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

  • Honestly I really love this product, not only is the can aesthetically pleasing with a great texture I especially love it when out on the town with friends, instead of looking like the friend that "doesn't drink" I can still enjoy something tasty and refreshing. Most people think I am just drinking an alcoholic beverage so it's great when you aren't trying to answer peoples questions about not drinking!!

  • I'm big on branding, so I was really excited to try these out. I tried the pomegranate hibiscus and it tasted delicious. I felt relaxed, but not too relaxed — kinda the same feeling as drinking sleepytime tea. I partnered with Recess over the summer and got to test out their Mood Powders which are also great. Lemon citrus is MUCH better than gradient berry IMO.

    Feedback

    10/10

    Influencer for Recess
  • The rose is great but some of the other flavors taste a bit artificial to me.

  • I honestly love recess. I plug it to all my friends. Obviously the affects are mild but I like pouring mine into a wine glass and drinking with dinner. I notice it calms my adhd and helps me sleep better. Awesome packaging, good flavors, and does what it says it will :)

    Feedback

    I do agree with the other comments about flavor improvement. While i like them i can see why other people might not

  • This tastes amazing. It tasted unlike anything I’ve had and did relax me.

    Feedback

    The price is a little high and b&m distribution is low.

  • I wanted to love this brand but overall the flavors were a little too sweet for me.

  • Tastes great, actually interesting and refreshing flavor profiles. I honestly can't say if the CBD is effective, but if it's just a placebo effect, then it's working and I don't mind. The aesthetics and vibe are STELLAR! Worth the money.

    Feedback

    Wouldn't mind a bigger can.

  • I enjoyed the variety of flavors offered and majority of the taste, however I felt the health benefits are lacking.

    Feedback

    The calming effect just isn’t there, it is lacking. Flavors are fantastic but the claims of relaxation and “zen” vibes are lacking and need to align with the branding

  • Best flavored sparkling water I’ve tried, CBD is barely traceable but calming

  • was expecting something different, it was okay.

  • I love the smell of these, and the taste. I call them "microdose in a can" because I do often feel calmer after drinking them. the packaging is cute and I love their mission

    Feedback

    the flavors are pretty good, I just hope they stick to their core flavors and improve them. not a fan of the rose one but the peach ginger and blood orange are fantastic

  • I really like this drink. It has a mild flavor but doesn’t taste super botanical like some other CBD drinks.

  • I really like the flavors and the drink in general.

    Feedback

    Price is a real issue

  • The consumer experience with Recess is phenomenal. Everything feels very chill and completely on brand. The subscription options are straightforward and simple. I’m not sure how much more relaxed I feel after drinking a can.

    Feedback

    Some flavors are amazing, others not so much.

  • I love the taste of their ginger drink.

  • I think their marketing, packaging, and web presence is very appealing and I like it’s association with CBD. I ordered a six pack to try early pandemic era 2020 and was impressed by the taste but not wowed to want to order again. However, if they were to be available at my local grocers or specialty shops, I might opt to drink them again.

    Feedback

    The soda was tasty but I didn’t notice significant calming effects or something that felt related go the CBD. that said, I also did not have any adverse reactions to it. Maybe improved distribution but I am sure that happens in time.