Adaptogen drinks have gained popularity in recent years as people seek natural ways to manage stress, improve their well-being and enjoy a low-alcohol lifestyle.
The adaptogen drink market was estimated at approximately $1.2B in 2020 and is expected to reach $3B by the end of 2026. This figure shows supercharged growth in the adaptogen market and how consumer behaviours are changing.
So, let’s explore adaptogens, their benefits and how they make you feel. We will also list our top five functional drink blends, which combine adaptogenic herbs with other beneficial ingredients, such as fruits and superfoods, to create refreshing, non-alcoholic alternatives.
What Are Adaptogens? Unveiling Nature's Stress Relievers
Adaptogens are plant-based extracts such as herbs, plants, roots and mushrooms that contain biologically active compounds. Traditional medicine has used them for centuries to help the body adapt to stress and promote well-being. These natural substances are known for regulating the body's stress response and balancing the physical, mental and emotional body. Examples include ashwagandha, ginseng, liquorice root, maca root, CBD, and medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane.
What Are Adaptogen Drinks?
Adaptogen drinks are beverages infused with plant extracts that have a relaxing or euphoric effect when consumed. These beverages come in various styles, such as sparkling sodas, teas, kombucha blends, and non-alcoholic alternatives, such as functional beer, non-alcoholic spirits, and adaptogen-infused wine.
Types of Adaptogens & Ingredients
Adaptogen non-alcoholic drinks often combine the below ingredients with fruits, vegetable extracts, superfoods, and vitamins to add well-being benefits.
Adaptogenic Herbs
- Ashwagandha: An ancient medicinal herb that can reduce anxiety and stress, boost brain function, help fight depression, improve fertility, lower blood sugar levels and improve sleep.
- Holy Basil: Also known as Tulsi, it is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its ability to elevate mood, enhance stamina, and increase the body's resilience to stress and infection.
- Rhodiola: Known for improving energy, stamina, strength, and mental capacity, it helps the body adapt to and resist physical, chemical, and environmental stress.
Adaptogenic Plants
- Ginseng: A powerful plant that enhances brain function, fights fatigue, and boosts the immune system. It’s known for its energy-boosting properties.
- CBD: This active ingredient, extracted from hemp, can reduce anxiety, improve sleep and reduce pain and inflammation.
- 5-HTP: A natural chemical derived from the Griffonia simplicifolia shrub. This chemical works in the brain and central nervous system and increases the production of serotonin (the feel-good neurotransmitter).
Adaptogenic Roots
- Maca: A root vegetable that's known for its ability to enhance strength, energy, stamina, libido, and sexual function.
- Licorice Root: It has various uses, including gastrointestinal remedies and properties that relieve stress and adrenal fatigue.
Medicinal Mushrooms (legal and non-halluncinagenic)
- Reishi: Often called the “mushroom of immortality,” Reishi can enhance immune response, reduce stress, improve sleep, and lessen fatigue.
- Cordyceps: This mushroom helps fight fatigue, promotes restful sleep, increases stamina and improves athletic performance.
- Lions Mane: Supports brain health, improves mood, provides immune system support and improves gastrointestinal health.
How Do Adaptogens Make You Feel?
Adaptogens can make you feel relaxed, balanced and calm, or revitalised and energised, depending on the type and its properties. For example, the functional beer Impossibrew, uses L-theanine, an amino acid known for its relaxation properties. Similarly, TRIP uses a CBD blend, which produces a calming, relaxed feeling. However, other alcohol-free brands, such as ON Beer and Three Spirit, use adaptogenic plants such as ginseng and green tea to create an elevated, energy-boosting and lively drinking experience.
Are All Adaptogen Drinks Alcohol-Free?
Yes, all adaptogen drinks are alcohol-free (less than 0.5% ABV). Unlike traditional alcoholic beverages, adaptogen drinks are formulated to provide stress relief and promote well-being without the use of alcohol. This makes them a safe and healthy option for those looking to incorporate adaptogens into their daily routine without the negative effects of alcohol consumption.
How Adaptogen Drinks Can Transform Your Well-Being
Adaptogen drinks have many physical, mental and emotional health benefits. Many people report feeling a subtle but noticeable difference in energy levels, mood and ability to handle stress when they incorporate adaptogens into their daily lives.
Here is a list of well-being benefits that you may experience:
- Stress Reduction
- Improved Sleep
- Mental Clarity & Focus
- Improved Immune System
- Balanced Hormone Levels
- Enhanced Physical Endurance & Recovery
- Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects
Our Favourite Alcohol-Free Adaptogen Drinks
So, now you know the benefits and how adaptogens can make you feel, are you ready to try an adaptogen-infused beverage? Here is a list of our five favourite non-alcoholic adaptogenic drinks that will be sure to relax and restore you and, in some cases, give you a powerful energy boost!
Impossibrew
Impossibrew boasts two premium blends, the Hazy Pale and Lager Beer. The pale is a vibrant mix of tropical fruits with a citrus twist, whilst the lager option offers a crisp, dry-hopped maltiness. These beers feature the ‘social blend’, which combines high-quality 5-HTP with Vitamin B1 and L-Theanine. This unique formula optimises serotonin function while producing a calming and relaxing effect; it is the perfect choice when you feel overwhelmed in social situations or need to relax and unwind.
Three Spirit
These adaptogen non-alcoholic drinks are infused with an abundance of rare plants and functional compounds traditionally used in powerful potions and tonics. Three Spirit offers three blends, including the Livener, Social Elixir and Nightcap. Each has its own unique blend of juicy berries, fiery ginger, earthy roots, and warm vanilla, and doses of ashwagandha, holy basil, and/or medicinal mushrooms.
Blurred Vines
Taste Crisp, bright and elegant - manuka leaf and pressed gooseberries form the nose. A very light spritz opens up a mineral, racey texture with hints of apple blossom, fermented apricot and lime peel.
Bold acidity and gentle tannins make your mouth water with lingering herbal notes of verbena and jalapeño to finish. Best served Keep cold and serve straight from the fridge in crystal white wine glasses.
TRIP
These sunny, mellow, non-alcoholic adaptogen drinks infuse premium, broad-spectrum CBD to provide the ultimate relaxation experience. We love the delicious elderflower mint, lemon & basil and, peach & ginger flavours with a low-sugar content without compromising taste. With added botanical extracts such as chamomile and lemon balm, these drinks will allow you to truly unwind.
Collider
Collider's lager and session pale contain a meticulously curated blend of adaptogens, nootropics, and functional mushrooms to help you relax without the alcohol. What's even better though is the taste. These beers are delicious and taste just like their alcoholic counterparts - win win!
Conclusion: How Adaptogens Are Shaping a Healthier Future
As adaptogen drinks continue to gain popularity, they are shaping a healthier future. Not only do they offer a natural and convenient way for consumers to support their well-being, but they also offer a solution to what people crave - a change in mental or emotional state. A range of ancient herbs, plants, roots and mushrooms are available to use, and adaptogens are quickly becoming the new ingredient to relax, restore and enhance people’s moods. We hope this post has given you an insight into the world of adaptogen drinks and how they can benefit you. However, if you have any questions, you may want to check out our FAQ section below.
Alternatively, if you want to explore more alcohol-free adaptogen drinks, you can check out our full range of functional beers and Three Spirit super collections.
Adaptogenic Drink FAQs
What Is the Most Powerful Adaptogen?
Each adaptogen has its own power and unique benefits. However, ashwagandha is considered one of the most potent due to its ability to support the HPA axis and communication between the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. In a healthy body, the HPA axis regulates cortisol levels and homeostasis. However, in times of chronic stress, cortisol levels may remain raised. Ashwagandha can help balance these hormones, reduce cortisol levels, and support your body in adapting to stress and regulating itself again.
Which Adaptogen is Best for Anxiety?
CDB, Lions Mane and Ashwagandha are all great adaptogens for anxiety. A 2023 study found that 25mg of CBD oil per day reduced anxiety and improved mood in those with anxiety disorders. Similarly, another study found that consuming 0.5 grams of powdered lion’s mane per day can reduce anxiety levels.
Do Adaptogens Give You a Buzz?
Yes, some adaptogens can give you a buzz. These include green tea, holy basil, ginseng, cordyceps mushrooms, Schisandra berries and maca root. Medicinal mushrooms and maca root are well known for giving you an energy buzz without the anxiety or accelerated heart rate that caffeine often entails.
Who Should Avoid Adaptogens?
Certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid adaptogens due to potential interactions with medications, underlying health conditions, or other specific circumstances. This includes pregnant women, those taking immunosuppressants, individuals on blood pressure medication, people with hormone-sensitive conditions and in various other situations. Contact your GP or healthcare provider if you need guidance on side effects and whether adaptogens are a safe and suitable addition to your health and drinking experiences.
Can Adaptogen Drinks Replace Alcohol?
While adaptogens can provide stress relief, improve mood and support overall well-being, they do not provide the same effects as alcohol in terms of intoxication. However, adaptogen drinks can be a great option for those looking to reduce their alcohol consumption or incorporate healthier alternatives into their lifestyle.
