A fizzy drink that promises to melt away your stress. Just a few sips, and you’re calmer, lighter, and more focused—at least, that’s the pitch behind a booming category known as relaxation drinks.
From glossy cans with pastel branding to celebrity endorsements on Instagram, the industry is growing at lightning speed. But do these drinks really deliver serenity, or are we buying into clever packaging and cleverer marketing?
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Why People Are Turning to Relaxation Drinks
Life today is a balancing act. Between work deadlines, childcare, social commitments, and the constant pressure to “stay healthy,” it’s no wonder people are searching for quick ways to slow down.
Lucy and Serena, two busy mothers in their 30s, both rely on these calming drinks.
“These drinks aren’t going to get rid of all my worries and anxieties,” Serena admits. “But if they give me a little boost, I’ll take it.”
Her friend Lucy agrees. “If I get that low-level panic, a can of Trip helps me pull it back around.”
For many consumers, the appeal isn’t that these drinks are miracle cures. It’s the ritual: cracking open a chilled can at the end of a hectic day and giving yourself permission to pause.
The Rise of Functional Beverages
This trend is part of the functional beverage market, which includes any drink promising health benefits beyond hydration. Sales in the UK alone surged by 24.5% in the past year, with almost one in three households buying into the trend.
The names behind this boom include Trip, Goodrays, Grass&Co, Rheal, and supermarket own-label alternatives. Their products often highlight natural supplements linked to mood and relaxation, such as:
- Lion’s Mane mushroom – a medicinal fungus from East Asia, often marketed for focus and brain health.
- L-theanine – an amino acid found in tea, believed to promote calm without drowsiness.
- Ashwagandha – an ancient adaptogenic herb from Ayurveda, associated with reducing stress.
- Magnesium – a mineral essential for the body, often marketed for better sleep and relaxation.
On paper, these ingredients sound like a recipe for inner peace. But does the science back it up?
What the Science Actually Says
Nutritionists and psychologists warn against assuming a single can will transform your mental state.
Dietitian Reema Patel explains that while early research into ingredients like Lion’s Mane looks promising, most studies are small and inconclusive. “In one clinical trial, participants were given 1,800mg of Lion’s Mane,” she notes. “That’s at least four times more than some of these drinks contain.”
In other words, while supplements may show benefits in controlled studies, the doses in beverages are often too small to replicate those effects.
Performance nutritionist Dr. Sinead Roberts agrees. “Supplements can make a difference in specific cases—such as elite athletes or people with nutrient deficiencies—but not necessarily for the general population.”
Her advice? If you enjoy the taste, drink them. But if you’re hoping to tackle anxiety or stress, your money might be better spent on therapy, massage, or mindfulness practices.
The Placebo Effect—and Why It’s Not All Bad
Interestingly, psychologists say these drinks may still work—just not in the way brands suggest.
Psychologist Natasha Tiwari explains: “When you buy a premium product marketed around calm, you create a ritual. You slow down, sit quietly, and savor the experience. That act itself produces calm, even if the ingredients don’t.”
In other words, the branding, packaging, and personal ritual might provide the real relaxation. The calm is genuine—it just comes from the experience, not necessarily the formula.
Where Marketing Crosses the Line
The industry is under scrutiny for bold health claims. Earlier this year, Trip was reprimanded by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for suggesting its drinks could treat stress and anxiety. The ASA ruled that implying the product could “prevent, treat or cure disease” went too far.
Trip quickly updated its website, saying the ruling applied to a single page. The company maintains that the word “calm” is legally permissible and widely used across the industry.
This raises an important distinction: there’s a fine line between selling relaxation as a lifestyle and making medical claims. Consumers may not always see that line clearly.
Are Women Being Overlooked in Research?
Interestingly, studies show women are more likely to buy relaxation drinks and supplements—but research often overlooks female participants.
Reema Patel highlights that women’s hormonal cycles make studies more complex to track, meaning men are often the default test subjects. As a result, claims about these products may not fully account for female physiology.
Despite the lack of rigorous data, many women see these drinks as a healthier alternative to alcohol. Patel points out that some of her clients have swapped their nightly glass of wine for a can of a functional drink.
“It may not deliver everything the marketing promises,” she says, “but if it helps people reduce alcohol intake, that’s a win.”
Consumer Stories: From Festivals to Daily Rituals
Not everyone buys these drinks for the calming claims.
Emily May, 25, first tried them at Glastonbury. “I’m ADHD,” she says. “One drink isn’t going to calm me down. But honestly, I just like the taste.”
For others, it’s about creating a healthier wind-down routine. Serena admits she’d rather sip a sparkling ashwagandha blend than pour a gin and tonic on weeknights. Lucy likes that it gives her permission to pause.
Whether it’s taste, ritual, or branding, people are finding their own reasons to stick with the trend.
Expert Verdict: Worth It or Just Hype?
So, are relaxation drinks worth the hype?
- The science: Evidence on ingredients like Lion’s Mane and Ashwagandha is still limited, and doses in drinks are often too low to have clinical impact.
- The ritual: Creating a pause in your day, enjoying a premium treat, and focusing on calm can provide genuine benefits, even if it’s psychological.
- The alternative: If these drinks replace alcohol or excessive caffeine, they could have indirect health benefits.
- As Dr. Roberts sums up: “A trace of Lion’s Mane or Ashwagandha in a fizzy drink isn’t going to change your life. But if you like the taste and it helps you slow down—why not?”
The Bigger Picture: Wellness or Wishful Thinking?
The popularity of relaxation drinks reveals more than a thirst for trendy beverages—it highlights a cultural hunger for calm. In a world of constant notifications, endless to-do lists, and mounting stress, people are desperate for micro-moments of peace.
Whether through meditation, therapy, a glass of wine, or a sparkling can of ashwagandha soda, the goal is the same: finding ways to breathe.
And perhaps that’s the real lesson. It’s not what’s inside the can that matters most—but what the can represents: permission to pause.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are relaxation drinks?
Relaxation drinks, also called functional beverages, are drinks infused with herbs, amino acids, mushrooms, or minerals designed to promote calm, reduce stress, or support better sleep.
Do calming drinks really work?
The effectiveness varies. Some ingredients, like L-theanine or magnesium, have scientific backing, but the amounts in most drinks are often too small to create a strong effect. Many people report feeling calmer simply from the ritual of drinking them.
What ingredients are usually found in stress relief drinks?
Common ingredients include Ashwagandha, Lion’s Mane mushroom, L-theanine, chamomile, and magnesium. These are linked to mood balance, relaxation, and stress reduction.
Are relaxation drinks safe to consume daily?
Most are safe for healthy adults in moderation. However, it’s wise to read labels, check ingredient dosages, and consult a healthcare professional if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication.
Can stress relief drinks replace therapy or medication?
No. While they may help you unwind, these beverages are not substitutes for professional mental health support or prescribed treatments.
Are calming beverages better than alcohol for relaxation?
Yes, many consumers use them as a healthier alternative to alcohol. Unlike alcohol, they don’t cause hangovers, dehydration, or long-term health risks when consumed responsibly.
Who benefits most from functional relaxation drinks?
They may benefit people looking for a mindful alternative to alcohol, those who enjoy herbal supplements, or anyone who wants a small ritual of calm. The impact is often psychological rather than medical.
Conclusion
Relaxation drinks may not be the miracle solution their marketing suggests, but they do tap into something deeper: our growing need for calm in a fast-paced, stressful world. While the science behind ingredients like Ashwagandha or Lion’s Mane is still limited, the act of pausing with a chilled can in hand can create a genuine sense of peace. For some, these drinks are a healthier alternative to alcohol; for others, they’re simply a pleasant ritual. The truth lies somewhere in between hype and habit. Functional beverages are unlikely to cure stress or anxiety, but they can offer a refreshing moment of mindfulness—one sip at a time.