“Functional drinks” are beverages designed to do more than hydrate. Think calm focus, better digestion, or post-workout recovery. Below is a quick, evidence-aware guide to the major categories, how to choose, and where CBD seltzer fits your routine.
What counts as a functional drink?
A simple working definition: any non-alcoholic beverage formulated with bioactive ingredients to provide benefits beyond basic nutrition (e.g., vitamins/minerals, probiotics, electrolytes, botanicals, or cannabinoids). (ScienceDirect)
Common categories you’ll see
- Nootropics (focus/calm): caffeine, L-theanine, etc.
- Adaptogens (stress support): ashwagandha, ginseng, rhodiola.
- Probiotics / prebiotics (gut): live microorganisms or fibers that support the microbiome.
- Electrolytes (hydration/recovery): sodium, potassium, magnesium.
- Functional botanicals (flavor + purpose): ginger, turmeric, chamomile.
- Cannabinoids (calm focus, unwind): broad-spectrum CBD in seltzers.
How the big ingredients fit
For focus & calm (nootropics + adaptogens)
- Caffeine + L-theanine: classic combo for alert-but-smooth focus.
- Ashwagandha: some human studies suggest potential benefits for sleep quality and stress; results vary by extract and dose. Use it as a gentle aid, not a cure-all. (Office of Dietary Supplements)
For gut health (probiotics, prebiotics)
- Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit when taken in adequate amounts; strain, dose, and product viability matter. Look for genus/species/strain and CFU on the label. (isappscience.org, PMC)
For hydration & recovery (electrolytes)
- Water covers most day-to-day needs. Electrolyte drinks help during prolonged sweating, high heat, or long, intense sessions. Avoid overdoing fluids (there is such a thing as too much). (CDC, OSHA)
Where CBD seltzer fits
- Think of CBD seltzer as functional sparkling water: refreshing bubbles with a measured dose of broad-spectrum hemp extract for a calm-but-clear vibe. CBD is generally well-tolerated, but it can interact with medications—start low and talk to your clinician if you’re on prescriptions. (World Health Organization, PMC)
Learn more before you sip: • How to choose a CBD drink → https://shimmerwood.com/blogs/news/how-to-choose-the-best-cbd-drink • CBD vs. THC in drinks → https://shimmerwood.com/blogs/news/thc-vs-cbd-infused-drinks-whats-the-difference • What CBD seltzer feels like → https://shimmerwood.com/blogs/news/cbd-seltzer-body-effects • Non-alcoholic CBD seltzer safety → https://shimmerwood.com/blogs/news/nonalcoholic-cbd-seltzers-safety • How much CBD to take → https://shimmerwood.com/blogs/news/cbd-dose
Browse flavors: https://shimmerwood.com/collections/shimmer-seltzer Find a nearby stockist: https://shimmerwood.com/pages/store-locator
How to choose a functional drink (label checklist)
- Goal first: focus, calm, gut, or recovery? Pick one primary benefit.
- Dose transparency: look for exact mg (adaptogens/nootropics), CFU + strain (probiotics), mg of sodium/potassium (electrolytes), or mg of CBD.
- Sugar & sweeteners: aim low-sugar (or unsweetened).
- Caffeine aware: know your daily total if stacking coffee/tea/energy drinks.
- Quality & testing: for hemp beverages, check Certificates of Analysis → https://shimmerwood.com/pages/hemp-batches
- Interactions: if you take meds, are pregnant/breastfeeding, or have liver/kidney conditions, check with your clinician—especially for CBD or high-dose botanicals.
Sample daily lineups (mix & match)
- Workday focus: sparkling water + caffeine/theanine in the morning; CBD seltzer late afternoon for smooth landing.
- Gut-friendly day: fiber-rich meals + a verified probiotic drink with listed strains/CFU.
- Hot-weather training: water as the base; add an electrolyte drink during/after extended sweat sessions.
- Alcohol-free evening: zero-proof mocktail with CBD seltzer.
Recipe inspo: mocktails → https://shimmerwood.com/blogs/news/sparkling-water-mocktail-recipes
FAQ
Are functional drinks “healthy” by default? Not automatically. Match the drink to your goal, check doses, and watch added sugars.
Do I need electrolytes every workout? Usually no. They’re most helpful for long, intense efforts or heat exposure; plain water covers typical sessions. (CDC)
Can probiotics in drinks actually help? Look for specific strains and CFU on the label; viability and dose matter for benefits. (isappscience.org)
Will CBD seltzer make me high? No—CBD is non-intoxicating, but confirm the product is THC-free or within legal trace limits. Start with a low dose and review interactions if you take meds. Learn more → https://shimmerwood.com/blogs/news/can-cbd-get-you-high-in-non-alcoholic-beverages
Where should I start with CBD? Begin low and go slow: https://shimmerwood.com/blogs/news/cbd-dose
Bottom line
Functional drinks are tools—pick the right one for the job, keep labels honest, and start with conservative doses. When you want bubbles with measured calm, try Shimmerwood CBD seltzer: https://shimmerwood.com/collections/shimmer-seltzer
Educational only; not medical advice.