Uchie focuses on botanical drinks that aim to provide a healthy substitute for sugar-laden and caffeine-heavy drinks. Its offerings are available in pack sizes and flavors, which might reduce flavor fatigue.
The brand’s drinks lineup features Kr*t*m and K*va botanical extracts, which may support calmness, improve energy levels, and provide mild mood enhancement effects. However, are the brand’s offerings non-psychoactive and safe?
In this review, we look at the brand’s background, its range of offerings and flavor diversity, and associated advantages and potential limitations of the brand.
Uchie is a Los Angeles-based functional drinks brand that claims to help you unwind, improve focus, and energy levels. These offerings feature botanical compounds like mitragynine (from Kr*t*m) and K*valactones (from K*va), which are responsible for their uplifting effects.
The brand’s product lineup includes the Kr*t*m K*va Seltzer, Kr*t*m Seltzer, and K*va Kr*t*m Shots. Beyond these offerings, the brand also provides a curated bundle called the 8-Pack Variety Pack.
As per the manufacturer, all offerings from the brand undergo third-party testing to screen for identity, heavy metals, microbial contamination, and other safety markers. Certificates of Analysis are also made available upon request, which may help independently verify the findings of the testing results.
As per its official site, Kr*t*m K*va Seltzer is a botanical, carbonated drink formulated with 25mg of mitragynine, which is the alkaloid in Kr*t*m leaf extract, interacting with opioid-receptor pathways to influence stimulation or mood. The product is available in Guava, Watermelon, Pineapple, and Mango flavors, with pack options of 6, 12, 18, and 24 cans.
K*va extract in the formula provides the K*valactone compounds, which may interact with GABAergic signaling pathways in the brain. These compounds could influence ion channel activity linked to relaxation and a sense of calm by modulating neuronal excitability. Such effects might help you unwind and promote relaxation.
The makers state that Kr*t*m K*va Seltzer may improve feelings of alertness and provide mild mood enhancement. It also comprises phosphoric and citric acid, which contribute acidity to balance flavor and support stability in the carbonated base.
Kr*t*m Seltzer from the brand may help lower stress levels, induce feelings of relaxation, and support energy levels. According to its official website, the product is available in Strawberry, Mango, Mixed Berry, and Blue Raspberry flavor variants. The formulation might help regulate how quickly nerve cells fire, which may support a steadier flow of neural communication that might contribute to improved alertness and focus.
As per its official site, K*va Kr*t*m Shots is a compact 2-oz drink formulated with 50mg of mitragynine and 400mg of K*valactones per 60-ml bottle. These shots might help promote relaxation or gentle unwinding. The K*va Kr*t*m Shots are available either as a 3 Shot Sampler or a 12-Pack Box.
Kr*t*m and K*va extracts in the formulation may help calm an overactive nervous system, promote alertness, and support focus. The formulation further contains apple juice with natural sugars and organic acids that may help round out the flavor. It also includes ginger juice with gingerols and shogaols, which may help support digestive comfort.
The brand’s Uchie 8-Pack Variety Pack delivers the entire flavor lineup from the brand in one collection. As listed on the official site, the pack contains four cans of Kr*t*m K*va Seltzer and four cans of Kr*t*m Seltzer (mixed berry, strawberry, blue raspberry, and mango). Completing the variety pack is a single can of the Good Vibes K*va Kr*t*m Shots.
Uchie claims a zero-sugar and zero-calorie drinks identity by formulating its seltzers without added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or caloric fillers. The brand presents this as a consistent standard across its seltzer lineup. Its core offerings, such as Kr*t*m K*va Seltzer and Kr*t*m Seltzer, follow the zero-sugar approach. This approach may position the brand’s products without the caloric load typically found in traditional soft drinks or energy drinks, and it also highlights its absence of artificial additives.
Uchie claims a ready-to-drink format as a core part of its product offering. The brand delivers its functional drinks prepackaged and prepared so you can open and drink them without mixing powders, measuring doses, or adding liquid. Such convenience is part of the brand’s identity and might be appealing if you prefer quick, simple access to botanical drinks rather than a multistep preparation process. However, convenience does not confirm clinical effectiveness or safety, and ready-to-drink botanical products should still be evaluated for appropriate dosing, quality control, and evidence supporting their functional claims.
Uchie operates in a high-risk botanical segment because the main ingredients in its offerings, Kr*t*m and K*va, carry safety concerns and face ongoing scientific and regulatory scrutiny.
Kr*t*m contains mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, which interact with the body in ways that may affect mood and energy. These compounds might also raise concerns about dependence, varied potency, and possible side effects.
The brand’s infused drinks offerings, such as K*va Kr*t*m Shots, contain K*valactones that act on the nervous system to promote relaxation. However, research has noted some potential liver toxicity risks with K*va use, typically linked to glutathione depletion and enzyme inhibition.
Scientific studies on Kr*t*m and K*va are limited, and results are mixed, which makes it harder to establish clear safety guidelines. Potency of Kr*t*m and K*va used in the brand’s offerings might also vary depending on how the plants are grown and processed. These uncertainties place products containing these botanicals under closer attention from health authorities.
When comparing the brands, both Mitra9 and Uchie offer infused offerings to support relaxation, focus, and mild mood enhancement. However, the brands have some differences in terms of their core positioning, range of offerings, quality standards, and accessibility.
Mitra9 presents itself as a Florida-based brand built around infused drinks and powdered mixes, which are positioned as drug-free and caffeine-free. The brand’s identity is rooted in broad flavor coverage and a structured quality framework that includes batch-level traceability, independent lab testing, and compliance with state-specific Kr*t*m regulations.
On the other hand, Uchie presents a contrasting approach as a Los Angeles-based brand that also focuses on Kr*t*m and K*va drinks. The brand highlights zero-sugar and zero-calorie formulations while including alkaloid disclosures within its product pages.
In terms of core offerings, Mitra9’s product catalog covers drink-mix powders, Kr*t*m and K*va seltzers, and a range of shots that feature Kr*t*m-only, K*va-only, and blended Kr*t*m–K*va formats. Some flavor options in the brand’s K*va seltzers range include orange dreamsicle, lemonade, and strawberry watermelon flavors. Its Kr*t*m seltzer lineup features tangerine, dragon fruit, black cherry, watermelon, and berry flavors. The brand’s shot formats vary from Kr*t*m–K*va combinations like crisp apple and blue razz to K*va-focused selections such as Cool Breeze and Lavender Sunrise.
Meanwhile, offerings from Uchie include the Kr*t*m Seltzer range, which comes in strawberry, blue raspberry, mango, and mixed berry flavors. The brand also offers Kr*t*m K*va Seltzer, which is available in mango, guava, watermelon, and pineapple flavors. Beyond these offerings, the brand also provides the K*va Kr*t*m Shots and an 8-Pack Variety Pack.
Mitra9 supports accessibility through loyalty programs, subscription plans, and a growing physical retail presence. Transparency is reinforced through readily available Certificates of Analysis (COAs) across its product groups. On the other hand, Uchie emphasizes education of the effects of Kr*t*m and K*va, Proposition 65 alignment, and lifestyle-driven messaging. Unlike Mitra9, COAs are provided upon request rather than featured directly on product pages.
White Rabbit maintains a focused lineup around infused drinks, with its catalog not covering K*va-based products. As per its official website, White Rabbit provides functional drinks to support calmness, energy levels, focus, and vitality.
The brand highlights that its Kr*t*m offerings feature approximately 6–8 times less Kr*t*m extract. It may indicate that the brand intentionally focuses on providing mild effects. As part of its Kr*t*m Energy Drinks lineup, the brand provides multiple flavor options such as sweet peach, watermelon candy, cherry bomb, root beer, raspberry lemonade, and Dr. Rabbit. White Rabbit also provides the Larry Wheels Lemon Ice Tea under its Kr*t*m social teas range.
White Rabbit emphasizes its broad flavor catalog, publicly available Certificate of Analysis (COAs), and mild use of Kr*t*m extract.
Meanwhile, Uchie maintains a structured framework, offering both Kr*t*m and K*va offerings rather than focusing on Kr*t*m alone. The brand’s product catalog includes the Kr*t*m K*va Seltzer in different flavors. It also offers Kr*t*m Seltzer in flavor options like strawberry, mango, blue raspberry, and mixed berry flavors. Beyond these, the brand also offers the 8-Pack Variety Pack bundle and K*va Kr*t*m Shots.
Uchie emphasizes disclosed alkaloid levels to support predictable daily use and a clearer understanding of potency. The brand also highlights a zero-calorie profile and includes safety guidance that aims to offer more structured use.
The offerings from Uchie primarily contain K*va (Piper methysticum) and Kr*t*m (Mitragyna speciosa), but the regulatory and legal stance on these ingredients differs significantly across federal, state, and local regulations of the U.S. law. It is important to note that both Kr*t*m and K*va remain legal at the federal level across the USA.
However, state-specific regulations and municipal rules are determinants of the regulatory status of the brand’s offerings. Federal recognition of K*va as a dietary supplement places it outside controlled substance classifications. The Food and Drug Administration has suggested cautions about rare but reported liver-related side effects, including cases of hepatitis and liver failure.
While K*va-based offerings remain legal at the national level, several states maintain distinct rules of their own. For example, Wisconsin bans the use of K*va entirely, while the U.S. states of New Jersey, Indiana, Utah, Minnesota, Colorado, and Arkansas enforce varying restrictions on its sale and distribution.
Similarly, Kr*t*m is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act, which allows nationwide distribution in principle. As of 2025, six U.S. states maintain full bans on Kr*t*m and its primary alkaloids. These states are Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, and Wisconsin. In these jurisdictions, Kr*t*m cannot be legally sold, purchased, possessed, or used. For instance, municipalities in Denver and San Diego regulate sales or consumption independently, despite statewide permissibility.
Moreover, the FDA has not authorized Kr*t*m and K*va for use in supplements, drugs, or as food additives in standard drink formulations, creating an environment where compliance varies by jurisdiction.
Such variability in local ordinances, state statutes, and federal guidance means the regulatory framework surrounding Uchie’s offerings may shift depending on your location. Reviewing applicable statewide and municipal policies is essential to help clarify legal expectations and determine how the brand’s offerings may align with ongoing safety considerations and regulatory interpretations.
Uchie maintains its identity around zero-added-sugar infused drinks. It claims that its offerings may help ease tension, promote calmness, and improve focus. Moreover, the brand’s products come in a ready-to-drink format, which helps eliminate the consumption hassles of mixing, measuring, or preparation.
However, the brand’s reliance on infused drinks offerings may come with potential risks of side effects and dependence. Products from the brand feature active compounds, which interact with neurological pathways in ways research has not fully standardized. Concerns around dependence potential, potency variation, and liver toxicity continue to surface in research and regulatory discussions. These issues may place Uchie’s formulations within a category that requires ongoing scrutiny rather than unquestioned acceptance.
Awareness of some constraints might help set realistic expectations when considering the brand’s offerings. Moreover, in some U.S. states, the accessibility to the brand’s offerings remains restricted due to stricter local regulations surrounding the use of K*va and Kr*t*m products in these states.
Contact us at [email protected] or follow @leafsnap on Twitter! View our Privacy Policy.
