INDUSTRY WATCH
Sharing 1,000 years of ancestral wisdom one sip at a time
Honoring the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians' ancestral wisdom, RIVR blends time-tested natural ingredients with modern innovation, offering eco-conscious drinks that connect with the land, body, and spirit. RIVR is the first Native American tribe-owned brand in the fast-growing functional beverage, Yerba Mate, and microdosed hemp-derived THC spaces.
From ancestral wisdom to sustainability for their future generations
RIVR is the latest brand to enter the fast-growing functional beverage space, 100% owned by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians. The brand has merged over 1,000 years of ancestral wisdom with modern innovation to create beverages that foster connection with nature, oneself, and community. The tribe is committed to not just creating functional beverages for consumers but also building a legacy that honors its deep heritage while spearheading innovation in wellness, combining time-honored natural ingredients, like yerba mate and herbal teas with functional mushrooms blends, and adaptogens which benefits date back before the days of modern medicine.
"RIVR is a full-circle realization of our Tribe’s ancestral wisdom—in a format that is most innovative and accessible to modern consumers," said Michael Castello, tribal member and representative of the Soboba Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). “Created sustainably with natural, functional ingredients, these drinks offer holistic benefits to a wide range of audiences who are seeking a true-to-land experience within the products they consume.”
A legacy in every sip
Nestled in Southern California, the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians has long been connected to the land they call home. Though the Tribe faced the loss of essential water rights that once sustained their community, they reclaimed these vital resources through unwavering determination and resilience. The Tribe aims to embody this journey through RIVR—a tribute to ancestral wisdom and a steadfast commitment to preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
"Sustainability, community, self-sufficiency, and resilience are core values of our tribe," Castello "These values shape our way of life and guide everything we do. We aim for self-sufficiency and resilience to ensure that our community thrives for generations to come."
RIVR's first line of functional and THC-microdosed beverages reflects these values, offering ethically sourced, natural ingredients that promote wellness and are thoughtfully selected to honor our connection to the earth. The tribe is committed to choosing ingredients not just for their purity, but for their alignment with the ancestral wisdom that guides their brand.
“Every can represents a larger mission: to honor Indigenous heritage while building financial freedom and opportunity for the next generation. With eco-conscious practices, ethically sourced ingredients, and a deep respect for the planet, RIVR is a pledge to protect the future while celebrating the past.”
Crafted for connection
RIVR’s launch lineup includes six beverages—three functional (0mg THC) and three microdosed (5mg THC) beverages—each designed to enhance various aspects of daily life, from focus and energy to relaxation and rejuvenation. All products are naturally sweetened with agave nectar (7g) and flavored with real fruit juices, offering 35 calories per can. RIVR is delivering an innovative blend of ingredients, leveraging what they describe as the "entourage effect" to provide a unique, holistic experience that aligns with the body, mind, and spirit.
Functional (Undosed) Yerba mate and herbal teas with functional mushrooms and adaptogens
The RIVR Functional Variety offers three beverages: AWAKEN Raspberry Hibiscus Yerba Mate, AWAKEN Mango Passionfruit Yerba Mate, and PEACE Blackberry Lavender Tea. AWAKEN boosts mood and energy with 100mg of natural caffeine, 150mg of Lion's Mane, and 150mg of Cordyceps mushrooms, and no THC. PEACE promotes relaxation with 75mg of Reishi mushrooms and 100mg of Ashwagandha, also containing no THC.
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THC Microdosed Yerba Mate And Herbal Tea With Microdosed THC, Functional Mushrooms, And Adaptogens
The RIVR THC Microdosed Variety brings adventure and serenity with three microdosed beverages: ADVENTURE Raspberry Hibiscus Yerba Mate, ADVENTURE Mango Passionfruit Yerba Mate, and SERENE Blackberry Lavender Tea. ADVENTURE elevates mood and energy with 100mg of natural caffeine, 5mg of hemp-derived THC, 150mg of Lion's Mane, and 150mg of Cordyceps mushrooms. SERENE promotes relaxation and unwinding with 5mg of hemp-derived THC, 75mg of Reishi mushrooms, and 100mg of Ashwagandha.
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With its launch, RIVR hopes to share the transformative power of the "entourage effect", rooted in the tribe's ancestral wisdom, with consumers. By blending ingredients like yerba mate, functional mushrooms, adaptogens, and hemp-derived THC, the brand aspires to create drinks that amplify the benefits of each component, offering a holistic and balanced experience. Whether inspiring moments of awakening, adventure, peace, or serenity, RIVR’s beverages invite consumers to connect with nature, themselves, and their communities. Sweetened with agave nectar and flavored with real fruit juices, each sip reflects the brand’s vision of delivering refreshment that aligns with sustainability, cultural heritage, and personal well-being.
The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians has long been dedicated to preserving natural habitats and ensuring resources for future generations. This commitment is mirrored in RIVR’s use of ethically-sourced ingredients and its alignment with active, wellness-focused communities.