Recess reviews and discussion

3.9

71% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Stylish matte-can branding
  • Refreshing, lightly sweet flavors
  • Notably calming for some
  • Versatile alcohol alternative
  • Inconsistent flavor intensity
  • Occasional hempy aftertaste
  • Subtle, unreliable functional effects
  • Sometimes low, gentle carbonation

Recess earns mixed reviews: the brand’s calming drinks and powders sometimes work—several users report a noticeable chill, better sleep, or a subtle clarity—yet many feel no effect. Reviewers praise Recess for crisp, lightly sweet flavors like Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Black Cherry, Blackberry Chai, and Strawberry Rose, stylish matte cans, and a satisfying alcohol alternative, but cite inconsistent flavor strength, occasional hempy/chemical aftertaste, and underwhelming CBD/adaptogen impact.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

481 reviews and posts

  • Its a perfectly good sparking water, I personally didnt feel any more calm from it but the taste was good. I think for the price you could just get any other sparking water. The branding is nice and minimal but I dont think it meets all of the expectations.

  • They’re yummy and they’re branding rocks. I wish they had them in France! I would be a good customer.

  • Bought this at Berkeley Bowl. Was sold on the idea of an adaptogen seltzer and cute packaging. Wasn't fizzy enough for me and tasted fairly unremarkable given how pricey each can was. Didn't do anything mood wise.

  • I really like Recess! The packaging is what sold me at first and their branding and website are amazing. Now, I typically reach for one when I am needing to unwind after a long day or an intense workout. They have tasty flavors and I love the feeling of the matte can in my hand.

  • These are the only in many advertised-as-such drinks I’ve had that I think have any sort of calming / mood related effects. Nice flavors, too.

  • This stuff tastes so bad. The flavors are not good at all and this brand is wayyyy too overhyped.

  • Packaging sold me quick to try this at my deli. It's overall nice and fine, and would drink again.

  • Yummy. Cute packaging. I really like recess for the flavors and drink them often since they are widely available. I don’t know if the ingredients make me feel different, but I still enjoy them when winding down or after a stressful day.

  • I have only tested a few flavors and I have loved them all! I truly feel a slight difference when I drink these. Strawberry Rose flavor is by far my favorite :)

    Feedback

    Make more rose flavors :)

  • The brand is very inviting with their packaging. The minimal text is clear, you know what you are getting. I appreciate the interesting yet safe favor choices.

    Feedback

    I personally love drinks with magnesium. I prefer to drink these with dinner or before bed. I take 250mg of magnesium in general for migraines, so just be mindful of adding this dosage. The average human can consume 500mg for an effective sleep state.

  • I love Recess. They have wonderful flavors and I always feel calm and relaxed after drinking. I do not like all of their flavors but that is all preference!

  • From their CBD-infused products, my favorite flavor is "Margarita", followed by Blackberry Chai and Blood Orange. I find these do provide a subtle, relaxing effect. Their Mood line doesn't have CBD, has magnesium and adaptogens, I like these too, for when I don't feel stressed or anxious but would like a little pick me up.

  • The packaging is cool. The beverages don't taste great, but they do hundo p taste better than Kin! Can't say I felt the mood-boosting, maybe it works for other peeps tho.

  • Really want to like this...but the flavor...and price point don't make it worth a purchase. I also didn't notice any particular calming effect which is the main point to justify the price.

    Feedback

    Cool look and feel but the taste could use some serious innovation.

  • I am not sure I felt the kick of the CBD-- but I love the intentionality of the brand.

    Feedback

    More flavors-- maybe a seasonal.

  • Ugh love these lil drinks, they make me good, great flavor options

  • Love the flavors and branding, but the CBD effects from one can were pretty negligible and that's a miss considering the price per can. They were pretty niche and special when they first came out, but now there is such fierce competition.

  • I like the option for a NA drink that relaxes you. I would say sometimes I feel the effect, sometimes I don't.