GT’s is a giant in the Kombucha world (which is blowing up almost as fast as CBD) and this Dream Catcher series of sparkling waters released last year has rapidly become one of the daily CBD-infused drink favorites of the Remedy Journey crew. Here are the highlights:
- 25mg of CBD isolate
- 75mg of coffee berry extract
- Vitamins B3 and C added
- Raw apple cider vinegar
- Organically-sourced ingredients
- Four flavors: Orange Elderflower, Blood Rose, Cucumber Basil, Ginger Lemongrass
Background: Who is GT’s?
GT’s is well-known as the first commercial kombucha-maker in the US, who more or less invented the American commercial kombucha market. Once a drink virtually unknown in the US (which originated in ancient Asia), kombucha was plucked from obscurity by GT’s founder Dave and turned into a $600 million market (GT’s now controls over 60% of the kombucha market).
They’re known for making all-organic, “raw” drinks that focus on overall wellness. When researching their brand for this review we found some encouraging facts about their commitment to quality. A couple examples:
- Unlike many other mainstream kombucha companies they refuse to pasteurize their kombucha because it likely damages the nutritional benefit of the probiotics.
- Kombucha is naturally carbonated if produced correctly. While other mainstream kombucha companies skip steps and then add artificial carbonation afterwards, GT’s refuses to do this, instead making their kombucha the “classic” way.
Yeah, this stuff is about their kombucha, not these Dream Catcher sparkling waters. But while they haven’t publicized how they extract their CBD, the fact that they use organically-sourced hemp is a positive sign, and we take GT’s commitment to quality with their kombucha as another encouraging sign.
[Also check out our review of GT’s new CBD kombucha here]
GT’s Dream Catcher CBD Water Review
Our review is broken down by Taste, Value, Health, Relief, and X-FACTOR — before getting to the final verdict. Without further ado . . .
Taste Score: 7.5/10
Does the drink taste bueno or no bueno?
The Remedy Journey crew enjoyed the taste of each flavor with the exception of Cucumber Basil (cucumber + water = bueno, cucumber + water + BASIL = no bueno). Our favorites were Orange Elderflower and Blood Rose.
Our problem with most flavored sparkling waters is that they’re usually too strong: both overly carbonated and excessively flavorful (like sucking on a lemon from Chernobyl). We like these sparkling waters because the taste is subtle and understated. We were nervous about the raw apple cider vinegar, but it actually supplied a pleasant, mild kick.
All this being said, these are sparkling waters; not the sexiest or tastiest drink that you’ll find. If you don’t enjoy sparkling water these drinks won’t make you fall in love, but for a zero sugar beverage they taste just fine.
Value Score: 9/10
How much CBD bang are you getting for your buck?
When it comes to CBD-infused products, it’s all-too-common to pay $3-5 for ~10mg of CBD or less (and that’s often CBD isolate, not full-spectrum) At 25mg of full-spectrum CBD for $3.99, these drinks provide excellent value.
Health Score: 9/10
How committed is this brand to health and wellness? We look at all the ingredients.
This is another area where GT’s Dream Catcher drinks exceed. CBD-infused drinks typically add “adaptogens,” or herbs that purport to fight stress and induce calmness. We like adaptogenic drinks as well, but we appreciate that GT’s took a more general health and wellness-focused approach to the Dream Catcher series.
These sparkling waters have no added sugar. Vitamin C and Raw Apple Cider Vinegar provide immune and digestive support, while organic coffee berry extract and Vitamin B3 provide energy and mental acuity. Add to this that all ingredients in the drink are organic (a GT’s specialty) and you have a true health-promoting beverage.
Relief Score: 8/10
Many of us consume CBD to relieve ailments. Does this product provide effective relief?
I (reviewer here) consume CBD for anxiety, and I find these Dream Catcher drinks to be pretty effective for anxiety-relief. GT’s seems to do a particularly good job of infusing their CBD; I feel a cool wave of relief almost right away after I start drinking one of these, whereas other drinks I typically need to kill before I really feel the effects.
X-factor: 8/10
What makes this drink special? Does it promote productivity or focus? Does it get one “lit”?
As big fans of CBD-infused coffee, the inclusion of organic coffee berry extract was a game-changer for us. The Remedy Journey team generally consumes CBD during the day to promote focus, calmness, and clarity, but CBD drinks sometimes can mellow you out a little too much.
This drink, on the other hand, is a productivity workhorse: it’ll power you up without the jitters or frantic thoughts that come with excessive doses of caffeine. We found the 3:1 caffeine to CBD dosage to be near-perfect, more so than what you’d get from a CBD coffee (which skews more towards caffeine).
The only downside we experienced is that the combination of caffeine, carbonation, and the acidity from the raw apple cider vinegar can make this drink a little hard on your stomach (especially if you drink it on an empty stomach). Drink it after a meal for best results.
Final Verdict: 8.5/10
We love these drinks because:
- They pack a hefty punch at 25mg of CBD (more than most infused beverages)
- Decent taste for no added sugar
- The balance of moderate-caffeine and CBD creates a clear-minded, energetic buzz
Where to buy GT’s Sparkling Wellness Waters
Retail
These drinks were only rolled out early last year, and can be found in certain major California cities, including San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles. We found them at Gus’s Community Market in San Francisco (at two locations, one in the Haight and the other in the Mission).
Online
GT’s isn’t currently selling these online. But! If you live in select cities (see above) you can order GT’s Sparkling Wellness Waters on Instacart.
