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If you’ve been in a trendy grocery store recently, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled upon an aisle of brightly colored canned drinks from brands you’ve likely never heard of. They have botanical ingredients like elderberry or mushrooms that tout the ability to calm, energize, or focus. Don’t worry—Pepsi and Coke aren’t rebranding. These cans are all adaptogen drinks, a popular health-nut-approved breed of beverages that’s jam-packed with herbs and developed to soothe and balance the mind and body.
What are adaptogens?
You’ve probably heard the word “adaptogens” thrown around all the time, but what exactly are they and how do they work? Leave it to the founder of Moon Juice, Amanda Chantal Bacon, to give us all a crash course on adaptogens. To put it simply, “Adaptogens are herbs and mushrooms that help your body both heal from and ward off the damaging effects of stress,” she explains to StyleCaster. Where do adaptogens come from? The brand founder says adaptogens are products of their environment and thrive in some of the harshest climates on earth. The tough conditions they endure make them so powerful—and useful in mood-enhancing beverages!
Adaptogens, however, are far from new to the mainstream. According to Bacon, adaptogenic ingredients have been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, but it wasn’t until 1961 that the term formally entered the realm of science.
What are the benefits of adaptogens?
Contrary to popular belief, adaptogens cannot get rid of stress. Instead, “They promote the body’s ability to cope with stress and recover from it by boosting the adaptive stores in every one of our biological systems,” per Bacon. She adds, “Since they have a bidirectional effect on stress, they can either calm the activity of hyperfunctioning systems or strengthen the activity of low-functioning systems. They can help your body rebound if you feel the flu coming, you haven’t gotten enough sleep, or you’re getting on an airplane. With daily use, they allow you to play preventative offense when it comes to your health, instead of reactionary defense.”
Who should consume adaptogens?
Almost everyone can benefit from consuming adaptogens, according to the founder of Moon Juice. You’ll typically find them in capsule (SuperYou
), powder (Moon Dusts
), and liquid forms (all of the adaptogen beverages we’ve listed below)—and they even can pop up in skincare formulas (Plump Jelly Hyaluronic Serum
).
Who should not consume adaptogens?
It’s always a good idea to speak to a health professional if you’re curious about incorporating anything new, like adaptogens, into your routine. Bacon says that if you’re working with an acute or chronic condition, pregnancy, or SSRIs, be sure to consult a functional medicine doctor or herbalist on dosages, medical history, and any other suggestions for adaptogens.
So, what are the best adaptogen drinks out there? There are a bunch to choose from, many of which have different purposes, flavors, and ingredient lists. Whether you’re on the hunt for a non-alcoholic drink or want to explore the world of adaptogens to help with stress, anxiety, or sleep, you’ll be able to find a bevvy that fits your needs.
Keep scrolling for the 15 best adaptogen drinks for balance, stress, calm, sleep, and energy. Bonus: We’ve included a few personal faves from Ben Witte, the founder and CEO of Recess, below.
These fruity, fizzy drinks feature organic adaptogens like ashwagandha and cordyceps and come in three tropical flavors: Peach Mango, Watermelon Lime, and Blackberry Lemon. Sample them all in this variety pack to discover your favorite flavors and experience the stress-relieving sensation the brand has dubbed “the float.”
Drink your meditation with this soothing botanical water
. It’s formulated without caffeine or added sugars and has a blend of adaptogens, fruits, spices, and flowers that taste great, according to reviewers. For those moments where you can’t find tranquility on your own, this can help get you there.
Recess infuses its sparkling water with real fruits and a combination of hemp, ginseng, and L-theanine to create a concoction that calms. The brand built its drinks with the purpose of resetting the mind. Any time you’re feeling overwhelmed during the work day or a little too anxious at night, drinking one of these could help you clear your mind and feel at ease. Try a variety pack
to test out several different flavors and see which ones your tastebuds love the most.
Recess Zero Proof Craft Mocktails – Lime “Margarita”On Sale 20% offAdaptogens like lemon balm and L-theanine make this beverage the perfect alcohol alternative. Real fruit, low sugar (sweetened with agave), and no hangover? Count us in! Witte is just one of many Lime “Margarita” fans, telling StyleCaster, “My go-to at the moment is the Zero Proof Lime Margarita
. With the beginning of summer, I’m spending a lot more time outside and being social. It’s the perfect drink to satisfy the craving for a margarita, but without the consequences of a hangover, which is something I don’t really have time for these days.” He adds, “The blend of guayusa and adaptogens helps me stay present in the moment, even when I have a lot going on, which is always!”
Recess Tropical Bliss MoodIf you’re looking for a sweet, fruity bevvy that can help mellow you out, reach for this pineapple and passionfruit adaptogen drink from Recess
. Witte shares with StyleCaster, “I’ve been really enjoying our new Tropical Bliss Mood flavor with dinner. It literally tastes like summer in a can—and the magnesium and adaptogens help me unwind after a long day.”
Recess Mood Drink Mix PowderThe best adaptogen drinks for on-the-go consumption come in powder sticks like these. You get 15 packets for $30, which technically works out to be $2 per drink. $2 for a beverage that helps you cope with stress and elevates your day is a steal if you ask me. Witte tells StyleCaster, “I’ve been traveling a lot for work these days, and having the lemon citrus Mood Powder stick packs
with me has helped me stay hydrated and relaxed during hectic travel days. I just put a stick in my water bottle at the airport before the flight and it’s smooth sailing from there.”
If you’re lagging in focus and mental stamina and instead find yourself stressed and irritable, it’s time to put you onto Moon Juice’s best-selling Ashwagandha powder
. The key ingredient in powder form is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to support the nervous system, minimize stress, and help improve sleep quality. This dark brown powder carries a bitter, molasses-like flavor, making it a yummy addition to your morning coffee.
De Soi is a range of sparkling non-alcoholic apéritifs
created by Katy Perry and award-winning Master Distiller Morgan McLachlan. For this Dry January indulge in a more mindful choice for happy hour. Made with adaptogens set to uplift and make you feel good without the buzz.
Courtesy of heywell.If you continuously find yourself needing an afternoon pick-me-up, quit turning to your coffee maker and grab one of Heywell’s Energy + Focus cans
instead. The sparkling strawberry lemonade flavor will bring your taste buds back to life, while a mix of berry antioxidants, ashwagandha, and organic caffeine will do the same for your brain.
Courtesy of Renude. You can have your coffee (and adaptogens) and drink it, too. This energy-boosting superfood coffee drink
is “the health and wellness version of an iced mocha” according to the brand. It has everything: monk fruit, cacao, and chaga—a mushroom full of sustenance.
Laird Superfood Sweet and Creamy Instant Latte with AdaptogensLaird Superfood offers a variety of instant latte options
made with sweet and creamy superfood coconut milk creamer and freeze-dried premium coffee. This one in particular features maitake, chaga, lion’s mane, and cordyceps functional mushrooms to give you fuel without the jitters. Just add hot water and you’ll have a tasty latte in seconds!
SunwinkSunwink Cacao Maca ClaritySunwink helps you save money on your adaptogen drink habit by using less packaging. One container allows you to make 20 superfood maca
drinks that will help you improve focus and clarity all day long.
Courtesy of Kin Euphorics. This adaptogenic beverage line co-founded by Bella Hadid
is non-alcoholic and functional. Plus, it’s made from ingredients that nourish your mind and body. I’ve tried it before and it’s put me in somewhat of a buzzy mood—a feel-good time with zero alcohol.
So maybe you want a little bit of caffeine to get you through the evening? I’d go with Taika
. You can get all kinds of different lattes in combination with adaptogens like theanine, ashwagandha, lion’s mane, and more.
Courtesy of Nooma. Nooma Energy Sports DrinkIf you’re on the pre-workout train, you know how satisfying it can be to get a boost of energy and adrenaline before a big workout. This organic alternative
will give you the same feeling, minus excess sugars. A mix of caffeine from coffee beans and electrolytes from coconut water pair up with adaptogens like ginseng and ashwagandha to create a mix of energizing and body-boosting ingredients that won’t leave you drained once the rush wears off.
