Functional Beverages vs. Hemp Drinks: Complete Comparison

Functional beverages and hemp drinks are not the same, although the two categories can overlap. Functional beverages are a broad group of drinks formulated with ingredients beyond basic refreshment, while hemp drinks specifically contain hemp-derived ingredients such as CBD or hemp-derived THC.

The biggest differences usually come down to ingredients, formulation, beverage classification, product type, and legal considerations. Some hemp drinks may also fit within the functional beverage category, but not every functional beverage contains hemp. Understanding these differences can make it easier to compare labels, cannabinoid content, product formats, and intended formulations before choosing between the two.

Key Takeaways:

• Functional beverages are a broader category, while hemp drinks specifically contain hemp-derived ingredients

• Hemp drinks may contain CBD, hemp-derived THC, or other cannabinoids, depending on the formulation

• Some hemp drinks can also be classified as functional beverages, so the categories can overlap

• The main comparison points are ingredients, formulation, product type, labeling, and legal requirements

• Hemp beverage laws and availability can vary by location, especially for products containing THC

Table of Contents

Functional Beverages vs. Hemp Drinks: Quick Comparison

What Are Functional Beverages?

What Are Hemp Drinks?

How Do Functional Beverages and Hemp Drinks Differ?

• Ingredient Scope

• Formulation

• Cannabinoid Content

• Label Information and Testing

• Legal Considerations

Can Hemp Drinks Be Functional Beverages?

What to Check Before Buying Hemp Drinks

Conclusion

FAQs

Functional Beverages vs. Hemp Drinks: Quick Comparison

Functional beverages and hemp drinks can overlap, but they are defined differently. Functional beverages are a broader category based on formulation, while hemp drinks are identified by the use of hemp-derived ingredients.

The simplest way to think about the functional beverage vs. hemp beverage distinction is that one describes a broad beverage category, while the other identifies drinks made with hemp-derived ingredients.

What Are Functional Beverages?

Functional beverages are drinks formulated with ingredients that go beyond basic hydration or refreshment. Depending on the product, they may contain electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, proteins, probiotics, botanicals, amino acids, or other specialized ingredients.

Because the category is broad, functional beverages can include products designed around hydration, energy, nutrition, digestive support, or botanical formulations. The exact purpose depends on the ingredients and how the drink is positioned.

Common types of functional beverages:

• Electrolyte and hydration drinks

• Botanical beverages

• Protein beverages

• Probiotic or fermented drinks

• Vitamin and mineral beverages

• Functional seltzers and drink mixes

Mitra9’s functional beverage range, for example, includes Mitragynine and Kava seltzers, shots, sodas, and drink mixes, showing how botanical ingredients can also fit within the wider functional beverage category.

What Are Hemp Drinks?

Hemp drinks are beverages made with hemp-derived ingredients. Depending on the product, those ingredients may include cannabinoids such as CBD or hemp-derived THC, as well as certain hemp-seed-derived ingredients. The exact formulation can vary from one product to another, so checking the ingredient list and cannabinoid content is important.

Common hemp-derived ingredients may include:

• CBD (cannabidiol)

• Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC

• Other hemp-derived cannabinoids

• Hemp-derived terpenes or extracts

• Additional botanical or functional ingredients 

Some hemp beverages are made with CBD, which is generally non-intoxicating. Others contain hemp-derived THC, which can produce intoxicating effects depending on the formulation and amount consumed.

How Do Functional Beverages and Hemp Drinks Differ?

Although hemp drinks can overlap with the broader functional beverage category, the two differ in their ingredient scope, formulation, cannabinoid content, labeling, testing, and legal considerations.

1. Ingredient Scope

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

• Functional beverages: Can be made with many different ingredient categories, including botanicals, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, probiotics, or caffeine.

• Hemp Drinks: Are defined more specifically by the inclusion of hemp-derived ingredients such as CBD, hemp-derived THC, or other cannabinoids.

This makes functional beverages a much broader category overall.

2. Formulation

The formulation process depends on the ingredients used.

• Functional beverages: Formulation can vary widely depending on whether the product contains botanicals, minerals, proteins, probiotics, or other specialized ingredients.

• Hemp Drinks: Often require formulation methods that help hemp-derived cannabinoids disperse evenly throughout a water-based beverage.

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

3. Cannabinoid Content

Cannabinoid content is one of the clearest differences. 

• Functional beverages: Do not automatically contain cannabinoids and may be completely hemp-free.

• Hemp drinks: May contain CBD, hemp-derived THC, or a combination of other hemp-derived cannabinoids.

Because formulations vary, checking the type and amount of cannabinoids per serving is especially important with hemp drinks.

4. Label Information and Testing

Product labels and testing can provide important details about what is inside the beverage. 

• Functional beverages: May list featured ingredients, serving size, nutrition information, and amounts of specific functional ingredients.

• Hemp Drinks: May also include cannabinoid amounts, THC content, hemp extract details, batch information, and links to third-party results.

A Certificate of Analysis can help verify cannabinoid levels and other testing information. Testing transparency is also useful across functional beverage categories when comparing products.

5. Legal Considerations

Hemp drinks can involve additional regulatory considerations compared with many conventional functional beverages.

• Functional beverages: Legal requirements generally depend on the ingredients and how the product is classified.

• Hemp drinks: May be subject to additional rules involving THC limits, age restrictions, sales, shipping, labeling, and state or local laws.

At the federal level, the FDA has also maintained that CBD generally cannot be lawfully added to conventional foods or beverages under the current regulatory framework, even though state-level rules and marketplace availability vary.

Can Hemp Drinks Be Functional Beverages?

Yes, hemp drinks can also be considered functional beverages when they are formulated and positioned within the broader functional beverage category. However, not every functional beverage contains hemp.

The easiest way to understand the overlap is to look at a few examples:

So, hemp drinks and functional beverages are not completely separate categories. A hemp-based product may fit in both, while many functional beverages use entirely different ingredients such as electrolytes, vitamins, proteins, probiotics, or botanicals.

What to Check Before Buying Hemp Drinks

The best hemp drinks are not necessarily the products with the highest cannabinoid content or the biggest marketing claims. A better way to compare products is to focus on clear labeling, testing, ingredient transparency, and whether the product is legally available where you live.

Before buying a hemp beverage, check:

• Type of cannabinoid: Look for clear identification of CBD, hemp-derived THC, or other cannabinoids

• Amount per serving: Check how much of each cannabinoid is listed in a single serving

• THC disclosure: Confirm whether THC is present and how much the product contains

• Full ingredient list: Review added sweeteners, flavors, botanicals, caffeine, or other functional ingredients

• Serving information: Check the serving size and number of servings per container

• Third-party testing: Look for a current Certificate of Analysis (COA) that matches the product or batch. For a broader checklist, see what to check before buying functional beverages online

• State availability: Hemp beverage rules can vary, especially for THC-containing products

• Manufacturer transparency: Reliable brands should clearly provide product details, testing information, and contact information

These checks make it easier to compare hemp drinks based on transparency and formulation rather than marketing claims alone.

Conclusion

Functional beverages and hemp drinks can overlap, but they are not the same category. Functional beverages cover a much wider range of formulations, while hemp drinks are specifically defined by the use of hemp-derived ingredients such as CBD or hemp-derived THC.

When comparing the two, focus on:

• Ingredient type and formulation

• Cannabinoid content

• Label transparency

• Third-party testing

• Serving information

• Local legal requirements

For hemp drinks in particular, checking the cannabinoid profile, product label, and current state or local rules is important before buying. Ultimately, the better choice depends on the type of beverage, ingredients, and product format you are looking for, not simply the category name.

FAQs

1. Do hemp drinks have an expiration date?

Yes. Hemp drinks generally have a manufacturer-provided shelf life or best-by date. Storage conditions can affect product quality, so follow the label instructions.

2. Can hemp drinks contain other botanicals?

Yes. Some hemp drinks combine hemp-derived ingredients with botanicals, caffeine, vitamins, minerals, or other functional ingredients depending on the formulation.

3. Where can I buy hemp-infused drinks?

Hemp-infused drinks may be available through brand websites, specialty beverage retailers, hemp-focused stores, and other permitted retail channels. Availability can vary by state and by cannabinoid content.

4. Are hemp energy drinks the same as regular energy drinks?

Not necessarily. Hemp energy drinks contain hemp-derived ingredients, while regular energy drinks are usually built around ingredients such as caffeine, vitamins, amino acids, or other functional components.

5. Are all hemp drinks considered cannabinoid drinks?

Not always. Many hemp drinks contain cannabinoids, but some may use other hemp-derived components instead. The ingredient list should clarify what type of hemp ingredient is included.

6. Can hemp drinks contain caffeine?

Yes. Some hemp drinks may also contain caffeine or other functional ingredients, depending on the formulation. Hemp content does not automatically determine whether caffeine is present.

7. Do hemp drinks have to be refrigerated?

It depends on the product. Some shelf-stable hemp drinks can be stored at room temperature before opening, while others may require refrigeration. Follow the storage instructions on the label.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical or legal advice. Hemp and cannabinoid laws can change and vary by jurisdiction. Always review current local regulations and product labeling before purchasing or consuming hemp-derived beverages.