Why kava cans work as an evening drink
Kava is a root that people across Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga have shared at the end of the day for centuries. A cold, sparkling can gives you the same ritual as cracking a beer or a seltzer after work, without alcohol. We judge these cans as drinks: flavor, calories, what the label says and price. We don't make health claims about them. More on what kava is.
Kava cans compared
| Drink | Flavor | Calories | Kava on the label | Price per can | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBCo Kava Orange Dream Our review | Orange | 50 | Lab report linked (Feb 2025 batch: 59.7 mg kavalactones) | $8.25 to $9.00 | Shop |
| BBCo Kava Tutti Frutti Our review | Rainbow sherbet | 60 | Not listed | $8.25 to $9.00 | Shop |
| Mitra9 Kava Seltzer Our review | Lychee, lemonade, orange dreamsicle and more | 15 (Paradise Lychee) | 500 mg extract, 30% kavalactones | $6.04 to $7.50 direct | Check price on Amazon |
| MELO Sparkling Kava | Banana Cream, Tahitian Lime, Passionfruit Orange Guava | 0 | Not shown in the page text we checked | $3.61 to $4.17 direct | Brand site |
| TRU KAVA | Tropical Citrus, Ginger Brew | 10 | "Full-spectrum"; mg not listed | $4.99 direct | Brand site |
Prices are direct from each brand (Mitra9 also on Amazon), checked October 11, 2026.
Our picks
- Start here: Kava Orange Dream. Bright orange keeps kava's earthy taste in the background. It's the can we hand first-timers, though at $8.25 to $9 it isn't the cheapest.
- Sweeter: Kava Tutti Frutti. Berry, citrus and tropical fruit, like rainbow sherbet.
- Kava amount on the can: Mitra9. 500 mg of extract at 30% kavalactones per can.
- Zero sugar: MELO. Zero calories and the lowest price per can here.
For the full ranking, including kava you pour and travel mixes, see the best kava drinks of 2026.
The rules
- One can at a time. Wait before deciding on a second.
- Never with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it.
- Read who should skip kava below. Kava has been linked to rare cases of serious liver injury.
Who should skip kava
- Kava drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kava if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Skip kava if you have a liver condition or drink heavily. Kava has been linked to rare cases of serious liver injury.
- Skip it if you take antidepressants (including SSRIs), sedatives, sleep aids or medications that affect the liver, unless your doctor says it's OK.
- Rules on kava vary by place. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can or shell is one serving. Don't mix kava with alcohol, and don't drive after drinking it.
These are general cautions, not medical advice. If you're unsure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Questions people ask
What's a good kava can to start with?
Botanical Brewing Co. Kava Orange Dream: sparkling orange, 50 calories, zero alcohol, with kava's earthy taste in the background.
Does kava contain alcohol?
No. Kava drinks are alcohol-free, and kava shouldn't be mixed with alcohol.
Is kava a medicine?
No. We cover kava as a drink. It isn't approved to treat any condition. If something is affecting your health, talk to a doctor.
Which kava can has the least sugar?
MELO lists zero sugar and zero calories. TRU KAVA lists 0 g sugar and 10 calories.
