The quick comparison
| Kava | Kanna | |
|---|---|---|
| Plant | Root of Piper methysticum | Sceletium tortuosum, a succulent |
| From | South Pacific | South Africa |
| Main compounds | Kavalactones | Alkaloids such as mesembrine |
| In the can | Sparkling orange, earthy finish (Orange Dream) | Sparkling pomegranate and raspberry, herbal note (Pomegranate Fusion) |
| Our can | Kava Orange Dream | Kanna Pomegranate Fusion |
| Skip it if | Liver problems, pregnancy or breastfeeding, under 21, certain medications | Antidepressants or other serotonergic medication, pregnancy or breastfeeding, under 21 |
Kava: the South Pacific root
Kava is the root of Piper methysticum, and it has been the South Pacific's shared evening drink for centuries. In the US it's sold at kava bars and in cans. Botanical Brewing's Orange Dream is our pick: sparkling orange with kava's earthy note underneath.
Kanna: the South African succulent
Kanna (Sceletium tortuosum) is a low-growing succulent from South Africa, with centuries of traditional use by San and Khoikhoi communities. In the US it now shows up in alcohol-free sparkling cans. Botanical Brewing's Pomegranate Fusion is our pick: sparkling pomegranate and raspberry, made with a kanna triblend (per BBCo's listing), and it pours pink in a glass.
Can you drink them together?
We don't recommend combining them. Keep them on separate nights, and never mix either one with alcohol.
Which should you try first?
Choose by flavor and by the cautions that apply to you. If you like citrus, start with Orange Dream; if you like berry and pomegranate, start with Pomegranate Fusion. Kanna isn't for anyone on antidepressants, and kava isn't for anyone with liver problems.
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.
Who should skip kanna
- Kanna drinks are for adults 21+. Skip them if you're under 21.
- Skip kanna if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Never combine kanna with antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs) or other serotonergic medications.
- Talk to your doctor first if you take sedatives, sleep aids or any other daily medication.
- Rules on botanical products vary by state and country. Check your local rules before you buy.
- One can is one serving. Don't drink it 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 the difference between kava and kanna?
Kava is the root of a South Pacific pepper plant, traditionally shared as an evening drink. Kanna is a South African succulent. They're unrelated plants with different flavors and different cautions.
Which is better for a party, kava or kanna?
Choose by flavor and by the cautions. Kanna Pomegranate Fusion is our dinner-party pick because it pours pink and looks like an occasion on the table, but it isn't for anyone on antidepressants.
Can you mix kava and kanna?
We don't recommend it. Keep them on separate nights, and never mix either one with alcohol.
