In the rapidly evolving cannabis and hemp beverage space, a handful of standout brands are capturing consumer attention and shelf space alike. As the hemp-derived beverage sector continues its upward climb, retail analysts and consumers alike are zeroing in on which names and products are resonating most. Below is a lively take on some of the current fan favorites and emerging stars.
The hemp and hemp-derived THC beverage category is enjoying a strong growth trajectory, with projected market expansion driven by consumer curiosity, wellness positioning, and a push for alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. In the U.S. especially, hemp-derived THC beverages (those using legal amounts of THC from hemp) are gaining visibility in mainstream retailers.
Brand performance data from Q1 2025 highlights Keef Cola, Uncle Arnie’s, and St. Ides as top sellers. Additional quarterly reports place Sip Elixers and Tonic among the top five best-selling hemp beverage brands.
Top Hemp Beverage Brands & Their Flagship Products
1. Keef Cola
Perhaps the best known in the hemp drinking space, Keef offers sodas and sparkling options infused with hemp-derived THC or CBD. Its cola flavor continues to lead as a crowd favorite. Its widespread availability and brand recognition help it maintain top ranking among hemp drinks.
2. Uncle Arnie’s
Uncle Arnie’s has expanded into hemp-THC and CBD offerings with a focus on root beer, cream soda, and ginger ale formats. It consistently ranks near the top in quarterly brand sales, especially in states with mature markets.
3. St. Ides
Long known as a legacy beverage brand, St. Ides has pivoted into hemp-infused options to stay current. It regularly appears among the top hemp beverage sellers.
4. Sip Elixers
A more niche but growing name, Sip Elixers offers playfully flavored hemp tonics and low-dose THC beverages. Its solid placement among top five sellers indicates it’s winning over adventurous consumers.
5. Cann (THC Tonic line)
Cann is a brand leveraging a cocktail-adjacent image, with hemp-derived THC tonics that come in botanically inspired flavors like lemon lavender. High quality emulsions and upscale packaging help it appeal in premium retail settings.
6. Brēz
A more recent but rapidly rising contender, Brēz offers low-dose “social tonics” blending hemp-derived THC and sometimes mushroom nootropics like lion’s mane. Its branding and early consumer traction have drawn attention from industry watchers.
What Sets the Leaders Apart
Flavor & Experience:
Top brands differentiate themselves via flavor innovation—fruit blends, root beer, cream soda, and herbaceous botanicals—creating a sipping experience more akin to premium sodas or soft cocktails than conventional cannabis products.
Dose Control & Clarity:
Many consumers in this space prioritize predictability and transparency. Leading brands clearly label milligrams of THC and CBD and often employ advanced emulsions to improve consistency.
Retail Visibility & Supply Chains:
Some hemp beverage brands have secured placements in non-cannabis retail venues like spirits stores and beverage shops. The ability to scale distribution and navigate regulatory frameworks is increasingly a competitive differentiator.
Final Thoughts for Retailers & Consumers
In a category still in its infancy, these leading hemp beverage brands are helping define what “drinkable cannabis alternatives” look like. For retailers, stocking strong performers like Keef Cola, Uncle Arnie’s, and Cann provides a solid foundation, while allocating shelf space to rising innovators like Brēz and Sip Elixers can help capture early adopters. On the consumer side, the best options today offer drinkability, trust in dosing, and flavor-forward appeal.
As regulations shift and consumer acceptance grows, the hemp beverage space is poised for dramatic expansion. Those brands that combine great taste, predictable effects, and retail savvy are likely to lead the next wave.
Read More: Millennials, Moderation, and the Rise of Hemp Drinks