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Health
Alcohol vs. Functional Beverages for Relaxation
Looking for a healthier way to relax? Functional beverages are emerging as a popular alternative to alcohol, offering calmness and social enjoyment without the downsides. While alcohol is known for quick sedation, it often leads to impaired judgment, hangovers, and long-term health risks. Functional drinks, on the other hand, use ingredients like adaptogens and nootropics to promote relaxation, mental clarity, and wellness.
Key Differences:
- Health Impact: Alcohol strains the liver, disrupts sleep, and dehydrates. Functional beverages support hydration, improve sleep, and are lower in calories.
- Relaxation: Alcohol impairs judgment and self-control. Functional drinks provide calmness without mental fog.
- Social Experience: Alcohol is common but can lead to overindulgence. Functional beverages encourage natural, balanced interactions.
- Practicality: Alcohol is widely available but comes with restrictions. Functional drinks are safer for driving and don’t require recovery time.
Quick Comparison:
| Factor | Alcohol | Functional Beverages |
|---|---|---|
| Health Impact | Liver strain, poor sleep, high calories | Wellness support, hydration, low calories |
| Relaxation Effects | Quick sedation, impaired control | Gradual calm, mental clarity |
| Recovery | Hangovers, productivity loss | No recovery needed |
| Social Fit | Alters behavior, risk of excess | Balanced, easy to moderate |
| Practicality | Age restrictions, driving limits | No restrictions, safe for driving |
Functional beverages, like IMPOSSIBREW®, are reshaping how we unwind - providing a mindful, health-conscious alternative to alcohol. Whether you're prioritizing wellness or seeking hangover-free social moments, these drinks offer a smarter way to relax.
Defining Functional Beverages
What Are Functional Beverages?
Functional beverages are drinks designed to provide more than just hydration. They combine traditional brewing methods with ingredients backed by science to create options that focus on wellness. These drinks meet the increasing demand for healthier and more mindful ways to relax.
Ingredients and Their Benefits
Functional beverages often include ingredients like adaptogens, nootropics, and botanicals that support relaxation, mood, and cognitive health. These components are carefully selected for their ability to promote stress relief and mental clarity, offering a modern alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks [2].
| Ingredient Type | Examples | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptogens | Ashwagandha | Helps reduce stress and anxiety |
| Nootropics | L-theanine | Promotes relaxation and calmness |
| Botanicals | Natural herbs | Supports mood and cognitive health |
Example: IMPOSSIBREW® and Its Social Blend™
IMPOSSIBREW® has developed its Social Blend™ to create non-alcoholic beers like Enhanced Lager and Pale Ale. These beverages are crafted to provide relaxation without compromising on health or mental clarity. Key features include:
- Controlled Effects: Ingredients are precisely measured to ensure consistent results.
- Health-Conscious Options: Low-calorie, vegan, and gluten-free choices appeal to those prioritizing their well-being.
- Mental Clarity: Relaxation benefits come without the foggy feeling associated with alcohol [3].
Now that we’ve outlined the unique benefits of functional beverages, we can explore how they stack up against traditional alcoholic drinks.
Comparing Alcohol and Functional Beverages
Health Effects
With the rise of wellness-focused lifestyles, functional beverages stand out by avoiding many of the health risks tied to alcohol. Packed with ingredients like adaptogens and nootropics, these drinks promote well-being without the downsides of alcohol.
| Aspect | Alcohol | Functional Beverages |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term Effects | Impaired judgment, dehydration | Mental clarity, hydration |
| Recovery Time | 1-3 hours + recovery | 2-4 hours, no recovery needed |
| Cognitive Impact | Impaired | Improved |
| Physical Health | Liver strain, poor sleep | Supports overall wellness |
| Calories | High | Low |
Functional beverages focus on keeping your mind sharp, whereas alcohol often dulls it.
Relaxation and Social Experience
Alcohol is known for its immediate effects but often comes with a loss of control. Functional beverages, on the other hand, provide relaxation while helping you stay mentally alert [1].
"Functional beverages like IMPOSSIBREW® aim to deliver relaxation without mental impairment, offering a safer, more balanced option for social settings." [4]
IMPOSSIBREW® is a great example, offering relaxation without the mental fog that often comes with alcohol [3]. Beyond health and social perks, practical factors like cost and availability also influence the choice between these drinks.
Practical Considerations
Functional beverages are becoming easier to find, available in major stores and online. While they may seem more expensive upfront, skipping the recovery time often makes them a smarter long-term investment.
The calming effects generally last 2-4 hours, making them perfect for social events. Designed with modern consumers in mind, these drinks cater to health-conscious preferences, often featuring vegan and gluten-free options.
These practical benefits are driving the growing popularity of functional beverages.
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How functional drinks with little or no alcohol serve sober curious consumers
Summary Table: Alcohol vs. Functional Beverages
Here’s a side-by-side look at how traditional alcoholic drinks compare with functional beverages across factors that are important to today’s consumers.
| Factor | Traditional Alcohol | Functional Beverages |
|---|---|---|
| Health Impact | • Strains the liver • Disrupts sleep • Causes dehydration • High in calories |
• Supports overall wellness • Improves sleep quality • Aids hydration • Lower in calories |
| Relaxation Effects | • Quick sedation • Impairs judgment • Reduces self-control |
• Gradual calming • Maintains mental clarity • Encourages focus |
| Duration & Recovery | • Lasts 1-3 hours • Requires recovery time • Hangover risk • May lower productivity |
• Lasts 2-4 hours • No recovery needed • No hangovers • Normal daily function |
| Social Experience | • Socially common • Can alter behavior • Risk of overindulgence |
• Gaining social acceptance • Encourages natural interactions • Easy to moderate |
| Practical Aspects | • Easily available • Generally cheaper • Driving restrictions • Age restrictions apply |
• Limited availability • Higher price point • Safe for driving • No age restrictions |
| Key Ingredients | • Ethanol • Fermented sugars |
• Adaptogens • Nootropics • Plant-based ingredients |
This comparison highlights how functional beverages are becoming a go-to option for health-conscious individuals who want to relax and socialize without the downsides of alcohol.
"Experts view functional beverages as a healthier alternative for socializing."
With the market for functional drinks growing steadily, it’s clear they’re reshaping how people think about relaxation and social connections.
Conclusion: Choosing a Beverage for Relaxation
Key Points
Functional beverages are becoming a go-to choice for those seeking relaxation with a clear mind. They provide a healthier, hangover-free option compared to alcohol, aligning with the growing trend of wellness-focused lifestyles. Since the pandemic, people are leaning toward health-conscious decisions that still allow for enjoyable social interactions while supporting overall well-being.
This shift highlights a broader move toward prioritizing wellness, where functional beverages reshape how we think about relaxation. They offer benefits like improved mental clarity, consistent effects, and no need for recovery time - all while preserving the social joy of gathering with friends.
Future of Functional Beverages
As preferences continue to change, functional beverages aren't just an alternative - they represent a forward-thinking approach to mindful relaxation. Ingredients like nootropics and adaptogens, backed by science, are leading the charge in this space. Brands such as IMPOSSIBREW® showcase how these drinks can provide relaxation without compromise.
The market for functional beverages is set to grow, fueled by advancements in natural, mood-boosting ingredients and refined brewing methods. This progress points to a future where relaxation and social connection can go hand in hand with health-conscious living, giving consumers the best of both worlds.
Ultimately, the choice between alcohol and functional beverages comes down to your personal health priorities and lifestyle. With the rise of premium alternatives, it’s easier than ever to focus on your well-being while still enjoying the social aspects of drinking.
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What is IMPOSSIBREW®?
IMPOSSIBREW® is a pioneering non-alcoholic beer brand based in the UK that aims to create the world's most complete alcohol alternative using patent-pending technology.
Founded by Mark Wong in 2021 and working with some of the world's best professors, scientists and expert brewers, IMPOSSIBREW® specialises in expertly crafted non-alcoholic beers designed to match full ABV beers in both taste and feeling.
Product Range
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a range of enhanced non-alcoholic beers, including:
- Enhanced Lager (0.5% ABV)
- Enhanced Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
- Limited Editions (Seasonal)
Key Benefits
The key feature that sets IMPOSSIBREW® apart is its proprietary "Social Blend™" - a combination of active botanical ingredients and nootropics using patent-pending technology* designed to recreate the relaxing effects of alcohol without the negative side effects.
Along with record-breaking quality flavour that comes from a unique process without removing alcohol.
Social Blend™ Ingredients
Developed with leading scientists in top UK universities, Social Blend™ includes:
- L-Theanine
- Ashwaghanda
- Soluble Plant Fibres
- Vitamin B1
- Various Plant Extracts.
These ingredients are chosen for their potential to boost serotonin, promote relaxation, and create a calming effect similar to the "one or two pint feeling" without hangovers.
See more details on our very own research paper, with over 1,000 participants:
- More than 70% said they felt relaxed after consuming IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 88% have reduced alcohol consumption since discovering IMPOSSIBREW®.
- 95% have told a friend about IMPOSSIBREW® after trying.
- 3/4 say that IMPOSSIBREW® is "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today".
Recognition
IMPOSSIBREW® has received several notable achievements:
- Featured on BBC's Dragons' Den
- Awarded the first and only Gold Medal in the No/Low beer category from the London Beer Competition
- Received multiple industry Gold awards in categories against Full-ABV beers
- Most followed No/Low Alcohol brand on TikTok globally.
Mission and Vision
IMPOSSIBREW® is on a mission to redefine non-alcoholic drinking by creating better-than-alcohol alternatives for those who love beer but want to avoid the health risks associated with alcohol consumption.
The company aims to become the global leading alcohol alternative brand, focusing on helping people transition to a healthier mode of relaxation without the traditional issues and side effects of alcohol.
Production and Ingredients
IMPOSSIBREW® combines traditional brewing methods with their proprietary Social Blend™ along with patent-pending technology*
The beers are made with traditional brewing ingredients such as water, malted barley, wheat, hops, and yeast, in addition to the Social Blend™ components - leveraging their unique cryogenic fermentation process, which means no alcohol is ever removed from the product - ensuring the most authentic quality taste you've come to expect.
Who is it for?
IMPOSSIBREW® caters to consumers who:
- Are busy professionals and parents who would like to unwind with a drink but don't want the hangovers.
- Enjoy the taste and relaxing experience of beer
- Are looking for healthier alternatives to alcohol, with lower calories, carbs and sugar
- Want to avoid hangovers and other negative effects of alcohol consumption
- Are interested in functional beverages with potential mood-enhancing properties
By offering a unique product that aims to replicate both the taste and feeling of alcoholic beer, IMPOSSIBREW® is positioning itself at the forefront of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.
Get Started Today
Give it a try today with our Welcome Bundle and get 2 Free Beers with your first purchase. Get it delivered straight to your door, risk-free with our 30-day money-back guarantee.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do and we can't wait for you to try.
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
How does 'Social Blend™' work?
Social Blend™ is our proprietary alcohol alternative made from a blend of science-backed ingredients using patent-pending technology*.
Designed to replicate the sensory and social relaxing experience of drinking, minus the headaches (and bad decisions).
Developed with Dr Paul Chazot, Bioscience Professor and Chair of Pharmacology at Durham University.
Key Components and Mechanisms
- L-Theanine:
- Ashwagandha Root:
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
- Various nootropic herbs:
Benefits
- Relaxation: The blend promotes a state of relaxation without the sedative effects typically associated with alcohol.
- Mental Calm: By boosting alpha brain waves and serotonin levels, it helps maintain a calm and focused mental state.
- Stress Relief: The combination of L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 helps mitigate stress and anxiety.
- Mood Enhancement: The inclusion these ingredients and other botanicals supports mood regulation and overall positive outlook.
IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ is a carefully crafted combination of nootropic and adaptogenic ingredients designed to offer a relaxing and mood-enhancing experience without the drawbacks of alcohol. It leverages the natural properties of its components to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, making it a unique alternative to traditional alcoholic beverages.
(Read our latest research paper here)
*Patent pending in the UK under application number GB2415685.3
Do you ship overseas?
We ship to the UK Mainland for free when you spend over £35 and to Northern Ireland (additional courier charges may apply).
We aim to expand internationally soon - stay tuned!
If you have any queries, feel free to email: hello(@)impossibrew.co.uk
How long will it take to get my orders?
For UK mainland deliveries, normal orders processed here will take 1-3 business days to arrive, with an optional upgrade to Next Day Delivery available (12pm cut-off).
Delivery details will be provided in your confirmation email.
How is 0.5% ABV alcohol-free?
Yes, we know it's confusing. Isn't 0.5% ABV still alcoholic? Officially, 0.5% ABV is classified as Dealcoholised.
- In fact, most things we consume daily have more than 0.5% ABV
- Burger Rolls - 1.2% ABV
- Orange Juice - 0.5% ABV
- Ripe Banana - 0.5% ABV
After more than 2 years of research, we've found that the 0.5% ABV from our natural brewing process significantly increases both flavour and mouthfeel - without spiking your blood alcohol level (BAC).
Is it really gluten-free?
Yes, IMPOSSIBREW® Enhanced Lager is gluten-free. Even though it contains wheat and barley, our beers have been third-party tested to contain less than 10 parts per million (PPM) of gluten, which meets the criteria to be listed as, and labeled gluten-free.
Does it have alcohol tax?
No. While it is true that our beers don't contain alcohol, and thus don't incur UK alcohol duty, we'd like to highlight some factors here that might be helpful in reflecting the value we provide.
- One-to-One Brewing Process: At IMPOSSIBREW, we take pride in our unique brewing techniques. Unlike other non-alcoholic beers, our products are never diluted, watered-down, or have their alcohol content removed - and some even dilute their alcoholic beers up to 5x. This means that our brewing process involves the same level of craftsmanship, time, and resources as a traditional craft beer, resulting in comparable production costs.
- Effective Nootropics: In our commitment to creating the most relaxing non-alcoholic beers, we utilise only the highest quality nootropics as our active ingredients, in safe and effectives dosages. At current alcohol tax rates for a 5% ABV beer, the cost of our nootropics more than double that. Instead of contributing the amounts as tax, why not have it contribute to the product quality itself?
- Small Scale Brewing: Currently, we operate on a smaller scale, which makes us less competitive than large, commercial brewers (often +10,000x our brewing size). As a growing business, we are passionate about our mission to create unique, high-quality non-alcoholic experiences, and we truly appreciate your support. As we continue to grow and expand our production capabilities, we look forward to passing on even more savings to our valued community!
At IMPOSSIBREW, we prioritise offering our customers an enhanced, premium, non-alcoholic beer experience by combining innovative brewing techniques, quality active nootropic ingredients, and award-winning taste. While our pricing may differ from other non-alcoholic competitors, we believe that the value proposition and unique experience our beers provide are well worth it.
At the end of the day, tasting is believing. So give it a try and let us know what you think - risk-free with our IMPOSSIBREW® Guarantee.
Who shouldn't drink IMPOSSIBREW®?
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with certain medical conditions like GI disorders or hypertension, or individuals taking specific medications such as antidepressants or blood thinners. If you fall into any of these categories, it's best to consult with your doctor first.
Ashwagandha can lead to overstimulation (i.e. restlessness) if taken alongside thyroid medication.
What is your philosophy?
For thousands of years, we had only one way to unwind together. One way to let our guards down. One way to bridge the gap between who we are and who we are with others.
Not because it was perfect. But because it was all we had.
We decided that wasn't good enough.
We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise.
Where being present with others doesn't mean being absent from yourself. Where letting go doesn't mean losing control.This isn't about removing alcohol. This is about something better.
Our Social Blend™ technology isn't an accident. It's the result of questioning everything we thought we knew about social drinking. About working with scientists to understand what we're really seeking in these moments of connection. About daring to imagine something that wasn't possible before.
We believe the greatest innovations don't just solve problems - they change how we live. They make us question why we ever settled for less.
That's what we're building. Not just a drink, but a new way forward. A future where social connection comes without compromise. Where tradition meets innovation. Where science meets ritual.
This is the future of social drinking.
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Our customer support is available Monday to Friday: 9am - 5:30pm.
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