Instant Kava Tea Powder Kelai - Volcano Island’s Secret - 12+ Servings - Noble Kava Juice from Epi Island Vanuatu - Stress Release & Mood Support - Non-Habit Forming - Easy Mix 30:1 Concentrate

Kava is an occasionally fickle substance. There are a number of variables in a Kava experience, from storage/seasonality/importation/strain standards to the interaction of the Kavalactones (and their respective concentrations). Indeed, even the respective *mindset* of the Kava drinker can impact the experience. Kava is a social beverage, despite people insisting that it is best used as a sleep aid—it isn't Valerian Root or Chamomile. While it *may* promote restful sleep, I have always found Kava’s soporific effects to be underwhelming.Like the original Kava drinkers in Polynesia and the wider South Pacific, you're best served sharing a shell with a friend or loved one (ideally both are the same).With that said, I want to highlight that Coral Sea is the real deal. If you message him (it is a single-man passion project) on social media, you'll learn that he has an abiding passion for Kava. And he's serious. Before you ask, no, Coral Sea did not pay for this review. I’ve simply been meaning to try Coral Sea’s offerings for a while. By the way, his Instagram profile is a trove for anyone interested in Kava.The first thing I noticed about Coral Sea was the packaging. Finally, it seems like Kava vendors are realizing that the drink has a notable terroir. While there’s a lot of circulating information about Kava’s “bad” taste, I’d liken it to a strong herbal medicine. Indeed, after acclimating to its distinctive combination of acidity and peatiness, someone (like me) can develop an appreciation for its flavor. Among the Kava I’ve tried, Coral Sea’s Instant Kelai has a winning flavor profile. It is inoffensive. I find that the color of Kava can often hint at the upcoming flavor intensity, and Coral Sea’s Kelai falls on the “Manilla Folder” color profile of Kava vis-a-vis the “Brown Water” kind that I typically enjoy. This could be due to the fact that it is instant, but I suspect that the traditional root powder would yield a similar result.This color profile is notable, especially as Vanuatuan Kavas are known for their intensity (in a way that Polynesian ones are not). I’ll quibble with some of the packaging’s taste notes, however, as the Kelai’s taste profile didn’t strictly fit the described categories: “Cashew, Vanilla, Honey, and Cracked Pepper.” As the Kava world develops, I’ll look forward to a standardization of flavor notes/profiles. I wouldn’t volunteer myself (maybe one day!), but there are almost certainly would-be Kava sommeliers out there.Speaking of taste, I’d like to (again) stress Coral Sea as a great option for an introduction to Kava. For many people, the prospect of traditional Kava preparation—with its emphasis on pulverizing rootstock, often with ample contact from human hands—still strikes some as alien, even unsanitary. In this sense, Coral Sea’s Kelai is an excellent alternative. Preparation is simple: pour into a glass and stir. And yet, so much of what makes Kava distinctive is taking that 8-10 minutes and really pulling, pressing, and pounding out your desired Kavalactones. I think this is a matter of preference, but it still comes to mind. It just doesn’t feel *right* to only stirNow, on the subject of my experience. I am an experienced Kava drinker. And that means I’ve sampled more than a few Kavas. As you can see in my earlier review of another brand, I am a believer in Kava’s transformative potential. Alcohol abuse has done a number on our society, especially in the wake of the pandemic. With that said, I struggled to get a strong enough experience with Coral Sea’s Instant Kelai. Granted, I always enjoy my Kava experiences, but the Kelai didn’t have enough of a discernible effect on either my mood or musculoskeletal relaxation (the common distinction between so-called “Heavy” and “Heady” Kavas). A couple of caveats to this: A) I am certain that I didn’t have a “tolerance” (doesn’t exactly work like that with Kava) that would have dampened my experience. In fact, I specifically tried to only dedicate a couple of nights a week to a Kava session. B. Instant Kava is expensive (by necessity), and I could have underdosed. That being said, I think Coral Sea would benefit from separate dose instructions for those who are versed in Kava drinking and culture. The standard range of effects did apply, although. I enjoyed restful sleep and a wave of calm. The effects, however, were a little more fleeting than the ones I’ve had from traditional root powder prep.Overall, I am happy that the Kava space on Amazon hosts more reputable vendors. Kava has incredible transformative potential for growers, providing a valuable cash crop for foreign export. For instance, in places like Vanuatu, Kava is used to pay for school fees, buy vehicles and farm implements, and even provide long-neglected island communities with electricity (whether by grid or local solar generation) and sanitation. I want to underscore how critical Kava is for this purpose: unlike most agricultural commodities grown in the South Pacific, Kava is quite storable and spoilage resistant. If not Kava, then farmers are often left with few options for foreign export. Additionally, Kava is not successfully grown outside Polynesia/Micronesia/The South Pacific. It is the South Pacific’s respective gift to humanity, and, by extension, a lifeline for those who are normally at the bottom rung of the world economy, peripheral islands. If you’re interested in exploring Kava, Coral Sea’s Kelai would be a great introduction. I just do not think the price point is compatible with an experienced Kava drinker.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 StarsPerfect for a Sober Wind-Down Ritual — Delicious in a Tropical Mocktail!I bought this instant kava tea powder to try, and I was pleasantly surprised! As someone who loves creating zero-proof mocktails that support relaxation without the hangover, this kava has earned a place in my evening rotation.I mixed up a Tropical Chill Tonic — and it was so good I had to share the recipe here:🌴 Tropical Chill Tonic (Kava Mocktail)1 serving of instant kava tea (prepared as directed)2 oz pineapple juice0.5 oz fresh lime juiceSplash of maple syrup (optional, for balance)Top with sparkling water or ginger beerServe over ice and garnish with a lime wheel or fresh mintIt tastes like a beachy, calming soda — with no alcohol, no sugar crash, and no synthetic flavors. The kava has a mild, earthy flavor that blends beautifully when paired with tropical fruit and citrus. I felt noticeably more relaxed after sipping it on my back patio at sunset — the perfect end to a busy day.If you’re exploring alcohol-free alternatives that still support a sense of ritual and relaxation, I definitely recommend giving this kava a try. It’s easy to prepare, blends well, and is a great addition to any sober-curious lifestyle.

Here are my initial thoughts:The taste is very smooth and surprisingly pleasant. Also, the numbing effect is faint. I was concerned it wouldn't be effective considering its subtle taste, but was surprised after two servings! Definitely a positive for those who desire the effects of kava without a strong taste. First serving brought a subtle feeling of calm and I could feel my muscles start to relax. Second serving delivered the familiar vanuatu ease and relaxation to the mind and body, and was slightly sedative. It started softly - but noticeably - and lasted around two hours. Im certain that a third serving would have been a great night cap. I drank the kava with a friend, who had a similar experience. We were both surprised by the pleasant taste!I'm not too familiar with instant kava yet I'm very impressed with the product and I think I'll be buying again in the future.

So, I was out of the kava I typically get from Amazon and wanted some to arrive quickly. Saw this had good reviews and I’m familiar with and really like Kelai. The product itself is excellent but I actually thought the price was a promotional from a new vendor; I thought the price was for 0.88 of a POUND (which is cheap, but so am I). I have 20+ yrs. of kava experience and could not conceive of kava being this expensive! (My fault for misreading!)The product itself is excellent but you can search the world over and never find a bigger rip-off! Lesson learned!

Started taking this on Dec 30th every night about two hours before bed. Yes it numbs your throat and nose. Does not taste very good. The 1st night it has the opposite affect, could not fall asleep. Some nights have been better falling asleep but mostly it makes me have a very difficult time falling asleep. I have never had that issue before. I will say I did stay asleep which is good for me and if I did wake up to go to the bathroom I fell right back to sleep. I think I will look for another supplement. I also gained 2 lbs since starting which may or may not be related to this product but in any event no willing to gain anymore.

I really liked this kava. The instructions are very clearly listed with the serving amounts so no confusion. It blends well with most beverages (water, tea, milk, coffee) without leaving nasty clumps. The taste is not as overwhelming as others I have tried, and it does leave a numbness/tingle in mouth and throat. I was pleased with the effectiveness of this product. I felt more relaxed after drinking, and it is so convenient to use.