Good Mood Soda

Rowdy Mermaid, Boulder, Colo., introduced its first shelf-stable offering, good mood soda, a low-sugar, low-calorie, functional soda infused with 200mg of ashwagandha extract. It debuted in September at select retailers in four flavors: Orange, Grape, Lemon Lime, and Cola.

"Ashwagandha is an incredibly powerful adaptogen, uniquely equipped to alleviate stress, a function we strongly believe is missing in this category, and one that sets good mood soda apart," says Jamba Dunn, founder of Rowdy Mermaid. "We use a clinically-studied dose of the most studied Ashwagandha in the world (KSM-66®). Compared to other types of Ashwagandha, KSM-66 is considered to be one of the most potent and bioavailable forms of the herb on the market and has been clinically shown to reduce stress and support healthy cortisol levels."

Enhanced Flavor

Mitra9 Brands LLC, Fort Myers, Fla., said its new Kava 2.0 is the “ultimate relaxation beverage” with more kava, reduced sugar, fewer calories and better flavors.

"Traditional kava is often characterized by an earthy taste, limiting its widespread appeal. At Mitra9, we've reimagined kava by eliminating the bitterness while enhancing portability, all without compromising its myriad benefits,” said Dallas Vasquez, Mitra9 co-founder.

Mitra9 Kava 2.0 comes as Seltzers and RelaxPaks. Sparkling flavor varieties include Orange Dreamsicle, Coconut Lychee, Lemonade, and Strawberry Watermelon.

Good Times

Last fall saw Psychedelic Water Inc., Wilmington, Del., introduce Good Mood Mix, its first caffeine-free offering. It comes in two flavors—Watermelon and Blue Raspberry—with 14 stick packs per bag.

Psychedelic Water’s non-alcoholic herbal supplement RTD offering debuted in early 2021 with a formulation featuring kava root, turnera diffusa leaf and green tea leaf extract. Each Good Mood Mix is made with 250mg of noble kava and 75mg of velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens).

Names Say it All

Pressed Juicery Inc., Culver City, Calif., extended its juice line last fall with two new two adaptogenic offerings: an Unwind Tonic and a Calm Shot.

The company’s 15.2oz Unwind Tonic features water, tart cherry juice, agave syrup, lemon juice, chamomile powder, magnesium chloride, green tea extract (L-Theanine) and ashwagandha extract (KSM-66). The 2oz Calm Shot is made with tart cherry juice, magnesium chloride, green tea extract (L-Theanine) and ashwagandha extract (KSM-66).

Expanding Overseas

Btomorrow Ventures Ltd., London, said its portfolio business, Moment of Calm Inc., New York, N.Y., introduced three new calming botanical soda flavors in Japan. The new line includes Sandalwood Blueberry; Fragrant Olive & Pear; and White Lily & Kiwi.

“We're so proud to see Moment grow and develop, taking over Japan as well as the US on its unstoppable trajectory,” said Btomorrow. Aisha Chottani is Moment of Calm’s founder and CEO.

The company’s US line features sparkling and still drinks as well as two powdered blends. Sparkling varieties include Plum Ginseng, Lemon Turmeric, Cherry Hibiscus, Lychee Mint, Cherry Chaga and Cranberry Ginger. Still flavors include Blueberry Ginger, Blood Orange Ashwagandha, Reishi Orange and Spiced Mango.

Mood + Hydration 

Last summer saw Odyssey Wellness LLC, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., expand beyond its Odyssey Mushroom Elixer line to include two new sub-lines: 222, for energy; and Revive, for hydration and mood.

New 12oz Revive offerings are caffeine free with hydration minerals and a cognitive boost from 2,750mg of Lion's Mane and Cordyceps mushroom ingredients. Varieties include Prickly Pear, Yuzu Lime and Strawberry Passion Fruit.

Functional Teas

Last summer saw Bigelow Tea Co., Fairfield, Conn., extend its Bigelow Signature line with three new flavors: Peak Energy™ Black Tea plus extra L-Theanine and Caffeine, Whispering Wildflowers™ Herbal Tea plus L-Theanine, and Ginger Honey Herbal Tea plus Zinc.

Bigelow says the Peak Energy Black Tea features caffeine and L-Theanine to benefit brain and mood with sustained clarity and focus. Whispering Wildflowers is a caffeine-free, herbal tea with a rosy purple color and a floral blend of lavender, rose, passionflower, and butterfly pea flower that finishes with a hint of sweetness. Officials say this variety also features L-Theanine to boost mood and manage stress.