Functional Beverages vs. CBD Drinks: How Do They Compare?

CBD drinks are a type of functional beverage, but functional beverages are not limited to CBD. While CBD drinks are typically formulated with hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), other functional beverages may contain botanicals, vitamins, minerals, caffeine, electrolytes, or other specialty ingredients.

So, when comparing functional beverages vs. CBD drinks, the biggest difference comes down to what is inside the drink and how it is formulated. This guide compares the two based on their ingredients, beverage formats, formulations, labeling, market positioning, and the details worth checking before you buy.

Key Takeaways:

• CBD drinks contain cannabidiol (CBD) derived from hemp

• Functional beverages are a broader category that can include many different active or specialty ingredients

• Functional beverages may include ingredients beyond cannabinoids, such as electrolytes, botanicals, vitamins, or caffeine.

• Both are available as seltzers, shots, drink mixes, and ready-to-drink beverages

• Ingredient amounts and formulations can differ significantly between products

• Before buying, compare the label, ingredients, testing information, and applicable legal requirements

Table of Contents

Functional Beverages vs CBD Drinks: Quick Comparison

What Are Functional Beverages?

What Are CBD Drinks?

How Do Functional Beverages and CBD Drinks Differ?

• Ingredient Scope

• Formulation

• Label Information

• Third-Party Testing

• Legal Considerations

What Do CBD Drinks Do?

How Is CBD Added to Drinks?

CBD Drinks vs. Functional Beverages: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose a CBD Drink When

• Consider a Functional Beverage When

Conclusion

FAQs

Functional Beverages vs CBD Drinks: Quick Comparison

Functional beverages and CBD drinks often appear in the same wellness beverage space, but they are not interchangeable. The clearest difference is that functional beverages are a broad category, while CBD drinks are one specific type within that category.

In simple terms, CBD drinks fall under the wider functional beverage market, alongside drinks formulated with botanicals, electrolytes, caffeine, vitamins, and other ingredients. So, when comparing functional beverages vs. CBD drinks, the main question is not just the format but which active ingredients the beverage contains and how clearly those ingredients are disclosed.

What Are Functional Beverages?

Functional beverages are non alcoholic drinks formulated with added active ingredients that go beyond basic hydration or flavor. Depending on the product, they may contain vitamins, minerals, botanicals, caffeine, electrolytes, amino acids, or other specialty ingredients.

The category is broad, covering everything from electrolyte drinks and fortified waters to botanical seltzers and other ready-to-drink products. 

For a closer look at the category, this guide to the best functional beverages of 2026 explores common formats and examples in more detail.

Common Functional Beverage Ingredients:

• Botanical extracts

• Vitamins and minerals

• Electrolytes

• Amino acids

• Caffeine

• Adaptogenic ingredients

• Hemp-derived ingredients

Types of Functional Beverages

• Energy Drinks

• Hydration Drinks

• Gut Health Drinks

• Functional Sodas

• Adaptogenic Drinks

• Kava Seltzers

• Mitragynine Drinks

• Nootropic Drinks

• Protein Drinks

• Beauty Drinks

What Are CBD Drinks?

CBD drinks are beverages formulated with cannabidiol (CBD), a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. 

The FDA identifies CBD as one of the best-known compounds found in cannabis and notes that hemp-derived products remain subject to FDA requirements.

CBD beverages may use CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD, or other hemp-derived formulations, and the amount can vary from one manufacturer to another. Some cannabinoid drinks may also contain compounds beyond CBD, which is why checking the ingredient list and cannabinoid information is important.

Common Types of CBD Drinks:

• CBD sparkling water and seltzers

• CBD teas

• CBD coffee beverages

• CBD sodas

• CBD mocktails

• CBD drink mixes

CBD itself is generally considered non-intoxicating. NIH-hosted research notes that CBD lacks the THC-like intoxicating properties associated with delta-9 THC.

"Many consumers use the terms functional drinks and functional beverages interchangeably, but CBD drinks represent only one segment of this larger category."

How Do Functional Beverages and CBD Drinks Differ?

Although CBD drinks fall under the functional beverage category, they can differ in ingredients, featured compounds, formulation, labeling, testing, and regulatory considerations. 

1. Ingredients

The biggest difference is the type of ingredients each beverage contains.

• Functional beverages: May contain ingredients such as botanicals, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, amino acids, caffeine, or other specialty compounds.

• CBD drinks: Are specifically formulated around cannabidiol (CBD), although they may also contain additional ingredients such as flavors, sweeteners, or other hemp-derived compounds.

2. Formulation

The formulation process depends on the active ingredients used.

• Functional beverages: Formulation methods vary depending on ingredients such as probiotics, botanicals, vitamins, electrolytes, or caffeine.

• CBD drinks: Often require specialized formulation methods, such as emulsification, to help distribute CBD evenly throughout a water-based beverage.

The formulation method can therefore differ significantly between the two categories.

3. Label Information

Labels help consumers understand what they are purchasing.

• Functional beverages: Usually highlight featured ingredients, nutrition facts, serving size, and amounts of active ingredients where applicable.

• CBD drinks: May include CBD amount, hemp extract type, cannabinoid profile, THC information, batch details, and testing information.

4. Beverage Formats

Both categories are available in multiple formats, but their product ranges can differ.

• Functional beverages: Available as seltzers, shots, drink mixes, teas, powders, and ready-to-drink beverages.

• CBD drinks: Commonly available as CBD-infused seltzers, sparkling waters, teas, coffees, mocktails, and drink mixes.

5. Third-Party Testing

Testing is another useful comparison point.

• Functional beverages: Testing practices vary by manufacturer and ingredient type

• CBD drinks: Third-party testing may verify CBD levels, THC content, other cannabinoids, and contaminants

A Certificate of Analysis (COA) can provide additional product information for CBD beverages.

Testing transparency is also an important consideration across other functional beverage categories, as explained in this guide to what to check before buying functional beverages online.

6. Legal Considerations

The regulatory position of CBD drinks is more complex than that of many conventional functional beverages.

• Functional beverages: Generally fall under food and beverage rules, although certain ingredients may have additional restrictions

• CBD drinks: Are subject to federal and state requirements related to cannabis-derived ingredients, labeling, THC content, sales, and distribution

Because regulations vary, buyers should check current local rules before purchasing CBD drinks.

What Do CBD Drinks Do?

CBD drinks provide cannabidiol in beverage form, but the experience can vary between products and individuals.

The overall experience can depend on factors such as

• CBD amount

• Type of CBD extract

• Other ingredients in the formula

• Serving size

• Individual response

• Presence of other cannabinoids

CBD beverages are often marketed for wellness-focused occasions, but marketing claims do not guarantee that every product will produce the same experience. The FDA also cautions that many CBD products are marketed with claims that have not been adequately substantiated and that significant questions remain around CBD safety.

How Is CBD Added to Drinks?

CBD is naturally oil-soluble, which makes it harder to mix evenly into water-based beverages. Manufacturers may therefore use emulsification or similar formulation techniques to help disperse CBD more consistently throughout the drink.

CBD Drinks vs. Functional Beverages: Which Should You Choose?

Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on the ingredients, formulation, product transparency, and what you want from the beverage.

Choose a CBD Drink When

• CBD is the main ingredient you want to compare: CBD drinks are specifically formulated with cannabidiol derived from hemp

• You want clear cannabinoid information: Look for the CBD amount per serving or container and whether other cannabinoids are included

• Third-party testing matters to you: A Certificate of Analysis can help verify cannabinoid content and other testing details

• You prefer hemp-based beverage formats: CBD is available in seltzers, teas, sodas, mocktails, and drink mixes

Consider a Functional Beverage When

• CBD is not your main priority: Functional beverages can focus on many other ingredients and formulations

• You are interested in a different ingredient category: Options may include electrolytes, vitamins, caffeine, botanical extracts, amino acids, or other specialty ingredients

• You want more format variety: Functional drinks can include seltzers, shots, teas, drink mixes, fortified waters, and other ready-to-drink options

• You want to compare different formulations: Ingredient amounts, label details, testing information, and intended positioning can vary widely across the category

The key is to compare the product itself rather than relying only on the category name. Check the ingredients, active-compound amounts, testing information, warnings, and local legal requirements before choosing.

Conclusion

CBD drinks and functional beverages may overlap, but they are not the same category. CBD drinks specifically contain cannabidiol, while functional beverages can include a much wider range of ingredients, such as botanicals, vitamins, electrolytes, caffeine, and amino acids.

Before choosing between them, compare:

• Main ingredients: Check what the beverage is actually formulated with

• Active-compound amounts: Look for clearly stated amounts per serving or container

• Testing information: Review available third-party testing or COAs where relevant

• Label transparency: Check ingredients, warnings, serving details, and cannabinoid information

• Legal availability: Make sure the product is permitted where you live

Ultimately, the best choice depends on the product itself, not just whether it is labeled as a CBD drink or a functional beverage. 

FAQs

1. Are CBD drinks intoxicating?

CBD itself is generally considered non-intoxicating. However, some hemp-derived beverages may also contain THC or other cannabinoids, so it is important to review the label and cannabinoid profile.

2. Where to buy CBD drinks?

CBD drinks may be available through brand websites, specialty beverage retailers, hemp retailers, wellness stores, and select physical stores where permitted. Availability can vary depending on local laws.

3. Are CBD drinks the same as hemp drinks?

No. “Hemp drink” is a broader term and may refer to beverages containing different hemp-derived ingredients. Check the label to confirm whether CBD is actually included.

4. Can CBD drinks contain THC?

Some CBD beverages may also contain THC or other cannabinoids depending on the formulation. Review the cannabinoid profile and applicable local regulations before purchasing.

5. Do CBD drinks need to be refrigerated?

It depends on the product. Some are shelf-stable, while others may require refrigeration after opening. Always follow the storage instructions printed on the label.

6. Do CBD drinks come in sugar-free options?

Yes, some CBD drinks are available in low-sugar or sugar-free formulations. Check the nutrition facts and ingredient list to compare sweeteners and total sugar content.

7. Are CBD drinks considered functional beverages?

Yes. CBD drinks are generally considered a type of functional beverage because they contain added ingredients intended to provide characteristics beyond basic hydration.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. CBD regulations and product requirements can vary by location. Always review product labels, testing information, and applicable local laws before purchasing or consuming CBD or functional beverages.