Kava refers both to the kava plant (Piper methysticum) and to the traditional, relaxing non-alcoholic drink made from the plant’s roots.

Kava beverage makes you feel relaxed, content in the present moment, and more social — notably, all without diminishing mental clarity or health. The traditionally-made drink has an earthy look, peppery taste, and unique psychoactive effects thanks to its active ingredients called kavalactones. One of the effects is a mild mouth numbing and tingling – this is completely normal and part of the kava experience. Learn more about kava on our media site.

Like coffee, kava affects everyone differently. If it's your first time having kava, we recommend having 1-2 servings and waiting 15-30 minutes to experience the effects before having more.

And just like coffee, kava has a natural stopping point -- most drinkers only need 1-3, maybe 4 servings, to fully enjoy a kava session. Unlike alcohol, you won't desire drink after drink (and your wallet will thank you). Kava has a time-tested cadence to it just like coffee.

Yes to both! Our kava is traditional, water-extracted kava made from fresh kava roots. This is how kava is consumed in Vanuatu. We offer our kava in multiple tasty flavors, but leave out preservatives and chemicals to keep it natural. Water-extracted kava is now officially recognized as a beverage by both the UN’s Food Code (CODEX) and World Health Organization. It has always been legal in the U.S. and has been consumed safely and enjoyably for centuries in the Pacific Islands.

Studies show that drinking kava in small and moderate amounts does not effect mental function or driving ability. It has been suggested that large doses of kava may effect motor skills and, therefore, caution is advised when operating heavy machinery when kava is consumed in higher doses.

Kava drinking, like coffee and tea drinking, is safe and legal.

No, kava is not classified as a drug and does not have addictive properties like alcohol.

Almost all of the kava available in the U.S. today is either a) made from dried kava roots into kava beverage or b) extracted synthetically via ethanol or other non-aqueous solvents into a commodified kavalactone extract. Both forms lack the full-spectrum, time-tested effects that fresh kava beverage has.

KEANU instant noble kava delivers the full kava experience. It's brewed in Vanuatu using fresh (never dried) kava roots and then dehydrated for export to ensure the freshest, highest quality, and most authentic kava experience possible outside of the Pacific Islands.

Kava consumption during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended. As always, if you have any health concerns, we strongly advise consulting your qualified medical professional.

No, kava is not intended for children, and we recommend that only those 18 and above enjoy kava.

Since day 1, we’ve sought to do kava right as the plant and the people behind it deserve nothing less. We’ve done five trips to the Pacific Islands (Vanuatu, Fiji, Hawaii, and New Caledonia) to build relationships directly with our kava farmers and ensure an ethical, sustainable kava supply chain. We hence know exactly where our kava comes from and which specific communities benefit. For example, because of our partnership, multiple villages in Vanuatu have been able to build running water systems, pay for children’s school fees, and support their lives in remote areas. We seek to help our kava partners maintain a special balance — continue their traditional way of life while benefiting from certain amounts of economic development.