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14 best adaptogen drinks, tried and tested by the GHI
We tried 20 different adaptogens to find the best for summer
Tested by JoJo AnastasiouFood and Drinks Tester
If you're looking for a healthier drink option that's not a sugary soda, or want a grown-up alternative to alcohol or low ABV drinks, you may want to give adaptogen drinks a try.
Adaptogens are fast becoming the buzzy, booze-free option of choice as they're often low in sugar and calories. Thanks to their more natural-tasting fruity flavours and gentle bubbles, many also prefer them to the typical soft drinks on the market.
Adaptogens are made from a range of herbs and plants and claim to have a mix of wellness benefits. These include improving people's ability to manage stressful situations, increasing focus and mental performance, with the help of natural ingredients such as ginseng and ashwagandha, or helping to improve sleep, thanks to ingredients such as magnesium.
Though they have big claims, at the moment there's not quite enough scientific evidence there to back them all up, which is why we've tested these adaptogen drinks based on their flavour and taste only, and simply included information on their key ingredients and claims so you can make your own decision.
From sparkling tropical fruit creations to kombucha blends and even a luxurious hot chocolate aiming to promote better sleep, we've rounded up the best adaptogens to try this summer, according to our expert panel.
Best adaptogens 2024
These are our experts’ top picks at a glance, but keep scrolling for our full reviews and everything you need to know about the world of adaptogens.
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What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens have their roots in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine and are said to promote health and wellbeing. They use active ingredients made from herbs, plants, roots and fungi, which are believed to help our bodies manage stress by adapting to different situations and restoring balance.
"Experts believe that adaptogens interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which initiates your body’s stress response and plays a big role in keeping your body in balance," according to UCLA Health.
It's the stress reducing claims of adaptogens that's behind their growing popularity, as people look for more natural ways to reduce the impact of anxiety, whether that's physical, emotional or hormonal. Adaptogens can be taken in different forms, including capsules, drinks and powders that can be added to smoothies or any type of food.
"Though not clinically proven, they are said to help our bodies combat stress in the short term and regulate the reaction our body has when it’s under stress,” Vidushi Binani, nutritionist and founder of Café Volonte, told us.
Certain adaptogens are also said to reduce fatigue and enhance mental performance.
Key types of adaptogens
Ashwagandha: An ingredient often used in Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is thought to help lower cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress.
Rhodiola rosea: This plant is believed to help improve mental and physical performance and endurance, while also reducing the feeling of fatigue.
Ginseng: Said to help reduce stress and improve mental performance, ginseng is a herb rich in antioxidants, which is also believed to be good for your immune system.
Holy Basil: Another plant that's associated with reducing stress, it is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.
How we test adaptogens
The GHI tried 20 different adaptogen drinks to find the best for flavour. All packaging and logos were removed to avoid any brand bias and served to a panel of consumers and taste experts.
They were looking for drinks that were well balanced between sweet, sour and acidic flavours. The taste had to match the flavour profile given on the label. We did not assess the specific claims of the active ingredients as their benefits aren't all scientifically proven, so our scoring is based purely on taste, aroma and mouthfeel.
Score: 82/100
Want something fun and fruity at the end of the day that's not herbal tea? Our testers loved the tropical citrus notes of this drink, which they described as being very natural tasting. It's bursting with passionfruit, ripe melon and sweet guava and has a light fizz to it with fine bubbles. Delicious.
Score: 81/100
As the name suggests, Goodrays is perfect to drink on a hot summer's day, thanks to the ripe tropical fruit flavours (think guava and zingy sweet raspberry). It finishes with a slightly herbal and bitter after-taste from the CBD, which our testers said balanced well with the initial fruity and floral notes.
Medahuman Blood Orange, Ginger and Turmeric, 12 x 250ml
Score: 81/100
Made with a heady mix of tropical fruits and turmeric, our testers loved the thirst-quenching citrus kick. The ginger (said to ease bloating) added a gentle heat that reminded some of our testers of a ginger shot, and at £1.25 per can, it's one of the more affordable options, too.
Score: 80/100
Adding a warm twist to the line-up, this hot chocolate is good for drinking before bed to help you unwind after a busy day. It's packed with vitamins, minerals and adaptogens that the brand claims will help you relax.
Made with raw cocoa, it's wonderfully rich, creamy and thick and has a caramel sweetness running throughout.
Virtue Drinks Yerba Mate Peach and Raspberry, 12 x 250ml
Score: 79/100
Unfamiliar with yerba mate? It’s a naturally energising leaf, which is native to South America; packed with 39 essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and boasting more antioxidants than green tea, it’s no wonder it’s taking the wellness world by storm.
Here, it’s combined with sweet peaches and tangy raspberry to create an “incredibly refreshing” drink that our testers likened to a lightly fizzy iced tea – another one that's made for summer days.
Boo Chi Organic Fresh Mint Kombucha, 12 x 300ml
Score: 79/100
With its sour, fermented kombucha flavours (kombucha is a good source of probiotics) and summer-ready aromas of crushed mint, this is a light and refreshing drink.
It would be delicious on its own, but it would also work as a mixer served with non-alcoholic gin or rum.
Score: 76/100
Looking for a non-alcoholic drink that's more grown-up than your usual Diet Coke? Well, stop scrolling. Our testers thought this would be delicious served over ice.
It has plenty of complexity thanks to the savoury, earthy ingredients, including matcha, green tea, unripe mango and crisp green apples. It also had a balanced sweetness from the pineapple, and a smooth, light fizz.
Score: 75/100
One for those with a sweet tooth, this fruity squash-like fizz mimics the flavour of an energy drink, but is a healthier option with zero sugar, along with nootropic ingredients and natural caffeine, said to support cognitive function.
There are notes of passionfruit and pineapple, which reminded some of our testers of melted ice lollies.
Score: 73/100
Our testers described this as a drink that feels like it can "wake you up when you're feeling run down" thanks to its slight ginger heat and the tingly fizzy bubbles.
It's zingy and fresh with notes of sweet fruity peach and a light earthy aroma from the CBD, striking the perfect sweet and savoury balance.
Score: 73/100
Another great "grown-up" soft drink option, this is a bitter aperitif style drink that would go perfectly with tonic water or ginger beer in a mocktail.
It has warming festive spice flavours including cinnamon and cloves, along with hints of herbal thyme and rosemary. Our testers said the additional notes of liquorice and aniseed added to the flavours and created a cola-like depth.
Score: 71/100
This kombucha drink is like summer in a can, thanks to its aromas of tart blackberries and sweet elderberries, which give it a slightly floral sweetness. There's also a slight tart vinegar taste. Our panel thought it would make a great option for those who want a natural flavoured drink.
Score: 70/100
This one's designed to help you focus and contains a whole host of B vitamins, vitamin C and natural caffeine for energy.
An easy sipper, our testers described this drink as "Ribena-like" with notes of apple and blackberry, a creamy texture and light fizz. Testers thought it would be good for a "pick me up" in the afternoon when you're feeling a little sluggish.
Score: 70/100
This is a great choice for those who want to enjoy the gut-friendly benefits of kombucha in a sparkling water style drink.
Expect the flavour of strawberries and raspberries, plus a little floral elderflower, all delivered in a lightly fizzy drink.
Score: 70/100
Reminiscent of a Bloody Mary, this adaptogen drink won testers over with its deep savoury profile, combining an umami-forward aroma with a hint of sweetness on the palate. Testers also praised its balance between bitter, floral and botanical notes.
Joanna Anastasiou is our Food and Drinks Tester, and has completed certifications in Sensory Foundation and WSET Wine Level 2 training. Prior to this she studied geography with conservation biology at the University of Exeter and trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. Through this she has developed a passion for sustainability within the food and agricultural sectors. Joanna also volunteers in kitchens with FoodCycle, as well as on multiple wildlife conservation projects, where she formed a particular love for bees!
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