CBD drinks have gone from niche health food shop finds to supermarket shelves fairly quickly. That's good for availability, less good for clarity -- the category now ranges from serious, well-made products to things that are mostly branding. Here's a clear look at what CBD drinks actually are.
What are CBD drinks?
CBD drinks are beverages that contain cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring compound derived from the hemp plant. CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in hemp, but unlike THC (the compound in cannabis that produces a high), CBD is not psychoactive. It doesn't get you high.
In the UK, CBD drinks are regulated as food products under the FSA's novel foods framework. Products containing CBD must have a valid novel foods application to be legally sold in the UK food market.
How much CBD is in a CBD drink?
It varies considerably by product. Hip Pop CBD Kombucha contains 15mg of CBD per 330ml can. The FSA recommends that healthy adults consume no more than 70mg of CBD per day from food sources. Hip Pop CBD Kombucha is labelled accordingly.
As a practical guide: no more than two thirds of a can per day is the recommended serving guidance on Hip Pop CBD Kombucha.
Hip Pop CBD Kombucha: real kombucha with real CBD
Hip Pop CBD Kombucha is fermented sparkling kombucha tea with real fruit and 15mg of CBD per can. Two flavours:
Passionfruit and Guava -- tropical, fruity, lightly sparkling. The fermented kombucha base with real passionfruit and guava.
Cherry and Blackberry -- dark fruit, lightly sparkling. 1 Great Taste star, 2023.
The same principles that go into Hip Pop Kombucha go into the CBD range: real fruit juice, no sweeteners, no artificial flavourings. The CBD is a naturally occurring compound derived from hemp. It's part of a balanced lifestyle -- nothing more, nothing less.
What to look for in a CBD drink
A few things worth checking when you're picking a CBD drink:
Stated CBD content per serving. If a product won't tell you exactly how much CBD is in it, that's a problem. Hip Pop CBD Kombucha states 15mg per can clearly on every label.
Novel foods compliance. Any CBD food or drink sold in the UK should have a valid FSA novel foods application. Ask the brand if it's not clear from the label or their website.
Actual ingredients. Real fruit juice, no artificial flavourings, no sweeteners -- these matter for taste and for what you're actually putting in your body.
No medicinal claims. Legitimate CBD food products don't claim to treat, cure, or prevent anything. If a CBD drink is making medical promises, that's a red flag.
Who should not drink CBD drinks?
Hip Pop CBD Kombucha is not suitable for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people taking medication, or those trying to conceive. If you have any health concerns, please consult a healthcare professional before consuming.
The FSA recommends healthy adults consume no more than 70mg of CBD per day.
Frequently asked questions
Do CBD drinks do anything?
CBD drinks contain CBD as part of a balanced lifestyle. Hip Pop does not make claims about what CBD does to your body. If you have questions about CBD and your health, speak to a healthcare professional.
Are CBD drinks legal in the UK?
Yes. CBD drinks are legal in the UK when sold as food products with a valid FSA novel foods application. Hip Pop CBD Kombucha meets this requirement.
How much CBD should I have per day?
The FSA recommends healthy adults consume no more than 70mg of CBD per day from food products. Hip Pop CBD Kombucha contains 15mg per can.
Is CBD kombucha the same as regular kombucha?
The base is the same: fermented tea with real fruit and live cultures. CBD kombucha has cannabidiol added. The fermentation process and ingredients are otherwise the same.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound derived from the hemp plant. It is not psychoactive and does not produce a high. In the UK it is regulated as a food ingredient under the FSA's novel foods framework.