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Science Behind Relaxation in Functional Beers
Functional beers are alcohol-free drinks designed to help you relax without the downsides of alcohol. These beverages combine traditional brewing with ingredients like L-theanine, Rhodiola rosea, and Ashwagandha, which influence brain chemicals like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine to promote calmness and reduce stress. Here's what you need to know:
- Relaxation Benefits: 70.6% of users report feeling relaxed after drinking functional beers.
- Key Ingredients: L-theanine boosts alpha brain waves for "calm alertness", while Rhodiola and Ashwagandha help manage stress.
- Advanced Brewing: Techniques like low-temperature brewing and ultrasonic extraction preserve active compounds for maximum effect.
- Healthier Alternative: These beers are alcohol-free, low-calorie, and offer a social drinking experience.
Functional beers are crafted to provide relaxation without grogginess, making them a great choice for unwinding while staying clear-headed.
Unlocking Calm and Focus: Ashwagandha and L-Theanine
Brain Chemistry and Relaxation
This section dives deeper into how specific brain chemicals interact to promote relaxation, building on earlier discussions about neurotransmitters.
Key Brain Chemicals
Certain ingredients in functional beers influence three major neurotransmitter systems. For example, compounds like L-theanine boost GABA activity - GABA being the brain's primary calming neurotransmitter. At the same time, these ingredients help balance serotonin and dopamine levels, which supports a sense of calm without sacrificing mental clarity during relaxation[5].
Active Ingredients Research
Research highlights the unique effects of various functional beer ingredients:
| Ingredient | Research Findings |
|---|---|
| L-theanine | Boosts alpha brain waves by 13-16% when compared to a placebo[10]. |
| Rhodiola rosea | Reduces mental fatigue and improves cognitive performance in high-pressure tasks[2]. |
| Ashwagandha | Helps manage stress through its adaptogenic properties[9]. |
A study conducted by the University of Extremadura found that nurses who drank 330 mL of enhanced non-alcoholic beer experienced a reduction in the time it took to fall asleep - from 20.50±4.21 minutes to 12.01±1.19 minutes[1]. IMPOSSIBREW's Social Blend™ fine-tunes these ingredient ratios for optimal results.
L-theanine, in particular, promotes a state of relaxed alertness by increasing alpha brain wave activity, helping you stay clear-headed[2]. This is in stark contrast to alcohol, which often impairs cognitive functions[5].
Main Ingredients and Effects
Plant-based ingredients in functional beers work by targeting specific stress pathways through three main mechanisms.
Plant-Based Stress Relief
Rhodiola rosea and Bacopa monnieri are key ingredients in functional beers, known for their stress-reducing properties. Bacopa monnieri, in particular, supports stress management through its antioxidant activity[2]. These herbs help the body manage both physical and mental stress effectively.
Calming Compounds
Research in Brain Chemistry highlights L-theanine as a standout ingredient in functional beers. When consumed in amounts ranging from 25-200mg, L-theanine promotes "wakeful relaxation" by boosting alpha brain wave activity within 30-40 minutes. This effect is notably different from the drowsiness caused by alcohol[6].
Combining L-theanine with hop-derived bitter acids enhances relaxation without making you sleepy[1]. These blends are carefully designed to support the GABA-serotonin balance discussed earlier, addressing stress on both mental and physical levels.
Innovative formulations like Social Blend™ bring together traditional brewing techniques and modern nutritional science. These blends create alcohol-free beers that not only promote relaxation but also retain a satisfying taste, meeting the expectations of today's consumers[3][4].
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Brewing Methods and Ingredient Quality
Crafting functional beer that tastes great while retaining its active components requires specialized brewing techniques. Brewers today use advanced methods to ensure that both flavor and beneficial properties are preserved.
Modern Brewing Methods
To maintain the potency of bioactive compounds, brewers have moved beyond conventional techniques. For instance, low-temperature brewing (below 10°C) helps preserve flavor compounds and enhances the extraction of GABA-boosting botanicals, boosting efficiency by 15-20% [6].
Other advanced methods, such as ultrasonic extraction and supercritical CO2 processing, protect these compounds from heat damage [2][9]. These approaches are particularly effective for retaining stress-relieving ingredients like L-theanine and Rhodiola rosea.
- Ultrasonic extraction: Uses sound waves to break plant cell walls, improving the availability of active compounds [9].
- Supercritical CO2 extraction: Extracts compounds without exposing them to heat, ensuring their potency [2].
- Membrane filtration: Removes impurities while keeping active ingredients intact [2].
Taste and Function
Combining great taste with functional benefits is no easy task. Brewers rely on strict quality control throughout the process. Precision lab testing ensures that active ingredient levels meet the standards seen in clinical studies on relaxation and anxiety reduction [7][11].
| Method | Functional Improvement |
|---|---|
| Temperature Control | Standard fermentation (15-25°C) vs. Cryogenic fermentation (<0°C) |
| Extraction Method | Hot extraction vs. Cold extraction |
| Quality Testing | Basic sensory analysis vs. Bioactive compound monitoring |
Thanks to these advances, brewers can now create beers that not only help with relaxation but also deliver enjoyable flavor profiles.
Safety and Regulations
The functional beer industry is built on strict safety measures and regulatory standards to protect consumers. Beyond just focusing on ingredient benefits, these neuroactive blends must meet stringent protocols to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Research Results
Clinical studies involving 775 participants have confirmed that functional beers promote relaxation, aligning with known neurochemical mechanisms [2][3][9]. This supports earlier findings on ingredients like L-theanine, which is known to encourage alpha brain wave activity linked to relaxation [2][9].
Producers use rigorous quality control methods to maintain ingredient purity and ensure consistent performance and safety in their neuroactive beverages.
Legal Standards
Global regulations require functional beers to have an alcohol content below 0.5% ABV and to provide evidence-backed claims. In the U.S., the FDA oversees these products under food safety rules rather than alcohol regulations, requiring premarket safety reviews for active ingredients [8].
"The FDA requires functional food and beverage manufacturers to ensure the safety of new dietary ingredients through extensive testing, particularly for ingredients affecting neurotransmitter systems like GABA and serotonin" [8]
Post-market reviews have shown minimal adverse effects when consumed at recommended doses [2]. Ongoing research is shaping the future of the industry, focusing on long-term safety and the most effective ingredient combinations.
Looking Ahead: Functional Beer Development
The functional beer industry is growing fast, with the global market valued at USD 292.5 million in 2021 and expected to grow at a 10.9% CAGR through 2030 [1].
New brewing techniques are transforming how these beers provide relaxation benefits. These methods make it possible to create products that maintain the familiar taste and texture of traditional beer while offering added functional perks.
Researchers are also diving deeper into natural compounds like L-theanine and Ashwagandha. Early findings suggest these ingredients may help with relaxation and cognitive support without the negative effects of alcohol. This ties into the GABA-serotonin balance mechanisms mentioned earlier, allowing for more focused relaxation benefits.
Advances in biotechnology are making it easier to fine-tune the effectiveness of functional ingredients. Techniques like ultrasonic and supercritical CO2 extraction are being used to create stress-response-focused formulations based on specific biomarkers.
As the science progresses, the industry has plenty of room to develop better formulations that balance relaxation benefits with safety standards. With more precise brewing methods and creative ingredient combinations on the horizon, functional beers are set to become even more effective.
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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
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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