Book excerpt: Functional and Medicinal Beverages, Volume Eleven, in the Science of Beverages series, discusses one of the fastest growing sectors in the food industry. As the need for research and development increases based on consumer demand, the information in this volume is essential. This reference includes the latest research trends, nutritive and medicinal ingredients, and analytical techniques to identify health beneficial elements. The contents of the book will bring readers up-to-date on the field, thus making it useful for researchers and graduate students in various fields across the food sciences and technology. Highlights new concepts, innovative technologies and current concerns in the functional beverages field Covers detailed information on the engineering and processing of novel ingredients for health benefits Includes common and alternative ingredients for juices, vegetable blends, milk-based drinks, and probiotic and prebiotic based alternative beverages