U.S. Ready-To-Drink Packaging Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Material (Glass, Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Metal), By Product (Cans, Cartons, Bottles), By End Use, And Segment Forecasts

U.S. Ready-To-Drink Packaging Market Summary

The U.S. ready-to-drink packaging market size was estimated at USD 38.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 64.51 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025 to 2033. The market is driven by rising consumer demand for convenience and on-the-go beverages. In addition, increasing health consciousness boosts demand for functional drinks, prompting innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.

Consumers across the globe are increasingly seeking healthier and functional beverage options that align with active lifestyles. This trend has significantly boosted demand for RTD products such as protein shakes, cold brew coffees, functional teas, and vitamin-infused waters. Packaging that supports on-the-go consumption, such as PET bottles, cartons, and aluminum cans, is being prioritized by manufacturers to meet this demand. For example, Nestlé’s RTD protein shakes and PepsiCo’s LifeWTR emphasize not only functional benefits but also portability and aesthetic appeal, driving innovation in health-conscious, single-serve packaging formats.

With urban populations growing and consumer lifestyles becoming busier, there's a growing preference for ready-to-consume beverages that require no preparation. This shift is particularly evident among millennials and Gen Z consumers in metropolitan areas, who value timesaving, portable beverage options. RTD packaging offers convenience by enabling easy storage, handling, and disposal, all while maintaining product shelf life. Brands such as Starbucks and The Coca-Cola Company are expanding their RTD coffee and tea offerings in compact formats (e.g., 250ml PET bottles or Tetra Paks) specifically designed for on-the-go consumption.

The growth of online grocery platforms and delivery apps has created new distribution channels for RTD beverages, which require robust, attractive, and protective packaging. RTD products sold online often face longer transit times and handling, demanding packaging that ensures durability without compromising aesthetics. Manufacturers leverage shelf-ready packaging (SRP), multi-pack cartons, and lightweight flexible pouches to appeal to digital consumers.

Environmental concerns and regulatory pressures have prompted RTD brands to adopt sustainable packaging practices, enhancing brand reputation and consumer loyalty. The use of recyclable PET bottles, paper-based cartons, and compostable pouches is growing steadily. Many beverage companies are adopting circular economy models, such as refillable or returnable packaging. For example, Coca-Cola’s 100% recycled PET bottles for some RTD drinks signal a broader industry shift. These sustainable packaging efforts resonate with environmentally conscious consumers, acting as a competitive differentiator and a market driver.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The RTD packaging market in the U.S. is characterized by its strong alignment with consumer behavior and lifestyle trends. It is highly responsive to shifting health, convenience, and sustainability preferences. New beverage launches (e.g., plant-based milks, functional teas, and clean energy drinks) are frequent, prompting agile packaging strategies. This fast-paced product innovation requires adaptable packaging solutions in size, format, and labeling to meet the demands of both mass and niche markets.

The U.S. RTD packaging market is shaped by regulatory policies related to materials usage, recycling mandates, and environmental impact. Federal and state regulations (e.g., California’s plastic packaging reduction mandates) push manufacturers toward recyclable, biodegradable, and recycled-content packaging. As a result, compliance, traceability, and sustainability reporting have become embedded aspects of the industry's operations. This regulatory complexity creates both challenges and opportunities for material suppliers and converters.

Material Insights

The plastic segment recorded the largest market revenue share of over 40.0% in 2024. Plastic, especially PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), is widely used in the RTD segment due to its lightweight, durability, design flexibility, and low production costs. It is commonly used for water, carbonated soft drinks, iced teas, and flavored juices. PET bottles also support high-speed production and filling lines, making them a cost-effective choice for manufacturers. Plastic dominance is fueled by affordability, convenience for on-the-go consumption, and adaptability across various RTD beverage types.

Paper & paperboard is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Paper & paperboard are primarily used in carton-based RTD packaging, especially for dairy beverages, juices, and plant-based drinks. These materials offer good barrier properties when combined with plastic or aluminum layers and are favored for their renewable source and ease of branding due to printable surfaces. The growing consumer demand for sustainable, biodegradable, and renewable packaging drives the paper & paperboard segment.

Product Insights

The bottles segment recorded the largest market revenue share of over 42.0% in 2024. Bottles, particularly PET and glass bottles, dominate the RTD packaging market due to their versatility, reusability, and ability to protect product integrity. They are used for water, juices, dairy beverages, cold brews, and alcoholic RTDs. PET bottles remain popular due to their affordability, light weight, and suitability for high-speed filling lines. Rising consumption of bottled iced coffee, flavored water, and sports drinks is driving demand. Innovations in lightweighting and rPET usage (recycled PET) support environmental goals and reduce carbon footprints.

Pouches is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period. Pouches, including stand-up and spouted types, offer flexible and portable packaging solutions for a variety of RTD beverages, especially those targeting kids and on-the-go consumers. They use significantly less material than rigid formats. Increasing preference for lightweight, resealable, and space-saving packaging is accelerating the demand for pouches. Their adaptability for single-serve formats, especially smoothies and kids’ drinks, aligns with the trend of convenience. Cost-effectiveness in production and transport further enhances their market growth.

End Use Insights

The bottled water segment recorded the largest market share of over 22.0% in 2024. RTD bottled water is packaged for instant consumption and includes still, sparkling, flavored, and mineral water. Due to its health and hydration benefits, it remains one of the most consumed RTD beverages worldwide. Moreover, innovative eco-friendly packaging solutions (e.g., rPET bottles, paper-based bottles) and value-added variants like vitamin-enriched water are gaining traction.

Plant-based beverages is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period. This segment includes soy, almond, oat, rice, and coconut milk-based drinks. Often used as dairy alternatives, they come in flavored and unflavored formats, catering to vegans and lactose-intolerant consumers. The growing vegan population, lactose intolerance, and environmental concerns are primary drivers. Product innovations in flavors, added nutritional benefits (e.g., calcium, B12), and eco-conscious packaging are strengthening this segment’s footprint in the RTD packaging market.

Key U.S. Ready-To-Drink Packaging Company Insights

The competitive environment of the RTD packaging market in the U.S. is characterized by intense rivalry among established global and regional players such as Amcor plc, Ball Corporation, Tetra Pak, Berry Global Inc., and Crown Holdings. These companies compete based on innovation in lightweight and sustainable packaging, speed to market, and cost-efficiency. Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships are common and aim to expand product portfolios and production capabilities, especially in categories like RTD tea, coffee, and functional beverages. The market also sees strong competition from emerging players leveraging automation and digital printing to offer customization and faster turnaround.

• In April 2024, Amcor plc launched the first-ever one-liter polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle for carbonated soft drinks (CSD) made entirely from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) material. This innovative stock bottle is designed to help beverage brands meet increasing consumer demand and legislative requirements for recycled content.

• In July 2024, Ardagh Glass Packaging-North America launched a new series of 12-ounce craft beverage glass bottles in the U.S., available in three colors: emerald green, flint (clear), and amber (brown). These bottles are designed and manufactured domestically from high-quality, 100% recyclable glass that can be endlessly recycled without losing purity or quality. 

U.S. Ready-To-Drink Packaging Market Report Scope

U.S. Ready-To-Drink Packaging Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at a country level and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. ready-to-drink packaging market report based on material, product, and end use:

• Material Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Glass

  • Plastic

  • Paper & Paperboard

  • Metal

  • Others

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Cans

  • Cartons

  • Bottles

  • Pouches

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Alcoholic Beverages

  • RTD Tea & Coffee

  • Bottled Water

  • Fruit Juices

  • Dairy-Based Beverages

  • Plant-Based Beverages

  • Carbonated Soft Drinks

  • Functional & Energy Drinks