Recess reviews and discussion

3.9

71% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Elegant, minimalist packaging aesthetic
  • Light, refreshing flavor profiles
  • Notably calming, subtle effect
  • Versatile nonalcoholic cocktail alternative
  • Inconsistent functional effects
  • Faint, sometimes medicinal flavors
  • Occasional bitter aftertaste
  • Soft, low carbonation mouthfeel

Recess earns mixed reviews: the brand delivers light, refreshing flavors, sleek packaging, and for many a subtle calming effect, yet it polarizes on taste intensity and the consistency of functional benefits. Reviews praise Strawberry Rose, Blood Orange, Peach Ginger, Blackberry Chai, and coconut lime, but cite faint or medicinal flavors, occasional aftertaste, low carbonation, and uneven “mood” effects—leaving some to view it as elevated seltzer rather than a reliably functional drink.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

480 reviews and posts

  • So cute but tastes only okay. But the packaging makes up for it because I love the aesthetic

  • Decent tasting drinks. Would not say they are anything special and not worth the price.

  • They’re alright. They don’t taste amazing and I didn’t see the effect the drink is supposed to have.

  • I love all of their products - they're not only delicious but instantly give me a boost!

    Influencer for Recess
  • Recess seltzer's pomegranate hibiscus flavor is a great alternative to more sugary flavored seltzers

  • I don't agree with their value proposition of adaptogens claiming to impact mood or mental focus - I've now tried their CBD line multiple times, and felt zero impact on either. I like their branding and packaging, but for me I think of this more as just an aesthetic looking flavored sparkling water brand; and there are cheaper alternatives that I would pick over these to fill that need.

  • I am not sure if this product works as it is intended to work. I do think they taste really good, except for one flavor that tastes very artificial and chemically. The best tasting Recess flavors are in the Mood line.

  • high quality cbd you can feel and all the flavors are delicious! blackberry chai is by far my favorite but they all have amazing flavor. the mood enhancing are great as well and really help on low energy days.

  • I really liked these when I was able to find them at my local 7-11. But it seemed like I bought them all, and then they never restocked- and I never see them anywhere. As much as I enjoyed them, they're a little pricier than I find them to be worth, and won't go through the effort of buying online.

  • Taste is great! I’m not sure about the intended effects… could be placebo effect, or maybe I needed to try it out for longer than a case. Either way, delicious, but I didn’t feel any different.

  • The flavors are good, but I don't think I'm fully with the hype yet with the high price point.

  • I had high expectations and to me it felt like it was a regular carbonated drink unfortunately.

    Feedback

    Pricey

    Friends with Recess
  • Not super impressed with the products. Have had better cbd/hemp products (Mad tasty is dope). Flavor was fine and didn’t have much relaxing feeling to it

  • Tasted very mild (almost like a whisper of the flavors) I've tried 3 so far. But overall, loved the vibe and the taste wasn't sickly sweet with low calories which made it a fab swab for a nightly cocktail. I can't speak for the calming effects, but I've heard magnesium supplementation is beneficial in that regard.

    Feedback

    Really like the product itself but wish the can didn't have a plastic layer on top of an aluminum recyclable can- makes it a headache to remove to recycle properly.

  • I really like Recess, especially as an alcohol alternative. It definitely has a relaxing effect, and the flavors I've tried, I've really liked. I also like that they don't have a ton of sugar.

    Feedback

    I've had issues with the labels falling off as I drink.

  • Taste is just okay and sometimes I wonder if the CBD effect is just placebo since there really isn't that much in there. Would not buy on my own given the price point.

    Feedback

    Wish they leaned more into flavor.

  • I really enjoy the taste and sense of calm I get when I drink recess. It hits differently than other CBD in my experience.