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Research
Social Blend™: A Novel Alcohol Replacement
June 30, 2024
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Abstract
This study examines the efficacy of IMPOSSIBREW®'s Social Blend™, a proprietary mixture of L-theanine, ashwagandha and various other active ingredients, as an innovative alcohol replacement. Through a comprehensive review of recent scientific literature, clinical studies, and proprietary consumer research studies, we evaluate the efficacy, safety, and consumer response to this novel functional beverage by focusing on two of the main ingredients. Results demonstrate Social Blend™'s significant potential as an alcohol alternative, addressing key consumer needs in the non-alcoholic beverage market, though further studies are encouraged to explore long-term effects and broader population impacts.
Key Findings
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87.7% of users reported some level of alcohol consumption reduction: (n=775)
- 31.7% somewhat reducing
- 27.1% reducing considerably
- 15% completely stopped drinking alcohol
- 13.9% reducing almost entirely
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70.6% of users experienced relaxation effects: (n=775)
- 49.8% somewhat relaxed
- 20.8% very relaxed
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Market research revealed aspects most missed when not drinking alcohol: (n=8,431)
- Booze 'buzz' (51.06%)
- Beer flavour (22.33%)
- Social connection (13.83%)
- Don't miss anything about it (6.94%)
- Going out (3.08%)
Methodology
The study employed a comprehensive literature review methodology, analyzing peer-reviewed scientific articles, clinical studies, and systematic reviews published within the last decade. Primary databases used include PubMed, ScienceDirect, and various reputable scientific publications.
Additionally, proprietary research studies were conducted:
- A self-reported customer survey study assessing the impact of IMPOSSIBREW® on alcohol consumption habits and relaxation effects (n=775 and n=284).
- A behavioural research survey-based study exploring what consumers miss most when not drinking alcohol, prior to consuming Social Blend™ (n=8,431).
Technical Innovations
Social Blend™ combines L-theanine and ashwagandha, leveraging their synergistic effects:
L-theanine
- Increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and dopamine in the brain.
- Enhances alpha brain wave activity, associated with a state of relaxed alertness.
- May act as a mild glutamate receptor antagonist, potentially reducing excitatory neural activity.
Ashwagandha
- Modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, potentially regulating cortisol levels and stress responses.
- Exhibits GABA-mimetic activity, contributing to its anxiolytic properties.
- Increases levels of antioxidant enzymes, potentially protecting against oxidative stress.
The combination may provide both immediate and long-term benefits for stress reduction and relaxation, addressing the 'buzz' that consumers miss from alcohol consumption.
Safety and Dosage Considerations
Both L-theanine and ashwagandha have demonstrated good safety profiles in clinical studies:
- L-theanine: Doses of 200-400 mg per day have been used safely in clinical trials. A toxicity study found no adverse effects at doses of up to 4000 mg/kg body weight/day.
- Ashwagandha: Doses ranging from 240-600 mg per day have been used safely in clinical trials.
However, individual responses may vary, and those with pre-existing health conditions or taking medications should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Limitations
- Need for direct comparison studies between Social Blend™ and alcohol.
- Limited research on diverse populations and various health conditions.
- Potential for self-reporting bias in consumer surveys.
- Sample representativeness: surveys conducted among IMPOSSIBREW® customers may not be representative of the general population.
Future Directions
Future research should focus on:
- More controlled studies comparing Social Blend™ to alcohol and placebo in terms of relaxation effects and social facilitation.
- Broader population studies to assess the generalisability of these findings.
- Investigation into the precise mechanisms by which the combination of L-theanine and ashwagandha exerts its effects.
- Exploration of potential therapeutic applications, such as in anxiety management or alcohol reduction programs.
- Development of customised Social Blend™ formulations for specific needs or demographics.
Conclusion
Social Blend™ demonstrates significant potential as an innovative alcohol replacement. Its ability to reduce alcohol consumption while providing relaxation effects addresses key consumer needs in the non-alcoholic beverage market. The combination of scientific evidence and consumer research positions Social Blend™ as a promising solution for those seeking healthier lifestyle choices. As the functional beverage market continues to evolve, products like IMPOSSIBREW® with Social Blend™ may play a crucial role in reshaping social drinking norms and offering consumers more choices for relaxation and social lubrication.
This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on functional non-alcoholic beverages and their role in addressing the shift towards reduced alcohol consumption, particularly among younger demographics. However, further studies are recommended to explore long-term effects and broader population impacts.
While challenges remain, Social Blend™ represents an exciting development in the quest for healthier alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Its science-based approach and alignment with consumer trends position it as a potentially transformative product in the beverage industry, with implications for public health, consumer choice, and the future of social drinking.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the numerous researchers and scientists whose work has laid the foundation for our current understanding of alcohol alternatives and functional beverages. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and our work would not have been possible without the pioneering efforts of those who came before us.
We extend our appreciation to all the participants in the studies cited in this paper, whose contributions have been invaluable in advancing our knowledge in this field. Their willingness to engage in research has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of various compounds in the context of alcohol alternatives.
Special recognition is due to the institutions and funding bodies that have supported research in this area, enabling the scientific community to explore innovative approaches to addressing alcohol-related health concerns.
We would like to specifically acknowledge Dr. Paul Chazot from Durham University for his significant contributions to the field of biosciences. While Dr. Chazot was not directly involved in the production of this specific paper, his work has greatly influenced us and the broader scientific context in which this research is situated. His expertise and dedication to advancing our understanding of neuropharmacology have been inspirational to many in the field.
Finally, we express our gratitude to our colleagues, institutions, and families for their support throughout the research and writing process. Their encouragement and patience have been indispensable in bringing this work to fruition.
It is our sincere hope that this paper will contribute meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue about alcohol alternatives and their potential role in promoting public health and well-being.
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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.
Got more questions?
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