Hydrogen water: Is 2026 the breakout year for a new functional beverage category?

As interest in functional beverages continues to grow, hydrogen water is moving from elite athletic and recovery circles into the mainstream, prompting a wave of curiosity (and some skepticism) among consumers. 

Several peer-reviewed and pilot studies have explored hydrogen-rich water in controlled settings, including reductions in post-exercise blood lactate, improvements in perceived exertion and ventilatory efficiency, increases in antioxidant enzyme activity, and early findings related to alcohol related outcomes. While the research is still developing, consumer interest is accelerating quickly.

US-based start-up oHy launched its hydrogen water (available in four organic, non-GMO flavors — strawberry lemon, cherry lime, lemon lime, and raspberry) last year and has already experienced significant retail expansion as functional beverages and wellness trends gain traction. 

Hydrogen water is exactly that: a water that contains molecular hydrogen, a small, selective antioxidant that can help the body manage oxidative stress. Unlike caffeine or sugar-based beverages, hydrogen water is clean, simple hydration that supports balance, clarity, and recovery while still tasting refreshing and smooth. Crucially, it does not overstimulate.

Trent Hartwig, co-founder and CEO of oHy, says the company is offering a refreshing take on sparkling water, many of which can have sharp or aggressive carbonation. oHy’s hydrogen bubbles are marketed as having a less acidic mouthfeel. The solution is also making hydrogen-rich hydration more accessible and affordable. 

We sit down with Hartwig to find out more.

Why is hydrogen gaining traction now, and what makes 2026 feel like a potential turning point for the category?

Hartwig: Consumers are asking for hydration that works harder for them. At the same time, research around hydrogen has grown, especially in areas like recovery, antioxidant activity, perceived exertion, and how the body responds to physical and lifestyle stressors. Advances in production and packaging now allow molecular hydrogen to be dissolved and maintained in bottled or tablet‐generated formats, helping translate the research into convenient, ready‐to‐drink (RTD) products. We also use a patented dosing system that dispenses magnesium into each beverage. Magnesium is a reactive metal, and when it interacts with water, it generates hydrogen gas, allowing us to create a consistent hydrogen-rich experience in every can. At the same time, the cultural conversation has accelerated. Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscientist and host of the number one health and wellness podcast, continually mentions hydrogen water and other top health voices have echoed similar enthusiasm. With rising scientific interest, mainstream expert attention, and consumers looking for clean functional products, 2026 feels like the moment hydrogen moves fully into the mainstream with oHy leading the way.

What does the current research genuinely support today — and where is the science still developing?

Hartwig: The strongest research today supports hydrogen’s role in antioxidant activity and inflammation support. Studies show benefits in exercise recovery, lactate management, ventilatory efficiency, perceived exertion, and how the body responds to stressors, including alcohol. There are also more than 1,500 clinical studies exploring the benefits of hydrogen-rich water, with much of this research focused on how hydrogen may support antioxidant activity, overall balance, and recovery from physical or lifestyle stressors.

How do you balance consumer excitement with responsible communication around emerging studies?

Hartwig: We keep things intentional and clear. Better-for-you hydration supports natural energy, focus, and recovery, and consumers expect the science behind it to be communicated honestly. Hydrogen is a fascinating area of research, but it is also an evolving one, so our responsibility is to translate the studies in a way that is accurate, accessible, and never overstated. People do not want complicated claims or hype. They want clean hydration that feels good in their daily routines, and they want to know why it works in simple, straightforward terms.

oHy’s hydrogen-powered RTD sparkling water comes amid a rise in functional beverages demands and shift toward better-for-you, nutrient-dense products.

Hydrogen doesn’t create a noticeable “buzz.” Does that make it harder to market than caffeine- or sugar-based functional drinks?

Hartwig: Not at all. Consumers today want hydration that supports natural energy, focus, and recovery without relying on sugar or stimulants, which is exactly where hydrogen fits. The real barrier in the past has been access. Most hydrogen water solutions require machines or high-priced bottles, making the category feel exclusive rather than approachable. oHy changes that by being the first hydrogen water that is truly easy to access. We offer the same hydrogen-powered benefits in a simple, RTD sparkling water that tastes great and fits into what people are already drinking every day. This aligns with the rise of functional beverages and the shift toward better-for-you, nutrient-dense products that support how people live, move, and feel.

Is hydrogen water competing with sports drinks, premium water, or creating an entirely new hydration segment?

Hartwig: oHy is creating an entirely new category of clean, functional hydration through its hydrogen water cans. With zero-calories, zero-sugar, and zero-sweeteners, oHy is attractive to elite athletes and everyday people managing busy schedules alike, as they can experience the real benefits the beverage offers through magnesium and its unique hydrogen infusion that delivers smoother hydration, antioxidant support, and a balanced drinking experience without chemicals or additives.

What are retailers and buyers asking for before committing shelf space to this category?

Hartwig: Retailers want clarity, education, and a product that consumers can easily understand. They consistently ask about the science behind hydrogen, the simplicity of the ingredient panel, and what makes the product different from everything else on shelf. Being the only USDA Certified Organic and Non-GMO hydrogen water directly answers those questions, and the zero-calorie, zero-sugar, zero-sweetener profile reinforces that oHy is a clean, better-for-you choice. Our four-ingredient formula and smooth sip, with no burn and no bloat, show retailers that the product is both simple and high-performing. Retailers are also looking for real innovation in the hydration set, and oHy delivers that by introducing a new functional option that aligns with what consumers want next. That is why oHy is already available nationally at Amazon and VitaCost, and in specialty regional retailers, including the LA-based Erewhon, with continued expansion on the way.

Is hydrogen water resonating more as a performance product, a longevity play, or a post-alcohol recovery solution?

Hartwig: We see strong interest across all three. Athletes notice the recovery benefits. Wellness and longevity consumers appreciate the antioxidant support. Many people also use it after late nights because research shows hydrogen can help the body manage stressors like alcohol. The biggest growth area is everyday balance. People drink oHy because it helps them feel clearer, more refreshed, and more hydrated as they move through their day.