Cannabis beverages are trending and consumers demand high-quality products. Keep reading for 5 important reasons manufacturers are using terpenes in cannabis beverages.

Just picture it. The crisp pop of a can being opened. The resistance of a bottle top right before it finally twists open. Maybe it’s a carbonated drink and the effervescent bubbles tickle your nose right before that first drop of liquid touches your tongue. Oh, and let’s not forget the mouthwatering scent and flavor. Consumers choose beverages for flavor and effects. Maybe they’re looking to wind down, power up, or even get a bit of a buzz. Now, however, consumers are finding a whole new experience with cannabis beverages.

Yes, you read that right. Just when you thought the cannabis industry had thought of it all, they’re back to shake things up. However, quality is still king when it comes to cannabis consumers. Sure, new hype products are exciting, but consumers are looking for particular experiences. That means unforgettable scent and flavor and just the right effects. That’s where terpenes come in. Keep reading and discover five important reasons manufacturers are using terpenes in cannabis beverages.

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5 Reasons Manufacturers Are Using Terpenes in Cannabis Beverages

Need to pounce on this trend asap? We understand. Here’s a breakdown of what we’re covering today...

• Cannabis beverages are exactly what they sound like. These can be sports drinks, soft drinks, teas, or even alcoholic beverages. They just happen to be infused with cannabis in some form.
• As more states legalize recreational cannabis, many consumers are swapping alcoholic drinks for cannabis beverages. Plus, drinks are the perfect option for consumers who don’t enjoy other consumption methods. 
• Whether you want a beverage with a classic flavor, strain-specific flavor, or something completely new, terpenes can infuse your products with mouthwatering aroma and flavor.
• Terpenes are calorie-free and sugar-free, making them the perfect option for health-conscious brands.
• If your cannabis beverage promises to provide a specific experience, you need to make sure your product formula includes all the necessary items for a successful entourage effect. That means terpenes!
• Cannabis-infused energy drinks can benefit from the caffeine-free boost of energy certain terpenes provide.
• Because our terpenes are botanically derived, they won’t influence the overall dosing of your product. That means low-dose, high-dose, and even CBD beverages can use terpenes for flavor, aroma, and effects. 

What’s the Hype About Cannabis Beverages?

Cannabis beverages are exactly what they sound like. Be it a sports drink, soft drink, relaxing tea, or even an alcoholic beverage, these products all contain cannabis in some form. Some have more cannabis than others, some only have non-psychoactive cannabinoids. The beverage industry was already vast before cannabis arrived on the scene, but now the possibilities are truly endless. 

The success of these products makes sense too. As more states legalize recreational cannabis, many consumers are making interesting substitutions. The term “Cali-Sober” is used to describe recreational cannabis consumers who refrain from alcohol in favor of cannabis products. 

This mentality shift, however, hasn’t necessarily altered the behaviors that promoted alcohol during social functions. In layman’s terms, social drinkers are swapping alcoholic beverages for cannabis beverages. Plus, the simplicity of a beverage may make it easier for first-time consumers who refrain from other consumption methods for various reasons. 

These products have actually been around for several years. But with the advancement of THC infusion technology (plus a dash of brand ingenuity) these products are easier to make, market, and get into the hands of thirsty customers. One of the pivotal factors of their success is remembering that not all cannabis consumers are looking for the same things. While high-dose cannabis beverages trend well in Washington, California consumers actually seem to prefer low-dose beverages. 

5 Reasons Manufacturers Are Using Terpenes in Cannabis Beverages

Regardless of the market you want to sell your products to, your beverage has to win over consumers. And when it comes to beverages, consumers are looking for three things--flavor, scent, and experience. Those just happen to be the three things terpenes do best.

Terpenes Infuse Beverages With Flavor and Aroma

If you know anything about terpenes, you probably already know they’re the hydrocarbons that dictate the natural flavor and aroma of most plants. While nature may have done it first, we’ve harnessed these compounds and can now recreate classic, nostalgic flavors or even brand new flavors.

That means you can infuse your cannabis beverages with flavors like mango or peppermint. If you want to get really creative, however, we can help you design something unique or you could even use strain-specific flavors. We’re talking Chemdawg, OG Kush, Pineapple Express, etc. 

We don’t know about you, but there’s just something about the thought of a cannabis coffee beverage infused with GSC terpenes that we think would really inspire us in the mornings. 

Terpenes are Sugar-Free and Calorie-Free

For those making zero-calorie or low-calorie beverages, terpenes are a great option because they won’t add any additional calories or sugars. This allows manufacturers to create unique flavors and effects without sacrificing the health-conscious attitude of their brand. 

Terpenes Are Necessary For The Entourage Effect

Consumers love cannabis products because of the way those products make them feel. Sometimes consumers want products that help them wind down and relieve anxiety, other times they want a euphoric burst of energy. Some products are go-to items for creatives while others are perfect for those looking to connect with their sensuality. Whatever the case, the success of those effects relies on the Entourage Effect. And terpenes play an important role in the Entourage Effect.

In the simplest sense, the Entourage Effect is the synergistic relationship between the different parts of the cannabis plant. That includes the different cannabinoids, terpenes, and various other plant compounds. While each of these items has its own properties, their effects are stronger when used together. 

For example, a THC isolate will definitely have psychoactive effects, but other effects (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, etc.) might be muted or nonexistent. However, when you combine THC with various other cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds, other effects will become stronger and more noticeable.

So, if your cannabis beverage promises to provide a specific experience (energy, focus, relaxation, etc.), you need to make sure your product formula includes all the necessary items for a successful entourage effect. That means terpenes!

Speaking of effects...

Terpenes Can Provide Caffeine-Free Energy

For sports or energy drinks, the desired effect is pretty obvious. While taste and flavor influence preferences, consumers reach for these products because they help them feel more alert and energized throughout the day. One of the biggest drawbacks of these products, however, is that they often rely on large amounts of caffeine to accomplish that. Don’t get us wrong, we love our caffeine. We just don’t love the crash once the caffeine has worn off, and neither do your customers.

Luckily, both cannabis and terpenes provide solutions for this issue. Certain cannabis strains are known for their energizing and focus-enhancing effects, and a big part of that comes from their terpenes. Since we’re able to recreate strain-specific terpene profiles, your products can benefit from these energizing terpene blends. 

Even if you don’t want to use terpene blends with the scent or flavor of cannabis, there are so many options to choose from. Certain terpene isolates, like D-Limonene, have powerful energizing effects all on their own. Whatever route you choose to go, terpenes can help provide caffeine-free energy for cannabis beverages.

Terpenes Are Perfect For Both Low-Dose and High-Dose Cannabis Beverages

Terpenes are a good option for cannabis beverages, regardless of their potency. Whether your products are designed to provide mild effects or a truly mind-melting experience, terpenes can enhance flavor, aroma, and effects. Plus, our terpenes are botanically derived, so they won’t throw off the cannabis dosing of your product.

It also means that beverages with non-psychoactive cannabinoids (like CBD) can harness the power of terpenes without worrying about unintended effects. 

Enhance Your Cannabis Beverages with Terpenes

At Abstrax we pride ourselves on the purity of our terpenes. We create solvent-less, GMO-free, filler-free, food-grade terpenes free of any heavy metals. For beverages, this is a phenomenal advantage. Beverage manufacturers can now add natural flavors without the risk of chemical additives. Plus, our water-soluble terpenes make it easier than ever to infuse products with scent, flavor, and effects.

If you’re ready to take your cannabis beverages to the next level, contact us today. We can help you design the perfect blend of terpenes to make your drinks even more mouth-watering than they already are. Also, don’t forget to give us a shoutout for a chance to be featured on our Instagram!