For years, hydration drinks have followed a familiar formula: quick carbs like glucose, sucrose, or maltodextrin combined with electrolytes. It works for short bursts of energy. But for longer efforts or people with sensitive digestion, those same drinks often cause blood sugar spikes, energy crashes, and discomfort.
That’s where the next generation of hydration solutions is stepping in.
We’re seeing a real shift in the market: more and more brands are turning to Trehalose and Isomaltulose two functional carbohydrates that offer a smarter, more balanced approach to hydration and energy.
So, what makes them different?
Trehalose is known for its gentle effect on the gut, its ability to support cellular hydration, and its gradual energy release. It helps maintain osmotic balance in the body and stays stable under heat and varying pH making it ideal for ready-to-drink products as well as powders.
Isomaltulose, on the other hand, has a low glycemic index and low osmolarity, which means it’s slowly absorbed, supports fat oxidation, and helps avoid the typical sugar highs and crashes. It’s a great match for endurance athletes or anyone who needs steady fuel over a longer period.
What’s especially smart? Trehalose is digested a bit faster than isomaltulose. That means when you use both, you get a staggered energy release not all at once, but spread out over time. This layered effect helps maintain performance, focus, and stamina without overwhelming the system.
It also just… tastes better.
Both Trehalose and Isomaltulose have a clean, mild sweetness (around 50% of regular sugar). That lighter profile makes drinks easier to consume especially during intense training or hot conditions, where overly sweet or heavy drinks just don’t go down well.
Smarter carbs, smarter hydration.
Trehalose and Isomaltulose aren’t replacing traditional ingredients, but they are upgrading the formula. They allow brands to create hydration solutions that are more thoughtful, better tolerated, and better aligned with today’s focus on performance, wellness, and metabolic health.
At Van Wankum Ingredients, we see strong momentum for these ingredients not just in sports nutrition, but across functional drinks for daily energy, recovery, and healthy living.
Curious how Trehalose or Isomaltulose could enhance your product?
Let’s talk. We’re happy to help you create the next generation of hydration.