New Brew's Core Ingredients and Their Effects
New Brew's unique profile comes from its blend of several active ingredients, each contributing to the drink's overall effect. The primary components are kratom leaf extract, kava root extract, and caffeine from black tea. Understanding how these ingredients work, both individually and together, is key to answering the question: is New Brew a stimulant?
Kratom: Potential for Stimulation
Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian evergreen tree, is a central ingredient. The effects of kratom can vary depending on various factors, including the amount consumed and individual metabolism. Some sources suggest that at lower amounts, kratom may act as a mild stimulant. The manufacturer notes that the drink uses an extract reflecting the natural composition of the leaf, rather than isolating specific, more potent alkaloids.
Kava: The Calming Counterbalance
To complement the potential stimulant properties of kratom, New Brew also contains kava root extract, which is associated with calming and relaxing effects. Kava, a Polynesian root, is known for its potential to promote a sense of calm, clarity, and well-being. This ingredient is what contributes to the "euphoric" and relaxing side of the drink's reported effects.
Caffeine: The Conventional Boost
In addition to the botanical extracts, New Brew also includes caffeine, derived from Earl Grey black tea. A single can contains caffeine. While the amount may be relatively low compared to a standard cup of coffee, this can contribute to the overall stimulating effect of the beverage. For context, a cup of regular coffee can contain nearly 100mg of caffeine, while decaffeinated coffee has between 2 and 15mg.
The Blended Effect: Stimulant and Relaxant Properties
The unique aspect of New Brew lies in its blended effect. The combination of kratom, caffeine, and kava is intended to produce an energizing and focus-enhancing lift alongside a balancing sense of calm and clarity. This blend is what the company describes as a "non-inebriating bliss". The experience is intended to be a moderate effect rather than an intense, high-energy state.
Important Safety and Legal Considerations
Despite the manufacturer's claims of safety with responsible use, the ingredients in New Brew are not without controversy or risk.
- FDA Warnings: The FDA has issued warnings regarding kratom, citing potential health risks including liver toxicity and seizures. The lack of FDA oversight for such products raises concerns about their long-term effects and safety profile.
- Legal Status: While kratom may be federally legal, it is banned in several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Additionally, some cities and municipalities have implemented their own restrictions, so legality varies by location.
- Potential for Habit Formation: The company acknowledges that products which make you feel good can become habit-forming, and advises using New Brew in moderation. Consumers with a history of substance abuse are advised to avoid the product.
Comparing New Brew to Other Common Beverages
| Feature | New Brew | Coffee | Traditional Energy Drinks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Active Ingredients | Kratom, Kava, Caffeine | Caffeine | Caffeine, Taurine, B-vitamins, etc. |
| Potential Effects | Balanced, mild stimulation with calm | Sharp energy boost, potential jitters | Intense, short-term energy rush |
| Potential Side Effects | Nausea, constipation (especially with overuse) | Jitters, anxiety, crash | Jitters, elevated heart rate, crash |
| Legal Status | Varies by state due to kratom | Generally legal | Generally legal |
| Regulatory Status | Not FDA-approved as a food additive | FDA regulated | FDA regulated |
The Final Word
In conclusion, New Brew contains ingredients with stimulant properties, but its overall effect is influenced by the inclusion of kava, which has a calming effect. This blend aims for a balanced experience. However, its use carries significant caveats regarding legal status, potential habit-forming effects, and the controversial nature of kratom. Anyone considering trying New Brew should first verify its legality in their area and consult with a doctor, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or a history of substance abuse.
What are the potential side effects of drinking New Brew?
Side effects can include nausea, constipation, and loss of appetite, especially with excessive consumption. An individual review from a user also reported feeling woozy, overheated, and experiencing vomiting.
Is New Brew legal everywhere in the United States?
No, New Brew is not legal everywhere. The legal status of kratom, one of its main ingredients, varies by state, with several states and some municipalities banning its sale and use.
How does the kratom in New Brew contribute to its effects?
Some sources suggest that kratom, at lower amounts, may contribute to stimulating effects, providing energy and enhancing focus. At higher amounts, however, its effects can become more sedative.
Can New Brew be habit-forming?
Yes, according to the official New Brew website, anything that makes you feel good has the potential to be habit-forming, and that includes their product. They recommend responsible consumption.
Does New Brew contain caffeine?
Yes, each can of New Brew contains caffeine, which is derived from Earl Grey black tea.
Why is New Brew marketed as a "euphoric seltzer"?
New Brew is described as a "euphoric seltzer" because the combination of its ingredients, including the potential mild stimulating effect of kratom and the calming effect of kava, is intended to produce a state of "non-inebriating bliss".
Is New Brew safe for everyone?
No, it is not recommended for everyone. It is specifically not suitable for individuals under 21, those with a history of substance abuse, or people who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding. Always consult a doctor before consumption.
How is New Brew different from a regular energy drink?
New Brew differs from a regular energy drink in its composition and intended effect. It uses a combination of kratom, kava, and caffeine to produce a balanced, mood-enhancing effect, rather than relying solely on a high dose of caffeine for an energy rush.
What is the role of kava in New Brew?
Kava is included to provide a calming and relaxing effect, which helps to complement the potential stimulating properties of the kratom and caffeine. This contributes to the beverage's characteristic balanced feeling of calm and clarity.
