Functional food has become a major trend over the last decade and nowhere has that trend been hotter than the beverage industry. Grocery aisles that were once dominated by carbonated sugary drinks are now filling up with beverages promising sharper mental acuity, health, and increased athletic performance. Few know this trend better than Dr. Francisco Parada-Rabell. He’s overseen over 250 formulations, including dairy, plant-based proteins, teas and juice-based drinks. Francisco is now the director of beverage innovation at CytoSport, where he is responsible for managing, formulating and commercializing new ready-to-drinks beverages for the Muscle Milk®, Evolve™ and CytoSport™ brands. Parada-Rabell has unique insight into the art and science of creating cutting-edge functional beverages.