Green Monkey CBD Drink Review (Vegan)

So, you guys know that I’m super keen on anything CBD so I was pretty chuffed when I was sent out a few cans of the Green Monkey CBD Drink to try – which just so happens to be the UK’s first carbonated drink to be infused with CBD.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this is not a sponsored post. I have not received monetary payment for this post. I have been sent a product from Green Monkey for personal use and to write a review if I wished. All opinions are my own and 100% honest.  If you buy anything from the Green Monkey website I will not receive any commission. If you’d like to know more, feel free to contact me.

I was gifted a fair few cans before Christmas to test with no obligation of anything more than a quick social media shout out. My teenagers were straight on my case when they saw this bright green, tropical flavoured drink pour out of the can. Most of the cans went before I could take any swish photos.

This month I remembered about the solitary can I had hidden at the back of my fridge and thought, well, I might as well review it. After all, I am pretty CBD obsessed and it’s useful for you guys to know how things stack up in the market. Green Monkey’s CBD infused fruity wonder is marketed as a great alternative to caffeinated and dangerous energy drinks, but how does it really perform?

Before I get into the ins and outs of the product it’s important to know that it is not recommended for children to consume CBD – mainly because there isn’t enough research out there. Personally I view it the same way that I do adaptogenic herbs and medicinal mushrooms and allow my kids to have low doses every now and then. It is also advised that pregnant or lactating women should consult a doctor prior to use and if you are taking medication and/or have a severe medical condition, to do the same.

The Ingredients

There’s 10mg of broad/full-spectrum CBD in each 250ml can, which is a nice low and energising dosage, especially for those new to CBD. It’s great to see Green Monkey using the additional terpenes rather than opting for a cheaper CBD isolate.

My least favourite part, other than the CBD, has to be the ingredients list, I’m not gonna lie it’s not my usual bag. Just take a look below:

Ingredients: Carbonated water, sugar, acid: citric acid, flavourings, acidity regulator: sodium citrate, sweetener: sucralose, CBD cannabis Sativa L (4mg/100ml) safflower concentrate, colour: copper complex of chlorophyll

My main issue isn’t just with the use of sugar but with the sweetener sucralose which is known to raise insulin and blood sugar levels as well as having negative effects on the bacterial environment within the gut. Having said this, Green Monkey has come a long way as they used to use the sweeteners acesulfame K and aspartame. Acesulfame K contains methylene chloride, a carcinogen that with long-term exposure can cause nausea, headaches, kidney problems, visual disturbances, liver damage, and even cancer. Aspartame, whilst not carcinogenic, has been linked to headaches, seizures depression, and even ADHD.

Whilst both of these ingredients would require long-term exposure in reasonable amounts it’s not great and even sucralose has me feeling weary.  The long-term health effects of consuming sucralose are still unclear and require further research. Stevia would be a relatively cheap and safer option and would leave nothing to worry about.

There’s 12g of sugar per can, and it’s recommended that men consume no more than 36g, women no more than 25g, of added sugars per day. So, personally I feel that it’s too much and probably not necessary. Having said that if you’re using it to mix with alcoholic drinks on a night out or a weekend treat then who bladdy cares? Am I right?

It is, however, nice to see that the old artificial formula has been switched for natural colourings as E numbers are never great for anyone. I had a great chat a while back with Green Monkey’s PR and they told me that they recently removed the majority of their artificial ingredients because they’re always looking to improve.

The Taste

The drink was a nice vibrant green and tasted pretty pleasantly tropical (I think pineapple and orange) with a hint of tonic water like bitterness. The after taste is very artificial like that of a sweetener so I think that must have been the sucralose combined with the CBD that’s giving that weird bittersweet flavour. The scent was gorgeous though I have to say. A bit like being transported to a tropical island, and I could imagine throwing in a shot of Malibu for good measure.

Overall it was a bit too sweet for my liking, probably because I’m no longer used to processed sugars, but when served over ice it was a lot more palatable and I think that it would also make a great mixer for various spirits. CBD is great for counteracting the effects of alcohol and for staving off those dreadful hangovers that nobody wants to experience ever. Either way, for full enjoyment you gotta serve this as cold as possible.

Come Halloween time I would love to make up a spooky cocktail or punch for the kids (or just myself obviously). If I had to rate the flavour out of 5 it would be a 3. It’s pleasant but could do with a little more depth and a lot less artificialness.

The Performance

CBD has been touted as a natural energy booster for a while and with my personal experience I feel that it’s pretty accurate – and Green Monkey definitely didn’t disappoint. It’s a much cleaner and less intense energy boost, one that kinda just subtly happens and all of a sudden you’re nice and alert, but not majorly so.

The great thing is that CBD won’t affect your body as caffeine does. There are no jitters and it won’t disrupt your sleeping pattern leaving you feeling like the hellfire of insomnia has just rained down on you. In fact, CBD can help you sleep by regulating your hormonal levels, thus improving your sleep pattern. You can find out more about how CBD may help you to sleep here.

The Verdict

If you struggle with caffeine addiction or know someone that slams back far too many cans of Monster every day then Green Monkey’s CBD Drink is a great alternative. If you’re already health-conscious and left behind processed sugars a long time ago then you might be able to find something a little more suitable.

Personally I commend Green Monkey for removing artificial ingredients from their formula, being open to suggestions, and wanting to improve.

I feel like Green Monkey has taken CBD to the masses in the most mainstream way possible without including harmful carcinogenic ingredients like most energy and soft drink companies do. Chances are if you’re one of their customers you’ll find Green Monkey palatable and the effects much cleaner and less anxiety-inducing for sure. In fact, you’ll probably be kissing anxiety goodbye altogether thanks to the calming effects of CBD.

Personally I commend Green Monkey for removing artificial ingredients from their formula, being open to suggestions, and wanting to improve. I could take it or leave it but it’s a great (and fun) way of getting teenagers and adults alike to drink healthier soft drinks. Plus, let’s be honest, it’s super fun around Halloween because it’s bright green – and I still can’t believe that gorgeous colour is 100% natural. Amazing!

If you’d like to get your hands on Green Monkey’s CBD Drink then head on over to their website now. You’ll find 6 cans for £16.99, 12 for £29.99, and 24 for £49.99. And don’t worry – delivery is free! Have you tried any CBD infused bevvies yet? Let me know by posting a comment below. Oh, and if you want to keep up to date with my delicious recipes and interesting reviews then sign up for my newsletter and I’ll love you forever – who am I kidding? I already do!