How CBD Drinks Compare to Other Wellness Drinks

In recent years, wellness drinks have become an integral part of health-conscious lifestyles. From kombucha and herbal teas to energy drinks and now CBD drinks, there is a growing variety of beverages designed to support relaxation, stress relief, or energy boosts. Among these, CBD drinks have emerged as a unique contender, offering the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) in refreshing formats like sparkling water, seltzers, teas, and lemonades.

In this post, we'll explore how CBD drinks compare to other wellness drinks by diving into their benefits, side effects, and best use cases to help you decide which drink suits your wellness routine.

What Are CBD Drinks?

CBD drinks are beverages infused with cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp. CBD is known for its potential to help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, improve sleep, and even support pain relief. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce a "high," which makes it ideal for those seeking wellness benefits without psychoactive effects.

Common types of CBD drinks include:

• CBD sparkling water: Zero-calorie, fizzy, and refreshing drinks with subtle flavors.
• CBD seltzers: More carbonated than sparkling water, often with light fruit infusions.
• CBD teas: Herbal or caffeinated teas infused with CBD for relaxation or energy.
• CBD lemonades: Lightly sweetened, tangy drinks combining hydration with stress relief.

These beverages are crafted to deliver the therapeutic effects of CBD in an enjoyable, socially acceptable format. Many people prefer them for the subtle yet long-lasting effects that are perfect for unwinding without any impairment.

Common Types of Wellness Drinks

Wellness beverages have exploded in popularity by offering various health benefits, flavors, and ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular wellness drinks:

Kombucha

• What it is: A fermented tea that is rich in probiotics that aid gut health.
• Benefits: Supports digestion, boosts the immune system, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
• Drawbacks: Can be high in sugar and acidity, potentially leading to digestive discomfort.

Herbal Teas

• What they are: Infusions of herbs, flowers, and plants such as chamomile, peppermint, or hibiscus.
• Benefits: Naturally caffeine-free, herbal teas are often used to promote relaxation, aid digestion, and improve sleep.
• Drawbacks: Herbal teas can be mild and may not provide immediate results for those looking for stronger effects.

Energy Drinks

• What they are: Beverages packed with caffeine, taurine, B-vitamins, and sometimes sugar or artificial sweeteners to provide a quick energy boost.
• Benefits: Effective for short-term energy boosts and increased alertness.
• Drawbacks: Can lead to crashes, jitters, and dehydration. High sugar content is a concern.

Protein Shakes

• What they are: Drinks made with high protein content, typically consumed post-workout to support muscle recovery.
• Benefits: Helps with muscle repair and provides a quick source of nutrition after physical activity.
• Drawbacks: Can be high in calories and some users experience digestive discomfort if the protein is not easily absorbed.

Green Juice and Smoothies

• What they are: Blends of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables often consumed for their high nutrient content.
• Benefits: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost energy and overall health.
• Drawbacks: High in sugar if fruit-based and some green juices can be expensive and lack fiber.

How Do CBD Drinks Compare to Other Wellness Drinks?

Now that we understand what CBD drinks and other wellness drinks are, let’s dive into how they compare in terms of health benefits, side effects, and use cases.

Health Benefits Comparison

CBD drinks stand out for their ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress while potentially aiding with inflammation and anxiety. While kombucha focuses on gut health and herbal teas promote relaxation, CBD beverages deliver more potent and long-lasting effects.

Side Effects and Drawbacks

CBD drinks are generally safe, but it’s important to note that the effects take longer to manifest compared to energy drinks or green juices, which deliver more immediate benefits. The upside of CBD beverages, however, is the subtle and longer-lasting relaxation without the jitters or crashes associated with energy drinks.

Effectiveness for Stress and Relaxation

When it comes to stress relief and relaxation, CBD drinks are considered one of the most effective options due to their ability to directly interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates mood and stress levels.

• CBD Drinks: By supporting the ECS, CBD drinks promote relaxation, calm the mind, and help reduce anxiety. They are also long-lasting, making them ideal for sustained stress relief throughout the day.
• Kombucha: While kombucha supports mental clarity through gut health, it’s not particularly effective for immediate stress relief.
• Herbal Teas: Herbal teas, particularly chamomile and peppermint, are mild but effective for relaxation, especially before bed. They don’t offer the anti-anxiety benefits that CBD drinks do, however.
• Energy Drinks: These beverages are ineffective for relaxation and may even increase stress and anxiety due to the high caffeine content.
• Green Juice and Smoothies: Green juices are not designed for relaxation but can improve overall well-being by providing essential nutrients.

How Are CBD Drinks Made?

CBD Extraction Methods

To create CBD drinks, manufacturers first extract cannabidiol from hemp plants. One of the most popular extraction methods is CO2 extraction, which is considered the gold standard for ensuring a pure and potent product. This process separates CBD from other compounds in the hemp plant without using harmful chemicals to ensure that the CBD used in beverages is free from contaminants.

Infusion Process

Once the CBD is extracted, it’s infused into beverages like sparkling water or teas. The infusion process involves evenly distributing CBD throughout the drink to ensure consistent dosing in every sip. CBD sparkling water and CBD seltzers typically contain 10 to 50 mg of CBD per can, depending on the product.

Ingredient Quality and Transparency

High-quality CBD drinks are made with natural ingredients and are often third-party lab tested to ensure purity and potency. Look for beverages that use organic, non-GMO ingredients and provide Certificates of Analysis (COA) to guarantee that they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and THC.

Taste and Enjoyment Comparison

Each wellness drink has its own distinct flavor profile that make the enjoyment of these beverages subjective and personal.

• CBD Drinks: Mild, refreshing flavors like lime, watermelon, and berry are common in CBD sparkling water and CBD seltzers. The carbonation adds to the refreshing experience by making these drinks enjoyable and light.
• Kombucha: Known for its tangy, sometimes sour taste due to fermentation, kombucha can be an acquired taste. Some versions are flavored with fruits or herbs, but the sourness remains prominent.
• Herbal Teas: Calm and soothing, herbal teas are often consumed warm with flavors ranging from floral (e.g., chamomile) to minty (e.g., peppermint). The warmth can enhance relaxation.
• Energy Drinks: Bold, artificial flavors such as citrus, berry, and tropical fruits dominate energy drinks. They are very sweet due to the high sugar content.
• Green Juice & Smoothies: These drinks can be earthy or fruity depending on the blend. Green juices often have a vibrant flavor from leafy greens, which can be strong for some palates.

When Should You Choose CBD Drinks Over Other Wellness Drinks?

Depending on your wellness goals, different drinks serve different purposes. Here’s when you should consider choosing CBD drinks over other wellness beverages:

For Relaxation and Stress Relief

• CBD drinks are your best bet for relaxation and stress relief due to their calming effects on the nervous system. They are ideal for unwinding after a long day or reducing anxiety.
• Herbal teas are also a good option, but their effects are generally milder than CBD.

For Gut Health

• If you’re focused on gut health, kombucha is the superior choice due to its probiotic content, which helps balance the digestive system.

For Energy and Focus

• Energy drinks and green juices provide a quick energy boost, making them a better option for short-term focus. CBD teas, however, which combine CBD with caffeine, offer a more balanced energy boost without jitters.

For Physical Recovery

• Protein shakes remain the go-to for muscle recovery, but CBD drinks can be a helpful addition due to their anti-inflammatory properties that make them useful for post-workout recovery.

Pros and Cons of CBD Drinks vs. Other Wellness Beverages

FAQs About CBD Drinks and Wellness Beverages

Are CBD Drinks Safe to Consume Daily?

Yes, CBD drinks are generally safe for daily consumption. It’s always a good idea, however, to start with a lower dose and increase as needed, especially if you’re new to CBD.

How Long Do the Effects of CBD Drinks Last?

The effects of CBD drinks tend to last between 4-6 hours, depending on factors like dosage and individual metabolism. However, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to start feeling the effects.

Can CBD Drinks Be Mixed with Other Wellness Beverages?

Yes, CBD drinks can be mixed with other wellness drinks, such as herbal teas, for additional benefits. Adding CBD to a calming herbal tea like chamomile, for example, can enhance relaxation.

Conclusion

CBD drinks offer a unique combination of stress relief, relaxation, and wellness benefits that set them apart from other wellness beverages. Whether you're looking to unwind, support gut health, or boost energy, there's a drink for every wellness need. CBD beverages, with their ability to calm and balance the body, are particularly well-suited for those seeking sustained stress relief without the jitteriness or sugar crashes common with other drinks.

If you're interested in trying CBD drinks, check out our range of CBD sparkling waters and CBD seltzers to find the perfect fit for your wellness routine.