{"id":606381539634,"title":"Hiyo Review: Healthiest Sober Drink?","created_at":"2023-09-24T23:55:24-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Hiyo Review: Healthiest Sober Brand?\",\n \"keywords\": \"hiyo, hiyo review, hiyo reviews, where to buy hiyo, hiyo drink, hiyo drinks, hiyo drink review, hiyo drink reviews, hiyo drink side effects, hiyo ingredients\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes the ingredients in Hiyo based on medical studies to give our take on whether this brand is a healthy non-alcoholic option, or if it's a waste of money. We highlight one questionable additive and share our doubts about the nootropic effects of these drinks.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/hiyo-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Taylor Graber\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/taylor-graber\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/taylor-j-graber-md-81351642\/\",\n \"https:\/\/www.asapivs.com\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Content Partner\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"medicine, health, anesthesiology, iv therapy, science, drugs, pharmaceutical, medical research, scientific research, medical journals, entrepreneurship, healthcare, orthopedic surgery, biomedical engineering\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"University of California San Diego\",\n \"Arizona University\",\n \"University of Arizona College of Medicine\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Hiyo_Thumbnail.png?v=1695614741\",\n\"width\": \"3956\",\n\"height\": \"3956\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31246081\/\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18296328\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/is-white-claw-unhealthy\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/moment-drink-review\",\n\"https:\/\/drinkhiyo.com\/products\/peach-mango\",\n\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/hiyo-functional-seltzer-peach-mango-4-drink-s\/hiy-11022\",\n\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Organic-Non-Alcoholic-Social-Tonic-Functional-Seltzer-Peach-Mango-4-Drinks-12-Fl-Oz-Each\/2780146230\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"adaptogens\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"nootropics\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"added sugar\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"citric acid\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"ashwagandha\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Anders Erickson\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Vitamin Shoppe\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Walmart\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-09-24\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ],\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Hiyo_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1695613932\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eH\u003c\/span\u003eiyo is a non-alcoholic beverage brand that’s focused on a healthier experience. The company describes itself as the “better-than-alcohol alternative,” and claims to provide “organic adaptogens” and “natural nootropics.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBut does Hiyo provide effective doses of these active ingredients, or are these just marketing claims? What’s actually in Hiyo and is it healthy? Does it have any questionable additives? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of these drinks?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze the ingredients in Hiyo based on medical studies to give our take on whether these drinks are likely to have nootropic and adaptogenic effects, or if these are just marketing claims.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll also share our thoughts on the overall healthiness of the brand, feature unsponsored customer reviews and provide a cost comparison to show which retailer sells Hiyo for the best price.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIngredient Analysis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Hiyo peach mango flavor ingredients\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Hiyo_Peach_Mango_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1695613964\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in the “peach mango” flavor of Hiyo are shown above.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere is more sugar in this drink than any individual fruit juice, because \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003esugar\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is listed before \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eorganic peach juice concentrate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e as the fourth ingredient.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere is only 3 grams (g) of added sugar in each can, so while sugar in excess is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31246081\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31246081\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinically shown\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to be associated with negative health outcomes, we don’t consider this dose to be concerning in otherwise healthy adults.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere are some adaptogens in this drink, but the problem with taking adaptogens in drinks and foods is that the dose is not typically listed (as is the case here).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWithout the individual ingredient doses, it’s impossible to determine whether or not the adaptogenic and nootropic ingredients are likely to have an effect.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs an example, Hiyo peach mango contains l-theanine, which is an amino acid shown in a 2008 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18296328\/\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18296328\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to increase alpha brain wave activity and have a “significant effect” on mental alertness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut the linked trial used a dose of 50 milligrams (mg). We don’t know how much l-theanine is in Hiyo, so we can’t determine whether or not it’s an effective dose.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMost of the ingredients in Hiyo are nutritious and naturally-derived, like \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eorganic cordyceps mushroom extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eorganic orange juice\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eorganic ginger extract\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe think that, on balance, this is a healthy drink, and certainly healthier than alcohol (in excess), but we have no reason to believe Hiyo has nootropic or adaptogenic effects until the brand publishes individual ingredient doses.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThere is only one inactive ingredient that we consider questionable from a health perspective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCitric acid\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e is clinically shown to cause whole-body inflammation in some individuals, as we discussed in our article on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/is-white-claw-unhealthy\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/is-white-claw-unhealthy\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eis White Claw unhealthy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider Hiyo to be relatively healthy and to be a good option for people pursuing a sober lifestyle. We don’t currently recommend this brand because of the inclusion of refined, added sugar and citric acid.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBut how do real users describe the taste and effects of Hiyo? We’ll feature some unsponsored user reviews in the next section of this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReal People Try Hiyo\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named Emily tried the same Hiyo flavor that we analyzed in the previous section:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jzcKHU2FpSs?si=Fx75BHmShbqmv9bJ\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYouTube creators with a channel called “Club Zero” tried a variety of non-alcoholic drinks including Hiyo, and compared them:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/cimZxkoWp8o?si=tMvgfHT3xn-B2sRv\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDoes Hiyo Cause Side Effects?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHiyo drinks don’t appear to have been studied in any clinical trials, which makes it more challenging to say whether or not they’re likely to cause side effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, we can make an educated guess based on the ingredients in Hiyo.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile citric acid may cause side effects in a small percentage of the population, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethere are no dangerous ingredients in Hiyo, or ingredients that we consider likely to cause side effects in otherwise healthy adults.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHigh doses of ashwagandha are clinically shown to cause side effects in some people like nausea and vomiting, as we documented in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/moment-drink-review\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/moment-drink-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMoment Drink reviews\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWhile we doubt there is a high dose of ashwagandha in Hiyo, we again urge the brand to publish individual ingredient doses (at least for active ingredients), so consumers can make an informed purchase decision.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Make Healthy Mocktails at Home\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt would likely be much cheaper than Hiyo to make healthy non-alcoholic cocktails (\"mocktails\") at home. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube video published by Anders Erickson features four homemade mocktail recipes and has over 900,000 views:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5wgvpo-xBnA?si=20BK1S8-Rt4wTDbz\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-mce-fragment=\"1\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhere to Buy Hiyo for the Best Price\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHiyo is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown for a one-time purchase of a 12-pack at the time of publishing this article:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBrand website: $44.99 (plus $4.99 shipping, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/drinkhiyo.com\/products\/peach-mango\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/drinkhiyo.com\/products\/peach-mango\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eVitamin Shoppe: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e$47.97 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/hiyo-functional-seltzer-peach-mango-4-drink-s\/hiy-11022\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.vitaminshoppe.com\/p\/hiyo-functional-seltzer-peach-mango-4-drink-s\/hiy-11022\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWalmart: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e$47.97 (free shipping\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Organic-Non-Alcoholic-Social-Tonic-Functional-Seltzer-Peach-Mango-4-Drinks-12-Fl-Oz-Each\/2780146230\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-href=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Organic-Non-Alcoholic-Social-Tonic-Functional-Seltzer-Peach-Mango-4-Drinks-12-Fl-Oz-Each\/2780146230\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHiyo is cheaper on Walmart and Vitamin Shoppe by 4% when factoring in shipping fees. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, the brand's website is a better option for consumers that want recurring purchases, because the brand offers discounts that exceed 4%.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros and Cons of Hiyo\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHere are the pros and cons of Hiyo in our opinion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMostly whole food ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRelatively low sugar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBeautiful branding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHealthy alternative for sober individuals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive ingredient doses not clearly published\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpensive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains refined sugar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains citric acid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWe can't find any reason to believe these drinks have effective doses of nootropics and adaptogens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConclusion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHiyo is a relatively healthy option for sober individuals, or for people who prefer the taste of non-alcoholic cocktails.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMost of the ingredients used by this beverage brand are nutritious whole food ingredients or concentrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis drink does contain refined sugar (although a small amount), and we think it would be healthier if the brand replaced that with fruit juice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHiyo also contains citric acid which is an inactive ingredient clinically shown to cause whole-body inflammation in some individuals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHiyo suggests in their marketing that their drinks have nootropic and adaptogenic effects, and while there are nootropics and adaptogens in these drinks, we can't find any information about the dose of these ingredients so we have our doubts about efficacy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\" data-mce-style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThird-party retailers currently have better prices on Hiyo for a one-time purchase than the brand's website, when factoring in shipping fees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-09-24T23:57:29-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-25T00:09:44-04:00","summary_html":"We analyze the ingredients in Hiyo based on medical studies to give our take on whether this brand is a healthy non-alcoholic option, or if it's a waste of money. We highlight one questionable additive and share our doubts about the nootropic effects of these drinks.","template_suffix":"","handle":"hiyo-review","tags":"_related:nutrition"}

Hiyo Review: Healthiest Sober Drink?

Hiyo Review: Healthiest Sober Drink?


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Hiyo is a non-alcoholic beverage brand that’s focused on a healthier experience. The company describes itself as the “better-than-alcohol alternative,” and claims to provide “organic adaptogens” and “natural nootropics.”

But does Hiyo provide effective doses of these active ingredients, or are these just marketing claims? What’s actually in Hiyo and is it healthy? Does it have any questionable additives? And how do real users rate and describe the effects of these drinks?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze the ingredients in Hiyo based on medical studies to give our take on whether these drinks are likely to have nootropic and adaptogenic effects, or if these are just marketing claims.

We’ll also share our thoughts on the overall healthiness of the brand, feature unsponsored customer reviews and provide a cost comparison to show which retailer sells Hiyo for the best price.

Ingredient Analysis

Hiyo peach mango flavor ingredients

The ingredients in the “peach mango” flavor of Hiyo are shown above.

There is more sugar in this drink than any individual fruit juice, because sugar is listed before organic peach juice concentrate as the fourth ingredient.

There is only 3 grams (g) of added sugar in each can, so while sugar in excess is clinically shown to be associated with negative health outcomes, we don’t consider this dose to be concerning in otherwise healthy adults.

There are some adaptogens in this drink, but the problem with taking adaptogens in drinks and foods is that the dose is not typically listed (as is the case here).

Without the individual ingredient doses, it’s impossible to determine whether or not the adaptogenic and nootropic ingredients are likely to have an effect.

As an example, Hiyo peach mango contains l-theanine, which is an amino acid shown in a 2008 clinical trial to increase alpha brain wave activity and have a “significant effect” on mental alertness.

But the linked trial used a dose of 50 milligrams (mg). We don’t know how much l-theanine is in Hiyo, so we can’t determine whether or not it’s an effective dose.

Most of the ingredients in Hiyo are nutritious and naturally-derived, like organic cordyceps mushroom extract, organic orange juice and organic ginger extract.

We think that, on balance, this is a healthy drink, and certainly healthier than alcohol (in excess), but we have no reason to believe Hiyo has nootropic or adaptogenic effects until the brand publishes individual ingredient doses.

There is only one inactive ingredient that we consider questionable from a health perspective.

Citric acid is clinically shown to cause whole-body inflammation in some individuals, as we discussed in our article on is White Claw unhealthy.

Overall, we consider Hiyo to be relatively healthy and to be a good option for people pursuing a sober lifestyle. We don’t currently recommend this brand because of the inclusion of refined, added sugar and citric acid.

But how do real users describe the taste and effects of Hiyo? We’ll feature some unsponsored user reviews in the next section of this article.

Real People Try Hiyo

A YouTube creator named Emily tried the same Hiyo flavor that we analyzed in the previous section:

YouTube creators with a channel called “Club Zero” tried a variety of non-alcoholic drinks including Hiyo, and compared them:

Does Hiyo Cause Side Effects?

Hiyo drinks don’t appear to have been studied in any clinical trials, which makes it more challenging to say whether or not they’re likely to cause side effects.

However, we can make an educated guess based on the ingredients in Hiyo.

While citric acid may cause side effects in a small percentage of the population, there are no dangerous ingredients in Hiyo, or ingredients that we consider likely to cause side effects in otherwise healthy adults.

High doses of ashwagandha are clinically shown to cause side effects in some people like nausea and vomiting, as we documented in our Moment Drink reviews article.

While we doubt there is a high dose of ashwagandha in Hiyo, we again urge the brand to publish individual ingredient doses (at least for active ingredients), so consumers can make an informed purchase decision.

How to Make Healthy Mocktails at Home

It would likely be much cheaper than Hiyo to make healthy non-alcoholic cocktails ("mocktails") at home.

A YouTube video published by Anders Erickson features four homemade mocktail recipes and has over 900,000 views:

Where to Buy Hiyo for the Best Price

Hiyo is sold at a variety of online retailers. Here’s a price breakdown for a one-time purchase of a 12-pack at the time of publishing this article:

Brand website: $44.99 (plus $4.99 shipping, link)

Vitamin Shoppe: $47.97 (free shipping, link)

Walmart: $47.97 (free shipping, link)

Hiyo is cheaper on Walmart and Vitamin Shoppe by 4% when factoring in shipping fees. 

However, the brand's website is a better option for consumers that want recurring purchases, because the brand offers discounts that exceed 4%.

Pros and Cons of Hiyo

Here are the pros and cons of Hiyo in our opinion:

Pros:

  • Mostly whole food ingredients
  • Relatively low sugar
  • Beautiful branding
  • Healthy alternative for sober individuals

Cons:

  • Active ingredient doses not clearly published
  • Expensive
  • Contains refined sugar
  • Contains citric acid
  • We can't find any reason to believe these drinks have effective doses of nootropics and adaptogens
Stay up-to-date on our research reviews

Conclusion

Hiyo is a relatively healthy option for sober individuals, or for people who prefer the taste of non-alcoholic cocktails.

Most of the ingredients used by this beverage brand are nutritious whole food ingredients or concentrates.

This drink does contain refined sugar (although a small amount), and we think it would be healthier if the brand replaced that with fruit juice.

Hiyo also contains citric acid which is an inactive ingredient clinically shown to cause whole-body inflammation in some individuals.

Hiyo suggests in their marketing that their drinks have nootropic and adaptogenic effects, and while there are nootropics and adaptogens in these drinks, we can't find any information about the dose of these ingredients so we have our doubts about efficacy.

Third-party retailers currently have better prices on Hiyo for a one-time purchase than the brand's website, when factoring in shipping fees.