What Is Kava Soda and How Is It Different From Traditional Kava Drinks?

For centuries people in the South Pacific have enjoyed kava. Sipped from a coconut shell at village parties, weddings, and during the night, kava is a staple in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. Now Americans are stocking their fridge with kava sodas.

What is a kava soda? Well, it's basically a soda. It is made with kava, fruit, and other plant materials to give that same soothing feeling that you get from drinking kava—just without the bitter taste, hassle, or alcohol content.

Maybe you always wanted to try kava but were scared because you heard it tasted like dirt? Well, try a kava soda. Below we will discuss what kava soda is and how it compares to traditional kava drinks, what it contains, and things you should know before consuming a kava soda.

What is Kava?

Kava is derived from the root of the Piper methysticum plant. It's related to the pepper family and grows in the South Pacific Islands. Kava actually means "bitter" in Tongan and Marquesan. Which, if you've had traditional kava, you know they were right!

Kava contains compounds known as kavalactones. These are what give you the desired relaxing effect when you consume kava. There are many types of kava that give you different effects depending on how much kavalactones they have.

Throughout history, kava has always been used as more than just a drink. Many island cultures use kava when greeting guests, celebrating, and at parties. In Fiji, people will toast "Bula" (which translates to life/health) when drinking kava. Just like Bula Natural Living, who creates a wide assortment of wellness products made from Fiji and around the world.

How To Drink Kava

Kava is a hands-on drink. Typically, the roots are grated down or pounded to create a fibrous substance that is stirred with water or coconut milk. After that, it's kneaded and poured through a strainer bag. Usually, it's served to everyone in a shared bowl. Outside of the South Pacific Islands, most people will soak kava in water for about 30 minutes, then pour it through a strainer bag.

The taste of kava is usually described as grey, with an earthy, woodsy flavor that is bitter. The first sip of kava can be jarring to those who have never drunk it before. You will feel a slight numbness on your lips and tongue, which is a normal response when drinking kava.

You will also typically drink many cups of kava during your session, similar to drinking rounds of drinks at a bar.

What is a Kava Soda?

As we stated earlier, kava soda is a soda that contains kava. Instead of kneading kava in a strainer bag, you can grab a cold can of kava soda and enjoy it.

Kava Soda is typically:

• Carbonated: Just like a soda/seltzer.
• Flavored: Many brands add fruit to their soda to balance out the earthy taste of kava.
• Ready to Drink: You don't need to prep anything or clean up after. Just drink and enjoy.
• Measured: Most brands of kava soda have a measured dose of kava per can.

Some brands add additional plant material to their kava sodas, such as Vanua Bliss Kava Soda, which contains 750mg of Premium Kava, 250mg of Ashwagandha, and 1 Billion Live Probiotics. Lightly sweetened with 8g of cane sugar, it's non-alcoholic and free from artificial ingredients. It comes in flavors such as Mango Mojito and Strawberry Margarita.

Kava Soda Vs. Kava Drinks

Taste

One of the biggest differences between a kava soda and traditional kava is the taste. Kava can taste earthy and bitter to the average person. It's something you either love or hate. Many people will tell you that it took them a while to learn to like kava, while some people never do.

A kava soda was created to help people enjoy the effects of kava without the earthy taste. By adding fruit and sweeteners, the flavor of kava is softened, allowing those who have trouble enjoying traditional kava to try it out.

Prep Time

Another benefit to having kava in a can is the prep time. Kava sodas require zero prep—all you need is a fridge. Traditional kava drinks take time to prepare and are usually mixed by hand.

If you are heading to a BBQ, picnic, or on the go, it's much easier to grab a can of kava soda instead of preparing kava by hand.

Dosage

Normally, you will consume 1 cup of traditional kava that holds about 250mg of kava extract. Of course, you can drink multiple cups, but a typical cup holds around 250mg. When drinking Vanua Bliss Kava Soda, you consume 750mg of kava per 12oz can, making it easy to measure your dosage.

Drinking Experience

Kava sodas allow you to enjoy kava without the need to sit down with a group. Many people enjoy kava at the end of the day or when socializing. They may not want to sit down and drink multiple cups of kava with friends, but they can enjoy a kava soda and still get that same relaxing experience.

Additional Plant Material

As mentioned above, some kava sodas contain additional botanicals that complement kava, such as Ashwagandha or Probiotics. So, although they both contain kava, kava sodas are not the exact same thing as traditional kava drinks.

Why Drink Kava Soda?

Many people want to enjoy a drink that allows them to relax and socialize without drinking alcohol. Kava sodas are perfect for this. Whether you are sober-curious or have decided to stop drinking, you can still enjoy a relaxing drink at the end of the day.

Kava is non-alcoholic, so you can enjoy it in many scenarios—after work, hanging out in your backyard, or when your friends are drinking alcohol. If you prefer not to drink, you can also consume kava in supplement form, such as our Kava Kava, Ashwagandha & Valerian Root blend.

Kava and adaptogens like Ashwagandha have been used in traditional practices for many years to help foster a sense of calm and relaxation, making them great functional alternatives.

What Does Kava Soda Feel Like?

Most people describe the feeling of kava as being relaxed and calm. Your body will feel loose, and you won't feel intoxicated like you would if you drank alcohol. Some may experience a slight tingle or numbness on their lips and tongue, which is completely normal.

You will start to feel the effects of kava within 15 to 30 minutes, and it can last for a few hours. This depends on how your body reacts to kava, including factors like weight, whether you've eaten food, and the type of kava consumed.

If this is your first time consuming kava, we suggest starting with one can. Wait to see how you feel before deciding if you want another. Everyone reacts differently to kava.

Things To Keep In Mind

Kava is a legal product that can be purchased in the US. Here are some things you should keep in mind when consuming kava:

• Do not consume with alcohol: Combining kava and alcohol is not recommended as both cause your body and nervous system to relax.
• Avoid if you have liver issues: If you have underlying liver problems, please stay away from kava products.
• Consult your doctor if you take medication: Some medications can interact with kava, so speak with your doctor before use.
• Pregnant or nursing women should not consume kava.
• Do not drive or operate machinery after consuming kava soda if you feel any type of drowsiness.
• Do not overconsume kava: Consuming large amounts of kava over an extended period of time can cause temporary dry skin (known as kava dermopathy). It is reversible, but best avoided by drinking in moderation.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have any medical concerns, please talk to your doctor.

How to Enjoy Kava Soda

• Serve Cold: Most brands suggest chilling your can before drinking. Pour it over ice and add a garnish—a Mango Mojito with a piece of mint and a lime wheel will look and taste like a craft mocktail!
• Mix Into Recipes: Add it to your favorite non-alcoholic drink recipe or blend it with ice for a summer cooler.
• Pair With Snacks: Since most kava sodas are lightly sweetened, they pair great with salty snacks like chips, nuts, or grilled fish sprinkled with Bula Fijian Heritage Sea Salt.

Common Myths About Kava Soda

• "Kava soda will make you drunk." No! Kava is not alcohol, and you will not feel drunk. Most people state that they feel calm, grounded, and clear-headed.
• "Kava soda is Kratom." Kratom and Kava are completely different plants from different parts of the world. They have distinct botanical profiles and should not be confused with one another.
• "It's just a soda with healthy ingredients." Make sure to read your labels. Some brands use a lot of sugar to hide the taste of kava. Others, like Vanua Bliss Kava Soda, only use 8g of cane sugar per can.
• "If I love kava, I'll definitely enjoy kava soda." Not necessarily! If you love traditional kava, you might prefer the classic taste over fruit-flavored sodas. They are different beverages that offer different drinking experiences.

Final Thoughts

Kava sodas are a convenient modern option on the market. They allow you to enjoy the relaxing benefits of kava with zero hassle—they are ready to drink, pre-measured, and don't have the intense earthy taste of traditional kava.

If you want to try kava but don't know where to start, a kava soda is a great entry point. Find a brand you trust that uses quality ingredients, serve it cold, and remember to drink responsibly!

If you have any questions about Kava Soda or want to learn more about Bula Natural Living, visit our website or grab a can of Vanua Bliss Kava Soda to try it for yourself.

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