The 15 Best Adaptogen Drinks That Boost Mood & Energy
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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.
We rounded up the absolute best adaptogen drinks, with the help of two brand founders, and you should know that some of them are even discounted right now. From a 12-pack of Recess mood-boosting beverages for $29 ($2.41 a pop) to Moment adaptogen drinks for $4 less, these deals are worth every penny if you ask us.
The Best Adaptogen Drinks at a Glance
- Best Adaptogen Drinks for Sleep: Moon Juice Ashwagandha , $28.50 (originally $44.95)
- Best Adaptogen Drinks to Relax: Recess Tropical Bliss Mood , $29.32 (originally $41.88)
- Best Adaptogen Drinks for Energy & Focus: Heywell Energy + Focus , $40.35 (originally $45)
- Best Adaptogen Drinks to Replace Alcohol: Recess Lime “Margarita” , $27.35 (originally $32.97)
- Best Adaptogen Drinks for Low Sugar: Moment Adaptogen Drinks , $36 (originally $40)
- Best Adaptogen Drinks for On the Go: Recess Mood Drink Mix Powder , $29.28
- Best Adaptogen Drinks for Coffee: Renude Chagaccino , $35.99 (originally $44.99)
- Best Celebrity-Endorsed Adaptogen Drinks: De Soi Variety Pack , $58.31
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.
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