Across supermarkets, cafés, and online marketplaces, one shade is quietly taking over the beverage shelves — green. From morning smoothies to ready-to-drink juices, consumers worldwide are discovering that wellness can come with color. Among all the leafy contenders, kale has emerged as the crown jewel — the “green gold” of modern drinks.

Packed with nutrients, adored by nutritionists, and championed by lifestyle creators, kale has grown from a salad ingredient into a global beverage star. But what’s fueling this fascination? And how are brands reimagining the once-bitter green into something irresistibly drinkable?

Key Takeaways

• Kale juice has become one of the fastest-growing categories in the global vegetable drink segment.

• Modern consumers seek green beverages that combine nutrition with flavor balance — not extreme health claims.

• The average 100g of raw kale contains around 93 mg of vitamin C, 390 µg of vitamin K, and 1.6 g of fiber, according to USDA FoodData Central.

• The new generation of fruit-and-veggie blends helps soften kale’s intensity while keeping its natural green hue.

• Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd (Vietnam) is among the brands mastering this blend, crafting an accessible Rita Kale with Fruits and Veggies Mix Juice Drink 1L PET Bottle for everyday consumption.

A Global Green Awakening

The market for green juice is no longer limited to boutique health cafés in Los Angeles or Tokyo. Reports from Grand View Research indicate that the global vegetable juice market exceeded USD 34 billion in 2024, with green-based juices — led by kale, spinach, and celery — accounting for a growing share.

Consumers are shifting from sugar-heavy fruit drinks to beverages that evoke “freshness,” “clean energy,” and “plant power.” Kale, with its deep green pigment and leafy richness, fits perfectly into that narrative.

In a world increasingly focused on sustainable, plant-based living, the color green has become a visual shorthand for authenticity. Whether on packaging or in the glass, it signals that what you’re drinking is closer to nature — and far from artificial additives.

The Science Behind Kale’s Allure

Kale belongs to the Brassica family, alongside broccoli and cabbage. But nutritionally, it stands apart. According to data from the USDA and peer-reviewed journals such as Nutrients and Food Chemistry, kale is recognized for its high concentration of micronutrients:

Kale also contains glucosinolates, natural sulfur compounds linked with the characteristic aroma of cruciferous vegetables, and carotenoids that contribute to its intense color.

However, what truly makes kale exciting to the beverage world isn’t just the numbers — it’s the challenge. Turning a fibrous, earthy-tasting leaf into a smooth, refreshing drink demands both creativity and technology.

From Bitter to Brilliant — The Evolution of Taste

Early kale juices were often described as “too intense.” But advances in blending and flavor balancing have changed that. Today’s green juices marry kale’s earthy depth with the natural sweetness of fruits like apple, pineapple, or mango, and the mild body of cucumber or celery.

The result is a beverage that feels light, modern, and enjoyable — suitable for breakfast tables, co-working cafés, and even fine-dining brunch menus.

One interesting market insight comes from Mintel’s 2025 Global Beverage Report: more than 68% of consumers who tried a green juice for the first time said they would drink it again if the taste was smoother. That’s why brands now position kale blends not as a challenge, but as a pleasure with purpose.

Color Psychology and the Green Revolution

Color drives emotion, and green has become the hue of health and renewal. Beverage designers know this well. From transparent bottles that let the natural color shine to minimalist fonts that signal purity, every element is crafted to deliver the message: “this is real.”

Social media has amplified this visual language. A single pour of glowing green juice over ice — captured under café lighting — can attract thousands of views. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, hashtags like #GreenJuice, #KalePower, and #DrinkYourGreens have millions of mentions.

The rise of “drinkable greens” is not just a dietary choice — it’s an aesthetic lifestyle movement.

Sustainability at the Core

As the beverage industry grapples with sustainability, fruit juice and kale-based drinks are also part of the green packaging wave. Lightweight PET bottles, recyclable cartons, and minimal-ink labeling are becoming industry standards.

For manufacturers, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) offers a crucial balance — light enough to reduce carbon transport emissions, yet sturdy enough for long-distance fruit juice exports. According to the European PET Recycling Association, PET recycling rates exceeded 50% in 2024, with many producers targeting even higher recycled-content ratios by 2030.

This shift means that drinking green increasingly aligns with living green — both in ingredient and in packaging.

The Southeast Asian Momentum

While kale originated in Europe, its beverage journey has found new energy in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, where tropical fruit expertise meets global juice trends.

In Vietnam, beverage producers are blending Western superfoods like kale with local fruits such as guava, pineapple, and mango, creating hybrids that appeal to both domestic and export markets. This fusion approach makes the green drink experience both familiar and exciting to a wide audience.

The Case of Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd

Among Asia’s most dynamic beverage exporters, Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd has been an early advocate of approachable green drinks. The company’s development of Rita Kale with Fruits and Veggies Mix Juice Drink (1L PET Bottle) reflects years of research in balancing flavor and practicality.

Rather than positioning kale juice as a niche detox product, Rita reimagined it as an everyday family option — bright, refreshing, and easy to serve. The 1L PET format suits homes, hotels, and office pantries, while the design communicates freshness and confidence with its transparent body and vivid green palette.

Behind the scenes, the company’s R&D team experimented with kale-to-fruit ratios, ensuring that the leafy notes stayed present without overpowering the palate. The result is a drink that feels vibrant yet smooth — ideal for first-time green juice drinkers.

Rita’s manufacturing philosophy emphasizes consistency and export readiness, from batch traceability to multilingual labeling. As a Vietnam-based OEM/ODM beverage manufacturer, Rita supports private label partners across more than 100 countries, tailoring formulas and packaging to local tastes.

A Glimpse into the Future of Green Drinks

The success of kale juice isn’t just about one ingredient — it symbolizes a shift in how consumers view beverages. They no longer seek extreme diets or “miracle drinks.” Instead, they look for balance, transparency, and authenticity.

The future of the green drink category lies in approachability — products that are visually inviting, nutritionally meaningful, and aligned with global sustainability goals.

As beverage aisles grow greener, one thing is clear: kale has graduated from humble leaf to global icon. And brands like Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd are ensuring that this icon remains both delicious and attainable.

FAQs

1. Why is kale so popular in modern beverages?

Kale is rich in vitamins and minerals, but more importantly, it fits the modern idea of natural, plant-based nutrition. Its green color and association with freshness make it visually and conceptually powerful in drinks.

2. How does kale juice differ from other vegetable juices?

Unlike celery or spinach juices, kale juice tends to have a fuller body and deeper green hue. When blended with fruits, it offers a smoother, more rounded flavor profile.

3. Is kale juice only for health-focused consumers?

Not anymore. Modern kale drinks are designed for everyone — from café-goers looking for something new to families wanting a refreshing option at home.

4. Why do many kale drinks include fruits?

Fruits help balance kale’s natural bitterness while adding aroma and sweetness. This combination makes the drink more enjoyable and approachable.

5. What makes Rita Kale with Fruits and Veggies Mix Juice Drink special?

It blends kale with complementary fruits and vegetables for a smooth, balanced taste. The 1L PET bottle offers convenience, shareability, and recyclable packaging — all crafted under Rita Food & Drink Co., Ltd, one of Vietnam’s top beverage exporters.