Science Behind Functional Drinks and Social Anxiety

Functional drinks are beverages designed to do more than just quench your thirst - they can help with things like reducing social anxiety. Unlike alcohol, which many people turn to for social ease, functional drinks use ingredients like L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, and Vitamin B1 to promote relaxation without the risks of dependency or health issues. For example, IMPOSSIBREW® Social Blend™ combines these ingredients to help users feel calm and focused in social situations.
Key Points:
- What are functional drinks? Non-alcoholic beverages with ingredients to support mental well-being.
- How do they help? Ingredients like L-Theanine (relaxation), Ashwagandha (stress reduction), and Vitamin B1 (nervous system support) work together to ease social anxiety.
- Benefits over alcohol: No hangovers, lower calorie content, and inclusive options for dietary needs (vegan, gluten-free).
Quick Stats:
- 71% of users feel more relaxed.
- 88% drink less alcohol.
- 95% would recommend functional drinks like IMPOSSIBREW®.
Functional drinks are a healthier, science-backed alternative to alcohol for managing social anxiety and improving social experiences.
Beverage companies creating functional drinks using healthy ...
Active Ingredients for Anxiety Relief
Let's take a closer look at the ingredients behind the functional drinks designed to ease social anxiety.
L-Theanine and Its Role
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, is known for promoting relaxation while improving mental focus - without causing drowsiness. It's a key component in IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ and is specifically included to help ease social anxiety. Research highlights its ability to encourage calmness without making you feel sleepy [1]. When combined with other ingredients, it works effectively to reduce anxiety.
Ashwagandha's Stress-Reducing Properties
Ashwagandha, a herb long used in Ayurvedic medicine, is recognised for its ability to lower stress. In IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™, it plays a role in reducing cortisol levels, which is the body's main stress hormone.
"Social Blend™ is our proprietary formulation crafted with science-backed ingredients to replicate the alcohol-like social and sensory experience without negative effects" [1]
By blending Ashwagandha with other components like Vitamin B1, the formulation takes a well-rounded approach to addressing anxiety. Its carefully selected ingredients are grounded in scientific research, making it a reliable option for supporting mental well-being.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Here's a quick overview of the main active ingredients and their effects:
Ingredient | Primary Benefit | Evidence |
---|---|---|
L-Theanine | Encourages calm alertness | Supported by clinical studies |
Ashwagandha | Reduces stress hormone levels | Rooted in Ayurvedic practices |
Vitamin B1 | Supports nervous system health | Backed by scientific research |
These ingredients work together to improve mental clarity while helping to ease social anxiety.
Research and Evidence
Research on Key Ingredients
Studies have highlighted the potential of functional ingredients like L-theanine and herbs such as Ashwagandha in reducing social anxiety symptoms. L-theanine has been shown to encourage relaxation, while Ashwagandha helps regulate stress responses. This research not only explains how these ingredients work on a biochemical level but also provides insights into how consumers perceive their effects.
Mental Effects and Expectations
Findings suggest that knowing about the active ingredients enhances their perceived calming effects, making people feel more at ease in social settings. These initial benefits may also contribute to longer-term improvements in mental well-being.
Mental Health Results
Regularly consuming beverages containing L-theanine and Ashwagandha has been linked to improved mental health over time. Combining these ingredients appears to amplify their effects, supporting the scientific reasoning behind the formulation of IMPOSSIBREW® Social Blend™.
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Advantages Over Alcohol
Health Comparison
Functional drinks offer a way to ease social anxiety without the health risks linked to alcohol. For example, research on IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™ highlights its ability to promote relaxation without the usual downsides of alcohol, such as disrupted sleep or heightened anxiety. With just 17 calories per 100 ml, IMPOSSIBREW® Lager is also a great choice for those mindful of their calorie intake. Plus, these drinks help create more inclusive social settings.
Broader Accessibility
Functional drinks reshape social experiences by catering to a variety of dietary and health needs. IMPOSSIBREW®'s selection includes vegan and gluten-free options, making them suitable for a wide range of preferences. The noticeable decline in alcohol consumption among users further illustrates how these drinks encourage more inclusive and mindful social interactions [1].
Positive Health Impact
The combination of inclusivity and health advantages contributes to better long-term well-being. Regular users report improved sleep and a greater sense of overall wellness, thanks to the carefully developed, patent-pending Social Blend™ technology. In fact, three out of four users regard IMPOSSIBREW® as the best alcohol alternative available [1]. Together, these benefits make functional drinks a practical, science-supported option for reducing social anxiety.
IMPOSSIBREW® Analysis
IMPOSSIBREW® takes a fresh approach to product development, combining well-researched ingredients with thoughtful innovation.
IMPOSSIBREW® Features
The Social Blend™, created in collaboration with Dr Paul Chazot, a Bioscience Professor at Durham University, is a standout feature. This blend includes L-Theanine, Ashwagandha Root, Soluble Plant Fibres, and Vitamin B1 [1]. Together, these ingredients aim to ease anxiety and boost mood.
"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." [1]
This unique formulation is the foundation of a product range designed to combine great taste with well-being.
Available Products
IMPOSSIBREW® offers a selection of non-alcoholic beers infused with the Social Blend™:
Product | Key Features | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Enhanced Lager | <0.5% ABV, Gluten-free, 6 cal/100ml | Crisp, citrus finish with calming effects |
Enhanced Hazy Pale | <0.5% ABV, Vegan-friendly | Tropical flavours with mood-lifting qualities |
Bestseller Bundle | 18 beers, Free glass | Perfect for exploring the full range |
Customer Results
IMPOSSIBREW® has achieved a 4.8 out of 5 rating from over 1,000 customer reviews. The Enhanced Lager and Pale were also named the UK's best non-alcoholic beers at the 2023 World Beer Awards [1]. These achievements highlight the brand's ability to deliver both flavour and functional benefits.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
Research highlights that functional drinks containing L-Theanine and Ashwagandha can help reduce stress and social anxiety while promoting mental well-being. They also support better sleep quality without the negative side effects associated with alcohol. Importantly, the majority of users experienced noticeable relaxation, reinforcing the effectiveness of these scientifically crafted beverages [1].
IMPOSSIBREW® Overview
This research aligns with what IMPOSSIBREW® has accomplished in reshaping social drinking. Created in collaboration with Dr Paul Chazot, IMPOSSIBREW®'s unique Social Blend™ has enabled 88% of users to cut back on alcohol consumption [1].
"We exist because we believe in a world where social connection doesn't demand compromise."
With a 4.8/5 customer rating and award recognition [1], the brand has made its mark. In fact, three-quarters of customers have called it "the most complete alcohol alternative currently available on the market today" [1]. These findings underscore the role of functional drinks as a safe and effective way to enhance social experiences while prioritising well-being.
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Got Questions?
Find our most commonly asked questions below or ask our AI Brewer for instant answers.
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
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.