Kava Buying Guide
Eight things to check on any kava label — and exactly what we state on ours.
| What to check | Look for | Give you pause | What Kava Life states |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cultivar class | The words “noble kava” stated plainly by the seller. | No class stated at all, or tudei / “two-day” root sold for daily drinking. | Noble kava, stated on every product. |
| Origin | A Pacific growing region named — Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Hawaii, Samoa. | “Imported” with no region, or a region that does not traditionally grow kava. | Pacific-grown. We do not publish a single-island cultivar name on the label. |
| Part of the plant | Root and rootstock — the parts traditionally used. | Aerial parts (leaves, stems, peelings), which traditional preparation excludes. | Kava root extract. |
| Kavalactone disclosure | A milligram figure per serving, printed and consistent across the range. | “Proprietary blend”, “extra strength”, or no number anywhere. | 750 mg of kava per 12 oz seltzer; 500 mg per 2 oz shot. Disclosed, not proprietary. |
| Serving definition | One unit = one serving, stated without ambiguity. | Servings defined loosely, or copy encouraging you to have several. | One can, one shot, or one gummy is one serving. Do not exceed the recommended serving. |
| Format | A format you will actually use — root and powder need preparation, ready-to-drink does not. | A format sold as effortless that in fact needs straining or measuring. | Ready-to-drink seltzers, 2 oz shots, and gummies. No preparation. |
| What else is in it | A full ingredient list, including anything added alongside the kava. | Added stimulants or sweeteners that are not called out. | Seltzers are zero alcohol, zero sugar. The shots add green-tea caffeine and L-Theanine — stated in the product description. |
| Cautions on the label | Age restriction, drowsiness caution, liver caution, and the FDA statement for supplements. | A kava product carrying no cautions at all. | All four appear on our product pages and in the site footer. |
A note on legality
Kava is not sold under one single rule everywhere. Some U.S. states and municipalities restrict kava products, and rules for kava beverages and for adult kava supplements are not always the same. Check what applies where you live before ordering, and check our FAQ for how we ship.
Buying questions
What should I check before buying kava?＋
Check six things: that the seller states the kava is noble, that a Pacific growing region is named, that it is made from root rather than aerial plant parts, that a kavalactone or kava milligram figure per serving is printed, that one unit equals one clearly-defined serving, and that the label carries the age, drowsiness and liver cautions.
How many milligrams of kava are in Kava Life products?＋
Each 12 oz Kava Life seltzer discloses 750 mg of kava. Each 2 oz Kava Life shot contains 500 mg of kava. Gummies are sold as a measured one-gummy serving.
Does Kava Life publish a kavalactone chemotype number?＋
No. We state that our kava is noble kava and we disclose the milligram amount per serving; we do not publish a numbered chemotype string on the label.
What is in a Kava Life kava shot besides kava?＋
The 2 oz shots pair 500 mg of noble kava with green-tea caffeine and L-Theanine. The seltzers contain no alcohol and no sugar.
Should aerial parts of the kava plant be in kava products?＋
Traditional Pacific preparation uses the root and rootstock only. Aerial parts — leaves, stems and peelings — are not part of the traditional preparation, and a product that includes them is worth questioning.
New to kava entirely? Start with best kava for beginners. Know the format and want to pick a flavor? See the flavor guide.
This guide is general information about kava as a traditional beverage and adult supplement — it is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before adding kava to your routine, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, have liver problems, or take any medication. Not for anyone under 18. Do not combine with alcohol or other sedatives. Do not exceed the recommended serving. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.