Zen Relax Drink Mix - Nootropic, Adaptogen-Infused Ashwagandha Beverage - Rhodiola, Magnesium, L-Theanine - Restore & Unwind - Alcohol Alternative - Strawberry Flavor - 60 Count (Pack of 2)

My quick take is that this is a very pricey product BUT it does contain a blend of pricey sounding ingredients, including ashwagandha, which “studies” say give results when at least 250mg are taken daily for at least a month. With that said, I’ve only used one packet a day (125mg) for a handful of days but I DO seem to feel some positive differences in my mood and sleep. I feel more calm and have been sleeping more deeply. Coincidence or the drink? Not sure. I don’t feel any of the other effects in the description and I definitely wouldn’t call this an alcohol alternative. NOPE.I empty a packet of powder into my largest insulated travel cup (30oz) and add about 6 oz of hot water to dissolve the powder well. Then I add a cup of ice and fill to the brim with cold water to sip thru the day (after my morning tea). With less water, it smells like strawberry jello but tastes like an awful fake sugar syrup. I can only drink it with tons of icy cold water so it tastes more like flavored water. I don’t know if this is “working” because this forces me to drink more liquids than usual so I’m better hydrated or because of the actual ingredients. I could probably reap the same basic benefits with camomile tea and a daily multi vitamin for less but it wouldn’t be as on trend. Unless something magical starts happening while I finish the bag of 30 servings this month, I won’t be repurchasing at this price. (If magic happens, I would buy directly from their website to get a nice quantity discount). I took off a star off for the price and the taste.

UPDATED: I finally found the right balance and have grown to like this drink. Upped my stars from 4 to 5. ORIGINAL POST: If you don't mind sweet drinks, this will be perfect for you. I diluted it a bit more but still found that "sweet" was the first impression, versus taste, at first sip. However, its a good taste, not chemical (I don't want to give the impression you're getting overwhelmed with some sort of artificial sweetener taste, it's just my preference). I did drink it for awhile, and felt refreshed and hydrated, however because I knew it was going to be a sweet drink I just didn't look forward to drinking it and stopped. MOST people are perfectly happy with some sweetness so will probably enjoy this. I really like the packaging so that you are opening a small tube for each pitcher, not dipping out of a big bag. I'll probably stow one or two along when I travel.

The flavor is good, it is not too sweet and has a nice balance to it. I have been able to use this when I want soda or juice or just something sweet, it has worked for that purpose. I have taken it as directed 1-3 times per day, varying by the day. I have not noticed any difference in how I feel.

One thing is for sure, it's expensive. So I'm going to be extra careful in this review, especially because it's a product that is already difficult to be objective about, considering it's supposed to make you "feel" a certain way.I'll grant that I think that what's stated in the ingredients list seems accurate, and that I'm happy it doesn't hide a bunch of carbs via clever shenanigans. It feels like at the bare minimum, it's guilt-free.Taste is subjective, but I don't think it tastes 25% as good as it smells. It smells delicious. However, it has a vitamin-y taste, hollow sweetness, and indeterminate flavor. It doesn't taste "that good", and I found it easier to make an 8 to 16 oz drink and just chugg.Mood enhancement... Is that really a thing you can get from some amino acids and plant extracts? I'm not sure. But I'll admit that when I tried this product for the first time, I was giggling at a funny segment in a video until I got lightheaded. Over the few times I've already tried the product, I'll grant that it does seem to have a bit of a mood enhancement effect. Not major, and maybe it's the placebo effect.Overall, I would rather take this product than drink liquor. If it boils down to that, then by all means. Fortunately, I don't drink, so this might last a while in my cabinet.---------UPDATE: I found that adding some sweetness brings out the flavor A LOT and makes it much more tasty. I added a few drops of liquid sucralose.

I was not expecting this item to be so boojie. The bag of drink sticks came in a very lavish box with fancy crinkle filler as if this was some sort of Christmas gift. Don't get me wrong, it was very neat, but I suspect their cost could be reduce quite a bit if they ditched the unnecessary packaging. I'm now hoarding this box in my closet because it's too nice to throw away.Now, to review the actual drink mix... I really like the flavor. I mix it in a very large 24oz cup because I don't like the taste to be over powering. You could easily just use a half packet in a standard water bottle and double your servings. I do feel like the ingredients in it helps my mind. The "feel good" claims surpassed my expectations. I really enjoy these.Would I buy this again? Only if it was about half of the price.