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

  • 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.

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    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 :)

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.

  • Love the 2 flavors I tired. Not a fan of the flavorless, no fault of company, I find all flavorless items have a taste or texture that is off putting. Enjoy the feeling and the taste. Definitely helps me relax. Mixes well with water or soda. Helped me not have alcohol while take antibiotics and going to pool parties (if you've ever mixed heat, alcohol, and antibiotics then you understand the danger). Only wish I could find in stores like walmart/target

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    Would like to buy in big stores vs vitamin shops across town. Also, all flavors in packets not just cans. Otherwise love!