We may not have personally tested every product. This review is based on official product information, product specifications and comparative research. It is not medical advice.
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Hiyo Classic Pack, 12 Cans
Three cans each of Blackberry Lemon, Peach Mango, Strawberry Guava and Watermelon Lime for comparing Hiyo's original flavor range.
Hiyo Tropical Pack, 12 Cans
Three cans each of Passion Fruit Tangerine, Peach Mango, Pineapple Coconut and Strawberry Guava.
Hiyo Watermelon Lime, 12 Cans
A light, refreshing watermelon seltzer with a crisp lime finish and the standard 1,700 mg Hiyo functional blend.
Hiyo Passion Fruit Tangerine, 12 Cans
A fragrant passion-fruit social tonic with tart tangerine and a sharper, more mocktail-like finish.
What is Hiyo?
Hiyo is a non-alcoholic functional seltzer designed for social occasions, evening wind-down routines and people who want something more distinctive than plain sparkling water. Each 12-fluid-ounce can combines fruit-forward flavor with a proprietary blend of adaptogens, nootropics and botanicals.
The company was created by Evan Quinn, George Youmans and Cygne Cooper. The idea began in 2019 after alcohol-related health events affected the families of two founders, motivating them to reduce their own drinking and explore a more satisfying alcohol-free option. Hiyo launched its first three flavors in May 2021 and has since expanded to six.
The brand name is an acronym for “happy in your own”, reflecting its message that choosing not to drink alcohol should still feel social and celebratory.
Our quick verdict
Hiyo earns a 4.8/5 editorial rating. It is a polished alcohol-free beverage with attractive packaging, organic certification, low calories and enough flavor to feel more occasion-worthy than ordinary seltzer.
The Classic Pack is our best overall starting point because it lets a new customer compare four flavors without committing to one full case. The Tropical Pack is best for sweeter fruit profiles, Watermelon Lime is the lightest single flavor and Passion Fruit Tangerine is the tartest, most cocktail-like option.
The most important limitation is that Hiyo’s much-promoted “float” is subjective. Every can contains a total of 1,700 mg across six functional ingredients, but the amount of each individual ingredient is not disclosed. Research on isolated ashwagandha, L-theanine, lion’s mane or passionflower cannot prove that one can of the finished beverage will reliably create relaxation, improved mood or better focus for every user.
What is inside each can?
Hiyo’s functional blend contains six principal ingredients:
- Ashwagandha
- L-theanine derived from decaffeinated green tea
- Lion’s mane mushroom
- Lemon balm
- Passionflower
- Ginger
Hiyo lists 1,700 mg of total functional ingredients per can. Because this is a proprietary combined amount, shoppers cannot determine how much ashwagandha, L-theanine or any other individual ingredient they receive.
The current flavors also use organic cane sugar and organic erythritol for sweetness, along with fruit juices, extracts and natural flavor ingredients that vary by flavor.
Nutrition at a glance
The current nutrition labels for the original flavors generally show:
- 30 calories per 12-fluid-ounce can
- Approximately 11–12 g total carbohydrate
- 1 g dietary fiber
- 5 g total sugar
- 3 g added sugar
- 0 g fat
- 0 mg sodium
- Small amounts of potassium and calcium that vary by flavor
- 0% alcohol by volume
- No caffeine
Hiyo is currently marketed as USDA Organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and vegan. It does not contain CBD or THC.
What does “the float” mean?
Hiyo calls the intended experience “the float”—a gentle, uplifting or calming feeling meant to support social ease without alcohol intoxication. The company says people experience it differently and recommends beginning with one can.
Hiyo also advises against consuming more than four cans in one sitting because that reaches the brand’s recommended daily amount of the functional blend and additional effects are expected to plateau.
“Float” is marketing language rather than a standardized clinical outcome. Some customers may feel calmer, some may only notice the flavor and ritual, and others may experience no obvious effect.
Best overall: Hiyo Classic Pack
The Classic Pack is the most sensible first online purchase. It includes three cans each of:
- Blackberry Lemon: rich berry flavor with a tart citrus finish.
- Peach Mango: the sweetest and smoothest option in the pack.
- Strawberry Guava: vibrant, aromatic and tropical.
- Watermelon Lime: light, refreshing and less flavor-dense.
A 12-pack is currently listed at $44.99, equal to approximately $3.75 per can. Subscribe & Save reduces it to $38.25, or about $3.19 per can, with free shipping.
The Classic Pack is useful because Hiyo’s flavor preferences are highly personal. A customer may enjoy Blackberry Lemon but find Peach Mango too sweet, or prefer the lighter Watermelon Lime over the stronger fruit flavors.
This pack is the best fit for a dinner party, alcohol-free household, sober-curious customer or anyone trying to replace an evening beer, wine or canned cocktail ritual.
Best tropical variety: Hiyo Tropical Pack
The Tropical Pack contains three cans each of:
- Passion Fruit Tangerine: tart, fragrant and citrus-forward.
- Peach Mango: sweet and smooth.
- Pineapple Coconut: bright, creamy-tropical and vacation-inspired.
- Strawberry Guava: juicy and aromatic.
The current 12-pack price is $44.99, with the same $38.25 Subscribe & Save price displayed for regular delivery.
This set is best for people who prefer mocktails, tropical juices and fruit-forward canned drinks. It is less suitable for customers who want a dry, bitter or spirit-like alcohol alternative.
Pineapple Coconut and Peach Mango are likely to taste sweeter than Watermelon Lime or Passion Fruit Tangerine, even though the nutrition profile remains broadly similar.
Best light single flavor: Watermelon Lime
Watermelon Lime combines soft watermelon with a crisp lime finish. It is the easiest single flavor to serve with food because it is less dense and tropical than Peach Mango, Strawberry Guava or Pineapple Coconut.
The flavor works well chilled directly from the can, poured over ice or garnished with a lime wedge and mint. Because the drink already contains fruit flavor and sweetness, additional syrup is usually unnecessary.
A 12-pack is currently listed at $44.99, while subscription pricing is $38.25. The company also offers larger 24- and 48-can quantities with bundle savings.
Watermelon Lime is the strongest choice for sparkling-water drinkers transitioning into functional social tonics. Customers seeking a drink that resembles a full-bodied cocktail may find it too light.
Best tart single flavor: Passion Fruit Tangerine
Passion Fruit Tangerine is the most cocktail-like flavor in this comparison. Passion fruit contributes aroma and tropical sweetness, while tangerine adds acidity and a mild bite.
It pairs well with ice, dried citrus, mint or a small amount of non-alcoholic aperitif. It can also replace sparkling wine or a canned spritz at a social event.
The current 12-pack price is $44.99, or $38.25 with Subscribe & Save.
This flavor is a good choice for people who find Peach Mango too sweet or Watermelon Lime too subtle. Customers sensitive to tart drinks may prefer the Classic Pack before committing to a case.
Featured-product comparison
ProductContentsCurrent 12-pack priceBest for Classic PackFour original flavors$44.99Best first online order Tropical PackFour tropical flavors$44.99Sweet and fruit-forward preferences Watermelon LimeOne light citrus-watermelon flavor$44.99Meals and sparkling-water drinkers Passion Fruit TangerineOne tart tropical-citrus flavor$44.99Mocktails and cocktail-like presentationDoes Hiyo taste like alcohol?
No. Hiyo does not attempt to reproduce the burn of spirits, bitterness of beer or tannins of wine. It tastes like a lightly sweetened, fruit-forward sparkling beverage.
The experience becomes more cocktail-like when served in a stemmed glass over ice with citrus, herbs or a non-alcoholic bitter aperitif. Even then, the base flavor remains fruity.
Hiyo is better understood as a premium functional seltzer than a direct imitation of gin, whiskey, beer or wine.
Can Hiyo create a buzz?
Hiyo contains no alcohol, THC or CBD and is not intended to cause intoxication or cognitive impairment. The brand’s “float” is described as gentle, calming and uplifting rather than a conventional buzz.
Functional ingredients may affect people differently. Ashwagandha and passionflower can cause drowsiness in some users, while erythritol may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive people.
Although Hiyo states that its ingredients should not impair driving, individuals should not drive or operate machinery when they personally feel dizzy, sleepy, confused or otherwise unwell after any beverage or supplement.
What does the evidence say about the functional ingredients?
Several ingredients in Hiyo have been studied independently, but the evidence is mixed and the finished beverage has not been shown to produce the same outcomes as every cited study.
Ashwagandha
Some small studies suggest that specific ashwagandha extracts may modestly support stress or sleep when used regularly for several weeks. Results vary by extract and dose. Hiyo does not disclose the individual ashwagandha amount, making direct comparison difficult.
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea. Research has explored relaxation, attention and sleep, but effects depend on dose and whether it is combined with caffeine. Hiyo uses L-theanine derived from decaffeinated green tea and contains no caffeine.
Lion’s mane
Lion’s mane research is still developing. Small studies have examined cognition and mood, but there is not enough evidence to promise improved clarity from a single can of a proprietary blend.
Lemon balm and passionflower
Both have a history of use in calming preparations. Passionflower research for anxiety and sleep remains limited, and possible adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.
Ginger
Ginger is commonly used in foods and has been studied for nausea and digestion. The quantity inside the proprietary blend is not disclosed, so Hiyo should not be treated as a therapeutic ginger dose.
Proprietary-blend transparency
Hiyo clearly discloses the total functional amount—1,700 mg—and names all six principal ingredients. It does not disclose the individual milligram quantity of each ingredient.
This is the largest transparency limitation. A total blend amount cannot show whether each ingredient is present at a quantity comparable with research or whether most of the blend comes from one or two ingredients.
Customers who prioritize precise supplement dosing may prefer separate products with full Supplement Facts labels. Hiyo is more suitable for people purchasing a social beverage first and treating the functional blend as a secondary feature.
Ashwagandha and passionflower safety
Ashwagandha may cause stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting or drowsiness. Rare cases of liver injury have been reported, and the ingredient may affect thyroid function or interact with medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, seizures, immune conditions and sedation.
Passionflower may cause drowsiness, dizziness or confusion and may interact with anesthesia or other sedating substances.
National Institutes of Health resources advise avoiding ashwagandha during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Passionflower should also be avoided during pregnancy, and safety during breastfeeding is uncertain.
Hiyo recommends discussing the ingredients with a healthcare professional during pregnancy, breastfeeding, medication use or when managing a health condition.
Alcohol recovery and sober-curious use
Hiyo can be a useful substitute for the social ritual of holding a special drink. It contains 0% alcohol and avoids the direct intoxicating effects and hangover associated with alcoholic beverages.
It is not a treatment for alcohol use disorder, withdrawal or dependency. Abrupt alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous for some people. Anyone concerned about their drinking or experiencing withdrawal symptoms should seek appropriate professional support.
For people simply reducing occasional social drinking, Hiyo provides a convenient ready-to-drink option that feels more deliberate than water or soda.
Sugar and erythritol
Each can currently contains 5 g total sugar, including 3 g added sugar. The sweetening system combines organic cane sugar with organic erythritol.
This creates a lightly sweet drink with fewer calories than a typical soda or cocktail mixer. It is not sugar-free.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol. Many people tolerate it, but some may experience bloating, gas or digestive discomfort, especially after several cans or when combined with other sugar-alcohol products.
How many cans should you drink?
Hiyo recommends that new customers start with one can to understand their individual response. The company does not recommend more than four cans in one sitting.
Four cans would provide 120 calories, approximately 20 g total sugar and a total of 6,800 mg from the proprietary functional blend. That is also an expensive amount of product to consume at once.
Most users are better served by treating one can as a special social beverage rather than continuously replacing all water throughout the day.
Serving ideas
- Chill thoroughly and drink directly from the can.
- Serve over ice in a wine glass with fresh citrus.
- Add mint, rosemary or basil for aroma.
- Combine with a non-alcoholic aperitif for more bitterness.
- Use a small amount of fresh lime or lemon rather than sugary syrup.
- Pair Watermelon Lime with salads and lighter foods.
- Pair Blackberry Lemon or Passion Fruit Tangerine with richer dishes.
Shelf life and storage
Hiyo is shelf-stable for up to one year. Unopened cans can be stored at room temperature, but the company recommends refrigeration for the best taste.
Once opened, the carbonation and flavor are best consumed promptly. A resealed can will gradually become flat.
Subscription and bundle savings
Subscribe & Save currently provides:
- 15% off each shipment
- Free shipping on every subscription order
- Delivery every 15, 30, 45 or 60 days
- The ability to swap flavors and quantities
- Skip, pause, reschedule or cancel through the account dashboard
The current 12-pack subscription price is $38.25 instead of $44.99. The brand also offers automatic bundle savings: two 12-packs save $5, while four 12-packs save $20.
Subscription and bundle discounts can stack under the current rewards guidance. A first-time buyer should still try a mixed pack before arranging a large recurring case.
Shipping and satisfaction policy
Hiyo currently ships within the 48 contiguous United States. Standard shipping costs $4.99 for orders below $50 and is free above $50. Subscriptions ship free regardless of order value.
Orders typically arrive approximately five to seven business days after checkout.
Product pages advertise a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. However, the current Terms of Service state that Hiyo does not accept physical returns and that refund or exchange guidance is handled through its support process.
Because the public FAQ does not clearly explain every satisfaction-guarantee condition, customers should contact Hiyo before assuming an opened or partially consumed case qualifies for a refund.
What we like
- 0% alcohol and no caffeine, CBD or THC.
- USDA Organic, vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO positioning.
- Only 30 calories per can.
- Attractive flavors and packaging for social events.
- Mixed packs reduce flavor-selection risk.
- Flexible subscriptions with free shipping.
What could be better
- High price of approximately $3.75 per can when purchased once.
- Individual functional-ingredient doses are not disclosed.
- The “float” is subjective and not guaranteed.
- Contains added cane sugar and erythritol.
- Some botanical ingredients have medication and pregnancy cautions.
- The 30-day satisfaction guarantee lacks clear public details.
Who should consider Hiyo?
- Adults reducing or avoiding alcohol.
- People who want a ready-to-drink social beverage.
- Customers who enjoy fruit-forward sparkling drinks.
- Hosts building an alcohol-free drink selection.
- People comfortable with adaptogens, botanicals and proprietary blends.
Who may want to look elsewhere?
- Customers seeking a drink that tastes like beer, wine or spirits.
- People who require exact milligram doses for every functional ingredient.
- Anyone who avoids erythritol or added sugar.
- Budget shoppers seeking a low-cost sparkling beverage.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding customers without clinician approval.
- People taking medicines that may interact with ashwagandha, passionflower or sedating herbs.
Final verdict: Is Hiyo worth buying?
Hiyo is worth considering as a premium alcohol-free social beverage. It looks good at a party, tastes more intentional than plain seltzer and avoids alcohol, caffeine and cannabis ingredients.
The Classic Pack is the best first purchase because it provides four distinct flavors. Choose the Tropical Pack for sweeter fruit profiles, Watermelon Lime for a lighter drink and Passion Fruit Tangerine for a sharper mocktail-style experience.
The functional blend should be treated as a secondary feature rather than a guaranteed mood product. Start with one can, assess personal tolerance and review the medication, pregnancy and botanical-safety cautions before regular use.
Pros and cons
What stands out
- Enjoyable alcohol-free social ritual
- Attractive fruit-forward flavors
- Low calorie and caffeine-free
- Organic certification
- Mixed packs reduce flavor risk
- Flexible subscription management
Trade-offs
- Expensive per can
- No individual functional-ingredient doses
- Effects vary between users
- Contains erythritol and added sugar
- Botanical interaction cautions
- Unclear satisfaction-guarantee details
Rating details
Product details
Learn More
- Hiyo official website
- Hiyo company story
- Hiyo frequently asked questions
- Classic Pack official product page
- Tropical Pack official product page
- Watermelon Lime official product page
- Passion Fruit Tangerine official product page
- Hiyo terms of service
- NCCIH ashwagandha safety and evidence
- NIH ODS ashwagandha consumer fact sheet
- NCCIH passionflower safety and evidence
- FDA dietary supplement consumer information
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using supplements or making significant changes to diet, exercise or treatment.
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