide on Royal Caribbean and Virgin Voyages, with Disney Cruise Line (Singapore) launching soon; Store locator.
DRINKFOLKS
DrinkFolks Jamu are modern root tonics inspired by Southeast Asian traditions – trusted for centuries to support immunity, gut health, and inflammation support.
Founder: Tiffany Tang
Why we love it: It’s like the ginger and turmeric have been fresh pressed in front of us each time we take a sip. We immediately get an energizing burst from DrinkFolks – all naturally from their intentional ingredient choices. You might want this on hand at your next trade show for a little immunity boost…
Distribution: none yet – exciting opportunity to be first to market!
ESSPRITZ
Introducing the Esspritz Espresso Tonic.. your favorite new coffee in a can. Fresh brewed espresso and bubbly tonic water, kissed with orange, lightly sweetened with real sugar. A dairy-free, café-inspired coffee with a crisp, dry finish.
Founder: Alexandra Leekley
Why we love it: Sparkling coffee is having a moment – we’re excited to see a female-founded brand at the start of this movement! If you want to dive into the world of bubbly coffee, give Esspritz a go!
Distribution: They launched only a month ago! Currently in: McCall’s Santa Monica, McCall’s Atwater, Altadena Beverage, Buena Bodega in Ventura, Beachwood Market in Hollywood, and Bunkerhill Market in DTLA; Store locator.
JUBILEE’S
Jubilee’s is a delicious super milk for kids packed with hidden veggies, protein and essential vitamins.
Founder: Ashley Waldman
Why we love it: Toddler parents know – getting your kid to eat anything besides beige foods is HARD. Jubilee’s is bringing the fun and the flavor – packed with Vitamins C, D, and protein – all with zero added sugar. Jubilee’s is an easy choice – for toddlers and parents alike.
Distribution: KeHE: Gelson’s, Town & Country, Sprouts (April), Central Market, HEB, Market Street, Albertsons Market, United Supermarkets; UNFI: Mothers, Bristol Farms, Berkley Bowl, Woodlands Market, Raley’s; Target (Direct, April); GoPuff (Direct), Thrive Market (Direct); Amazon
LUCILLE
Lucille is the first better-for-you senior nutrition company. We make high-protein, high-calorie, complete nutrition shakes with simple ingredients and great taste—designed to bring dignity, joy, and better nutrition to aging.
Founder: Jess Haghani
Why we love it: Talk about a category pioneer! Do we ever hear about better-for-you products created for seniors? NEVER. Lucille is changing that and we are so excited to watch the journey unfold!
Distribution: They are launching on lucillehealth.com & Amazon on March 24th and are also focused on distributing through senior living communities.
OSIA
Beverages to Elevate Your Mood.
Founder: Isabella Hoag
Why we love it: Full of flavor, but no natural flavors. Real fruits, real herbs, real sugar – when it’s present – they have no added sugar flavors too! Choose your mood with OSIA – it’s ok to want them all.
Distribution: Self distributed and through RNDC. Available at independent stores and Total Wine; Store locator.
PURPLE DROP
Purple Drop is a vibrant ready-to-drink take on Chicha Morada, Peru’s beloved purple corn drink. Made with real ingredients and naturally rich in antioxidants, it brings the bold flavor and culture of Peru into a modern grab-and-go can.
Founder: Maria Velasquez
Why we love it: Have you ever seen a RTD chicha morada in the US? Yeah, neither have we. The color, the flavor, the story – there is so much to love about Purple Drop – who will be first to market with them? Let us know if it’s you!
Distribution:none yet – they’re pre-launch – exciting opportunity to be first to market!
TART
Tart is a healthy lifestyle beverage focused around tart cherry & mineral water. Certified organic & only 5 ingredients!
Founder: Lindsey Fredrick
Why we love it: It’s in the name – TART – featuring Tart Cherry – which is so hot right now if we do say so ourselves. The flavor makes you pucker up and keep coming back for more – it’s like our bodies know we need more of this delicious, simple, functional bev!
Distribution: Self distributed to independent retailers; on Faire.
THE CYCLE
The Cycle is the first functional beverage designed for women’s hormonal wellness—offering real relief from PMS, period discomfort, and perimenopause symptoms. Made with 375mg of bioactive Omega-7 from Himalayan Holy Fruit (sea buckthorn) and cold-brewed adaptogens including chaste berry, raspberry leaf, turmeric, and ashwagandha. Natural ingredients, no caffeine, no added sugar. Founded by Anastasia Sartan, ex-Director of Product at Snapchat and tech entrepreneur.
Founder: Anastasia Sartan
Why we love it: Women’s health is generally ignored – but with The Cycle – it’s taking center stage – and at all stages of menstrual health and wellness. We love the flavor, functionality, and watching The Cycle grow. We hear they have some announcements coming soon – stay tuned!
Distribution: Distributors: KeHE, UNFI (Q4 2026). Retailers: Happier Grocer, Anima Mundi Apothecary, Bona Dea Naturals, Mudwtr Gathering, Rainbow Acres (store locator) and direct-to-consumer via onthecycle.com with 2-4 day delivery nationwide.
THE QI
Whole flowering teas for joy, beauty and calm.
Founder: Lisa Li
Why we love it: Ditch the tea bags and go straight to the blooms. The Qi blooms in your cup – it’s botanical, it’s magical, it’s unlike your typical tea experience. Watch the flowers unfurl before your eyes.
Distribution: We are D2C, Amazon, and independent shops.
TUYYO
Founded by Latina and Native American entrepreneurs, Tuyyo Foods is a multi-category food brand celebrating Latin American culture through thoughtfully crafted seasonings, snacks, beverages, and mole pastes. Inspired by heritage recipes and Indigenous ingredients, Tuyyo Foods is committed to cultural integrity, accessibility, and sustainable growth. We’re highlighting Tuyyo’s instant agua frescas here specifically, but encourage you to check out their whole line!
Why we love it: They’re using REAL FRUIT POWDER and sweeten their agua frescas with organic agave from sustainable farms in Mexico – our mouths are watering just writing that. Summer is right around the corner…have agua fresca ready to go – at all times!
Distribution: KeHE, UNFI, Whole Foods, Walmart, HEB, Central Market; Store locator.
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