Rhythm’s line of CBD Seltzers. Photo credit: Rhythm.
With the recent surge of carbonated waters this year, it feels more appropriate than ever to experience this unique set of on-trend seltzers.
Consumers can find CBD in a variety of products such as tinctures, gummies, and edibles. Along with its medicinal properties, CBD can be enjoyed recreationally.
Owner of Rhythm, Ian Monat, found that adding hemp tinctures to soda usually resulted in a poor taste. He also found that ready-to-drink hemp beverages on the market contained unhealthy amounts of sugar.
In response, Monat partnered with CBD user Martín Guerrero to create a drink that is conscious of one’s body while also providing a satisfying taste. Rhythm Seltzers are sugar-free, keto, vegan and gluten-free. In addition to this, each infused beverage provides benefits from an energy boost to a way to wind down the night.
First Impression and Design
While opening the box and shuffling through a couple dozen packaging peanuts, I took a moment to appreciate the packaging aspect.
Occasionally, I find that the products I order are either over-packed or not packed well enough, which results in too much trash, or unwanted damage. Since the beverages come in metal cans, it was the right amount of packing while also not going overboard in additional plastic usage.
As I began to separate the six-pack of drinks, I immediately felt a soft-gripping feel to the cans. It was subtle, but notable, and strangely caught my attention. Next, I admired the individual designs of each can painted in bright metallic-colored graphics of different fruits.
I was surprised to find that each can served a purpose, whether that be for day use or night use. So I set out a plan of attack for ingesting this week.
Rhythm CBD Seltzers
15 mg of CBD per can
$34.99 per 6-pack, $66.99 per 12-pack
Tuesday and Wednesday
As a fitness and weight lifting junkie, I was interested in trying the Sport Strawberry Hibiscus flavor before my workout, and the Recover Lemon Ginger post-workout.
Sport promised a hydrating experience, in addition to electrolytes and 15 mg of CBD per can.
Promptly after my first sip, I tasted the fruity notes of strawberry. The beverage is carbonated, but not overwhelmingly so as some seltzers can be. I did not taste any obvious hemp flavor, which I would not have minded either way.
I continued to drink the can throughout my workout and began to notice I felt hydrated and strong throughout my sets.
After finishing up, I felt the typical onset of soreness from a long workout. I was eager to try Recover anticipating more hydration and a strong flavor. I was not that big of a ginger fan, so I was not sure how I would enjoy this flavor. As I predicted, the flavor is stronger than Sport, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It even tasted a bit like ginger ale.
Post from @drinkrhythm on Instagram.
As for post soreness levels, I did not notice much of an obvious difference or ease in pain level. However, Recover was successful in making sure I am hydrated after working out.
Thursday and Friday
I’ll be the first one to admit, I’m not a morning person. So I reserved Awake for the morning, a grapefruit and rosemary fusion. This one comes with 15 mg of CBD and an additional boost of 50 mg of caffeine.
I had an interest in seeing if the effects would be similar to my routine ice coffee I have every morning. At first sip, the beverage was refreshing and delivered a light grapefruit flavor. I predicted the effects of caffeine would take some time, so I went on to conduct my daily errands.
Shortly after drinking Awake, I felt more energized. I am not sure if it’s a coffee replacement, but it’s an alternative I would try again for a subtle pick me up.
To end the night, I saved Dream, which has a blackberry and lavender flavor. Dream has 15 mg of CBD and 5 mg of melatonin. The blackberry notes from the water stood out the most and were enjoyable in addition to the lavender.
I found this drink to be the most interesting as it provides a way to hydrate before rest while also introducing two sleep-inducing ingredients.
Lavender, according to Healthline, “has a sedative effect and may help with sleep troubles, including if feelings of stress or anxiety are keeping you up at night.”
Additionally, Mayo Clinic concludes that “melatonin supplements promote sleep and are safe for short-term use.”
While laying in bed watching a video, I drank Dream predicting I would feel the most relaxed with this beverage.
Before I knew it, I felt a sleepy sensation. I was not entirely sure if it was my usual tiredness settling in or a result of the beverage. However, in the morning I did wake up well rested.
Post from @drinkrhythm on Instagram.
Comparing Test Results
According to Rhythm, each 12 ounce can contains a total of 15 mg of CBD per can. When comparing lab results to product dosing, the lab results were slightly higher than the product description.
Before diving into the results, it’s important to note that experts say that products (cannabis or otherwise) should contain +/-10% of what’s advertised. It if falls within the 10% margin, it earns an A; within 20% or less, a B; 30% a C; and 31% or more gets an F.
For Awake, test results stated there is 15.9 mg or .9 mg more CBD than the presented dose on the can. This is within the 10% range, and earns an A.
Additionally, test results for the Dream beverage showed that there was 16 mg of CBD, which also falls within the 10% rating.
In the Recover lab test results, the can dose and lab results were the same at 15.6 mg of CBD. This earns an A.
Finally, in a 12-ounce can of Sport, the lab results confirmed there were 15.4 mg. This also earns an A for accuracy.
Not only were all beverages accurately dosed, but the company makes their test results available immediately for consumers by placing them on their website.
Final Thoughts
I would purchase Rhythm CBD-infused Seltzers again. The Rhythm six-pack of seltzers has a delicious variety of flavors while also providing benefits I could plan my day around. Out of all the flavors, Recover was my top choice for its unique but familiar flavor.
With a $67 price point for the variety 12-pack, consumers are looking at about $5.58 a can. While that makes it seem a bit pricey for a carbonated beverage, users receive 15 mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract, beneficial ingredients, and zero sugar.
In addition to this, for those who live in the U.S., ground shipping is free of cost. All factors considered, I believe it is a reasonable price point.
When compared to other CBD seltzers on the market, such as popular brand Recess, they are slightly higher in cost.
However, as a THC and CBD user, 15 mg of CBD did not provide a noticeable difference in my usual post-workout soreness or sleep levels. Overall, however, I believe this product would be great for individuals who have just been introduced to CBD or have never tried it before.
I am a fan of vegan food. This is the first vegan drink I’ve tried. I really enjoyed it