Kava and kanna: The “new” kids on the block (that are actually centuries old)

A common thread amongst the ingredients used in the types of functional beverages we sell is that they’re often ingredients (leaves, roots, mushrooms) that have been used for centuries in different parts of the world. So when we say “new”... it’s a little tongue-in-cheek. They may be new to the canned beverage world, but their use for functional effects is actually quite old. 

Kava and kanna are two examples of this. So, what are they, and what do they do? Are they safe? Do they get you high?

Some are designed for the opposite moment, when people want to slow down, feel at ease, and stay present without alcohol or THC. That’s where kava and kanna come in.

The role alcohol used to play

For a long time, alcohol filled a very specific function. It helped people relax, loosen up, and feel more comfortable in social settings As more people drink less, they’re not necessarily looking for stimulation (as found in THC or alcohol). They’re looking for ease.

Why “social calm” is trending right now

This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum.

Across wellness and beverage culture, more people are making choices based on how they want to feel later, not just how they want to feel in the moment. Better sleep. Clearer mornings. More emotional steadiness. Fewer tradeoffs.

What is kava?

Kava comes from the root of a plant traditionally used in South Pacific cultures, often in communal or ceremonial settings.

In modern beverages, kava is commonly associated with relaxation and unwinding. It’s not alcohol, and it’s not cannabis. It doesn’t aim to intoxicate or overstimulate. Instead, it’s often framed around comfort and easing into the moment.

What about kanna?

Kanna is a botanical with connections to South African tradition, and is often discussed in the context of mood and social connection.

In functional drinks, it’s typically positioned around emotional ease or gentle uplift. Not euphoria. Not escape. The goal isn’t to change how someone feels entirely, but to soften the edges of a moment.

Why this resonates right now

There’s a growing group of people who don’t want to feel buzzed, altered, or wired. They want to feel comfortable. That might mean being more present in conversation, taking the edge off a long day, or enjoying a social setting without overdoing it.

Examples of drinks designed for social calm

Here are a few examples of how kava and kanna show up in non-alcoholic beverages, each offering a slightly different approach to social calm:

• Myce Spicy Chili Lime Mango (Kanna Drink)
  A kanna-forward drink designed around emotional ease and social presence, with a bold, food-friendly flavor profile.

• Leilo Piña Colada Sugar-Free Kava Drink
  A tropical, kava-based option often chosen for winding down or social moments without alcohol.

• Leilo Raspberry Hibiscus Kava Drink
  A kava-forward choice with a lighter, floral profile designed for relaxed sipping.
  
  

Why kava and kanna fit the non-alcoholic movement

These ingredients reflect a broader shift in how people think about social drinking: Less about numbing or escaping... more about feeling present, connected, and in control.

They don’t promise transformation. They simply offer another option for social moments where alcohol used to be the default.