Is Hop Water Good For You

Curious about hop water’s health benefits? This trendy drink has taken the market by storm. Sales hit $5.5 million by late 2022 – a remarkable 143.5% jump in just two years. Craft beer sales dropped 7.2%, but hop water grew 43.9% last year. The drink now ranks as America’s fifth largest craft-style beverage.

H2OPS brought hop water to market in 2014, creating a fresh option for health-conscious drinkers. The drink contains zero calories and zero sugar, making it nowhere near as sweet as other non-alcoholic options. Cold-steeping captures the bright, fruity, and herbal hop qualities while keeping bitterness low. Brands like HOP WTR add L-theanine and ashwagandha that are a great way to get better cognitive function and lower stress levels. The hop plant’s traditional uses include helping with insomnia, nervous tension, and anxiety. This piece gives you a full picture of hop water’s effects on your body, breaks down its ingredients, and shares a doctor’s honest take on whether this trendy drink belongs in your wellness routine.

What is hop water and how is it made?

Hop water stands as one of the most innovative developments in beverages today. This refreshing drink combines just a few simple elements to create a unique flavor experience without the drawbacks of alcoholic drinks.

Basic ingredients: hops, water, carbonation

Hop water lives up to its name—it’s carbonated water infused with hops. The drink keeps things simple, unlike complex alcoholic beverages. Carbon-filtered water serves as the base, with adjusted pH levels. Manufacturers infuse it with aromatic hops and add carbonation for a refreshing fizz.

Brands carefully select hop varieties to create their signature flavors. Some producers choose Citra and Amarillo hops to get fruity characteristics. Others pick Saaz hops for their unique aroma. HOPWTR blends Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic, and Azacca hops to create a balanced profile with citrus notes and crisp bitterness.

The production starts with steeping hops in water. Timing matters—enough to extract fruity qualities without too much bitterness. Producers cool the mixture near freezing and use centrifugation to remove hop solids. This creates clear, hop-infused water. The final touch adds high carbonation levels (3-4 volumes of CO2), higher than typical beer, to create that satisfying fizz.

How it is different from beer and seltzer

Several fundamental aspects set hop water apart from beer. The drink contains no grains, which means no fermentable sugars that would turn into alcohol during brewing. The result? Zero calories, zero carbs, zero sugar, and 0.0% alcohol. This makes it truly non-alcoholic, unlike the “up to 0.5% ABV” found in some non-alcoholic beers.

Hop water doesn’t try to copy beer’s taste. One expert puts it simply: “Hop water isn’t trying to be beer. It’s just sparkling water with a kiss of hops”. This makes hop water its own category rather than a beer substitute.

Regular seltzer has no match for hop water’s complex flavor profile. Hops bring floral, herbal, piney, and fruity notes. The drink stays light and refreshing like seltzer while delivering sensory experiences that beer fans love.

Is hop water gluten free?

Hop water contains no gluten. Hops come from flowers of the Humulus lupulus plant and share no connection with gluten-containing grains. The production skips grains like barley or wheat used in beer brewing, so gluten never enters the picture.

People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy this beer alternative. Many brands state their gluten-free status on packaging or websites. HOPWTR confirms all their products contain no gluten. Hopwater® promotes their drink as “gluten-free, vegan friendly” with “no animal products of any kind”.

The combination of no gluten, zero calories, and zero alcohol drives hop water’s success. While craft beer sales dropped 7.2% between 2021 and 2022, hop water sales jumped 43.9%. NielsenIQ data ranks it as the fifth-fastest-growing craft style.

What does hop water do for your body?

Hop water does more than just refresh you – it comes with amazing health benefits that health-conscious consumers love. Let’s see what happens to your body when you drink this trending beverage.

Hydration and zero-calorie benefits

Hop water’s impressive nutritional profile makes it stand out. You’ll find less than 5 calories per can in most market options, which makes it practically calorie-free. This beverage works great as an alternative to sugary sodas or alcoholic drinks if you’re watching your calories.

The drink helps you stay hydrated effectively. Unlike alcohol that dehydrates you, hop water adds to your daily fluid intake without any downsides. One industry expert points out that hop water gives you “a tasty way to stay hydrated, especially in social settings where other beverages are available”.

Hop water shines as a versatile option if you follow specific diets. You’ll typically find:

• No sugar or artificial sweeteners
• Zero carbohydrates
• No gluten
• No alcohol

This clean profile fits various dietary needs from ketogenic to gluten-free lifestyles.

Digestive and anti-inflammatory properties

Bioactive compounds in hop plants offer health benefits beyond hydration. These natural compounds help your digestion. Research suggests they work as digestive aids by promoting gastric juices and supporting overall gut health.

Studies show promising results about inflammation. Hop extracts fight inflammation by:

1. Decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α)
2. Reducing monocyte chemo-attractant protein (MCP-1)
3. Lowering nitric oxide production

Science Direct published a study showing hop extracts reduced prostaglandin E2 production in adenocarcinoma gastric cells through COX-2 enzyme influence. Compounds like xanthohumol A showed they could suppress inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway.

The alpha acids in hops might support a healthy gut microbiome by helping beneficial bacteria grow. This potential prebiotic effect makes these compounds even more interesting.

Does hop water give you a buzz?

No – hop water won’t give you an alcoholic buzz. Even though it uses the same hop plants found in beer, hop water contains zero alcohol. You can drink it anytime, even when you need to stay alert.

Some people say they feel a subtle psychological effect. A manufacturer explains, “It’s a placebo, like you are really stressed and there’s an inclination to say you need a beer or you need to take a breath, but while a beer takes the edge off, it’s still alcohol and can bog you down. Hop water, it tricks your brain into thinking you’re drinking a beer”.

Some brands add extra functional ingredients to their hop waters. To cite an instance, see products with adaptogens like ashwagandha, which makers claim can “help manage stress and cortisol levels”. Others include nootropics such as L-theanine, said to “boost your brain’s function” and “support memory, decision-making, creativity and overall cognitive performance”.

Traditional medicine recognizes hops as potentially beneficial for problems like insomnia, nervous tension, and anxiety. Scientific evidence supporting these specific claims for hop water consumption stays limited though.

Hop water ingredients and their health impact

Hop water’s unique ingredients pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. A closer look at what’s inside these drinks shows why health-conscious consumers choose them over traditional options.

Hops: natural compounds and effects

Hops, the star ingredient in hop water, do more than just add flavor – they’re packed with remarkable bioactive compounds. The hop cones contain essential oils, bitter acids, and flavonoids that work as powerful antioxidants and immune response modulators. These compounds make up 0.5-3.0% of hop dry weight and include aromatic hydrocarbons like limonene, myrcene, and pinene.

The bitter acids (α-acids and β-acids) in hops give these drinks their distinctive taste and potential health benefits. Research shows hop components can reduce inflammation by lowering the production of inflammatory markers including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, and MCP-1. Xanthohumol—the main prenylated chalcone in hops—kicks cellular protection pathways into gear, which leads to many benefits linked to hop consumption.

Adaptogens like ashwagandha

Some hop water brands, especially Hop WTR, add adaptogens like ashwagandha to their drinks. These herbs help your body handle stress and stay balanced during tough physical or mental challenges.

You’ll find ashwagandha root powder listed among other functional ingredients in Hop WTR. The company says this ancient herb helps your body adapt to stress and respond naturally to stressors. While science hasn’t fully backed these claims yet, adaptogens set different hop water brands apart from each other.

Nootropics such as L-theanine

Nootropics, compounds that claim to boost brain function, have become a popular addition to some hop waters. L-theanine, an amino acid you’ll find in tea leaves, shows up often in these formulas.

Hop WTR promotes its product as being “powered by L-Theanine” to “quench your thirst and leave you feeling refreshed long after the last drop is gone”. The makers say this ingredient helps with mental clarity, relaxation, and better cognitive performance. Just like adaptogen claims, the real impact of these additives remains up for debate.

Concerns around ‘natural flavors’

Many hop water labels list “natural flavors,” but this term can hide various ingredients. Industry experts point out that “natural flavors” might include stevia—a natural sweetener 200-300 times sweeter than sugar that keeps drinks calorie-free.

The biggest problem is that ingredients like stevia “does not need to be specifically disclosed, it just requires listing ‘Natural Flavors’ on the ingredient list”. This lack of transparency bothers some people, as many consumers don’t like stevia’s bitter aftertaste.

Hop waters might also contain many “natural flavors” beyond simple hops and water. The recipe could include brewer’s yeast, citric acid, and other compounds that change how the drink tastes.

Is hop water healthy? A doctor’s perspective

Medical experts see several health benefits in hop water, though they caution that health conditions of each person need careful consideration. Most healthcare providers view hop water as a better choice than sugary drinks or alcohol, but some groups of people should be careful about drinking it.

Who should drink hop water?

Hop water works great if you want to cut back on alcohol while keeping familiar tastes. People following keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets find it especially useful. The drink’s zero-calorie, zero-sugar profile makes it perfect for:

• Health-conscious people watching their calories
• Designated drivers looking for sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks
• Athletes who need hydration without performance effects
• People switching from soda who want flavorful options

People with depression should stay away from hop water because hops might make depressive symptoms worse. Anyone with hormone-sensitive conditions needs to be careful since some hop chemicals act like estrogen.

Is hop wtr good for you during pregnancy?

Healthcare providers typically advise against drinking hop water at the time of pregnancy. Not enough reliable data exists about hop safety during pregnancy. Many doctors suggest staying away from hops completely during pregnancy because of their phytoestrogen content.

HOP WTR’s additional ingredients like ashwagandha raise special concerns, as they’re not recommended during pregnancy. These adaptogens could affect hormone balance during this sensitive period.

Potential side effects or risks

Most people handle hop water well, but it can sometimes cause:

• Drowsiness and dizziness in sensitive people
• Allergic reactions in some cases
• Extra sleepiness when mixed with alcohol

People taking estrogen medications should know that hops might make their medicine less effective. Anyone scheduled for surgery should stop drinking hop water at least two weeks before, as it might interact with anesthesia.

Hop water stands out as a better option than many drinks in the market today—as long as you’re not in any risk groups. A quick chat with your healthcare provider is still the smartest move, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Best hop waters to try in 2025

The hop water market has boomed with creative products over the last several years. Consumers now have more choices than ever. Let’s look at the best hop waters you should try in 2025.

Hop Wtr

Hop Wtr shines by adding functional ingredients to their drinks. Their cans pack adaptogens (ashwagandha) and nootropics (L-theanine) that claim to reduce stress and boost brain function. The brand uses four hop varieties – Citra, Amarillo, Mosaic, and Azacca – across their flavor range from blood orange to mango. Blood orange delivers a balanced citrus taste that works well with the hoppy notes. A can costs between $2.10-$3.10, and Hop Wtr ranks high in taste tests because of its unique flavor blends.

Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher

Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher leads the market with its blend of Citra, Equinox, and Centennial hops. This sparkling clear drink brings unexpected fruity notes that remind many people of tropical fruit soda. Tasters often pick up hints of pineapple, passion fruit, and various “gummy” flavors. The drink comes in 4-packs of 12 oz clear glass bottles, priced at $6-7, and tastes quite different from Sierra Nevada’s version.

Hoplark 0.0 and HopTea

Hoplark runs two product lines that stand out: 0.0 hop waters and HopTea. The hop waters blend carbonated water and hops, while 0.0 products add citric acid. Their HopTea mixes hop flavors with different teas and herbs. The brand’s steadfast dedication to pure hop flavors shows – experts can spot specific hop varieties like Citra and Sabro even in blind tastings.

Athletic Brewing DayPack

Athletic Brewing’s DayPack uses hop oils instead of whole or pellet hops, which creates smoother flavors without plant-like notes. Some versions contain 100mg of caffeine from organic green tea. DayPack appeals to LaCroix fans who want more complex flavors, especially with options like mango and strawberry-watermelon.

Sierra Nevada Hop Splash

Sierra Nevada keeps Hop Splash simple with just water, Citra and Amarillo hops, and carbon dioxide. They dry-hop water tanks and cool the liquid near freezing before using centrifuge to remove hop solids. The result is a clean, refreshing zero-calorie drink that keeps strong hop character without tasting too bitter.

Final Verdict: Is Hop Water Worth Adding to Your Wellness Routine?

Hop water stands out as one of the most promising breakthroughs in the beverage industry. This refreshing drink gives you the aromatic, fruity qualities of hops with no alcohol, calories, or sugar. If you have a taste for flavorful hydration alternatives, you’ll find good reasons to add hop water to your daily routine.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Sales jumped 143.5% over two years while craft beer sales went down. This shows how people’s priorities are moving toward healthier options. Health-conscious people have found that hop water fills the gap between plain water and less nutritious drinks.

All the same, hop water isn’t right for everyone. People with depression should stay away from these products since they might make symptoms worse. You should be extra careful when you have brands with adaptogens like ashwagandha during pregnancy. On top of that, it needs medical guidance if you take estrogen medications or plan for surgery.

Looking at nutrition, hop water beats sugary sodas, alcoholic drinks, and many artificially sweetened options. Hop compounds might help with inflammation and digestion – that’s a bonus beyond simple hydration. But we need more science to back up claims about ingredients like L-theanine and adaptogens before counting on them to boost brain power or reduce stress.

Hop water has earned its spot in today’s drink options. Most varieties come with a simple list of ingredients that health-conscious people value. While it’s not a miracle drink, hop water offers a better choice than many mainstream options – just pick brands that match your health needs.

Want to try hop water? Brands like Hop Wtr, Lagunitas Hoppy Refresher, and Sierra Nevada Hop Splash each bring their own unique flavors worth learning about. This innovative drink category shows that healthy hydration can still taste great.

Here are some FAQs about if is hop water good for you:

What are the benefits of hop water?

Hop water offers several potential health benefits, including relaxation properties from natural hop compounds (hop water benefits). It’s a zero-calorie, alcohol-free alternative to beer that may help with sleep and anxiety (is hop wtr good for you). The beverage contains antioxidants from hops without the negative effects of alcohol (hop wtr).

Does hop water really give you a buzz?

No, hop water doesn’t provide an alcohol-like buzz since it contains no intoxicating ingredients (is hop water good for you). Some varieties may create a mild calming effect from hop-derived compounds, but not intoxication (hop wtr). The “buzz” some report is likely placebo or the sensory experience of bitter flavors (is hop wtr good for you).

Can you drink hop water every day?

Yes, hop water is generally safe for daily consumption as it’s non-alcoholic and typically calorie-free (hop water benefits). However, those sensitive to hops or with hormone-related conditions should moderate intake (is hop wtr good for you). As with any beverage, variety in your fluid intake is healthiest (hop wtr).

Are Hopr drinks good for you?

Hopr drinks and similar hop waters can be a healthy choice compared to sugary sodas or alcohol (is hop water good for you). They provide hydration with potential calming benefits from hops, without artificial additives (hop water benefits). However, nutritional value varies by brand, so check labels for added sugars or preservatives (is hop wtr good for you).

Why does hop water make me sleepy?

Hops contain natural sedative compounds like humulene and myrcene that may promote relaxation (hop wtr). These terpenes interact with GABA receptors similarly to mild tranquilizers (hop water benefits). Individual sensitivity varies, but many report drowsiness after consuming hop-infused beverages (is hop wtr good for you).

Do hops show up on a drug test?

No, hops and hop water won’t trigger positive results on standard drug tests (is hop water good for you). While hops are related to cannabis botanically, they don’t contain THC or other screened compounds (hop wtr). Workplace or athletic drug tests won’t detect responsible hop water consumption (is hop wtr good for you).

Does hop water get you high?

Hop water cannot produce a high as it lacks psychoactive compounds like THC or alcohol (hop water benefits). The calming effect some experience comes from mild sedative properties, not intoxication (is hop wtr good for you). It’s impossible to get truly “high” from commercial hop waters (hop wtr).

Are hops good for your liver?

Hops may actually benefit liver health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (hop water benefits). Unlike alcohol, hop water provides these compounds without liver stress (is hop water good for you). Some studies suggest hops could help protect against fatty liver disease (is hop wtr good for you).

How long does a buzz last drinking?

Since hop water doesn’t create an alcohol-like buzz, there’s no duration of intoxication (hop wtr). Any mild calming effects typically last 1-2 hours at most (hop water benefits). Remember that hop water is non-alcoholic and shouldn’t impair judgment or coordination (is hop wtr good for you).