A kava shot is a small, ready-to-drink bottle (usually 2 to 4 oz) made with extract from the root of the kava plant, Piper methysticum. Instead of preparing kava powder yourself, you get a fixed, labeled amount of kava extract or kavalactones in one bottle. This guide explains how kava shots are made and labeled, how to compare them, and how they differ from powder and seltzers. Our own Kava Kazees 1000mg kava shot is used as the example throughout.

What is in a kava shot?

Kava shots are made from kava root extract mixed with water and flavoring. The root contains kavalactones, the compound class labs measure in kava; researchers have identified 18 kavalactones, six of which make up most of the total (source: Kava, botanical summary). For background on the plant itself, read What Is Kava? For the kratom equivalent, see what are kratom seltzers.

How are kava shots labeled?

Labels use one of two numbers, and they are not the same thing:

• Kava extract (mg): the total weight of extract in the bottle. Kava Kazees lists 1,000 mg of kava extract in a 4 oz bottle.
• Kavalactones (mg): the measured compounds within that extract. Tru Moods Green Kava Shot lists 800 mg of kava extract and 250 mg of kavalactones in 2 oz.

When comparing brands, kavalactone milligrams are the more direct comparison, because extract strength varies. If a label lists only extract, look for a batch number and certificate of analysis (COA).

How do kava shots compare with kava powder and seltzers?

For the seltzer format, see the kava seltzer collection, including Ava Kava flavors.

Who makes kava shots?

The kava shot category has grown quickly. Leilo is one of the best-known national kava shot brands. Bedrock Botanicals makes Kava Kazees and carries Tru Moods, so you can compare a 4 oz extract shot and a 2 oz kavalactone-labeled shot side by side in our kava shots collection.

What should you check before buying a kava shot?

• Kava type: noble kava root, stated on the label or product page.
• The label number: extract mg vs kavalactone mg, and the bottle size.
• Batch number: so you can match the product to its lab results.
• Combo shots: shots that blend kava with kratom follow kratom law. Check our kratom legality by state page and verify your current local law before ordering.

Frequently asked questions

What is a kava shot?

A kava shot is a small ready-to-drink bottle, usually 2 to 4 oz, made with kava root extract and labeled with milligrams of kava extract or kavalactones.

What do the milligrams on a kava shot mean?

Labels list either total kava extract or kavalactones, the measured compounds in kava root. Kavalactone mg is the more direct number to compare between brands.

Are kava shots the same as kava powder?

No. Powder is ground root you prepare yourself; a shot is a pre-mixed liquid extract with a fixed amount per bottle.

Are kava and kratom combo shots legal everywhere?

No. Any shot with kratom follows kratom law, which bans it in some states. Check your state before ordering.

Must be 21 or older to purchase. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Verify your current local law before ordering.

Published by Bedrock Botanicals.