The Relaxing Soda: Where Soda Meets Supplement

At 27, Matt Moody is shunning the corporate existence and instead tackling distribution without a middle man. The young Colorado-based entrepreneur moved out west from his native Kansas to work for supplement maker Corr-Jensen. After creating supplements and learning about the business, he started fundraising from friends and family and created what he named Mary Jane’s Relaxing Soda. As with many entrepreneurs with private backers, the struggle is growing the business while friends and family expect a return on investment in just one year. But, preliminary data shows this product has legs and Moody is staying small and keeping to a tight budget.

There’s no doubt a name Mary Jane will surely attract attention, but, this product is not just controversial by name. The main ingredient is a sort of underground phenomenon among the supplement-taking Americans trying to eat healthier foods and limit the amount of medicine ingested. But, a stressful life requires some help and for those that trust herbs, Kava Kava is one choice. This is where the controversy comes in.

Years ago, the FDA issued a warning about Kava Kava and potential liver damage. It has yet to issue an update, but many in the supplement sector say when taken in moderation, and not in conjunction with liquor, it is fine. The jury is still out, but for some it is quite effective. As such, Moody has created a healthier alternative to the high fructose corn syrup laden sodas and added a relaxing supplement. After mixing, he had a biochemist review the formula.

The Kava Kava he uses is sourced from the Polynesian island of Vanuatu. In addition to the herb and cane sugar, the soda also has passionflower extract and caramel color. At 180 calories and 48 grams of sugar, one may wonder if this is any better than the household names on in vending machines. But, cane sugar in its natural form is likely to have a lower glycemic index than high fructose corn syrup. However, the flavor of cane sugar instead of its chemically-formulated counterparts takes some getting used to. The soda is best served over ice, and possibly with a slice of lemon. We’ve accepted it as the perfect 3 p.m. beverage, when you are anxious at your desk, not necessarily hungry, but looking for something exciting and relaxing.

Furthermore, we love the brand because its founder is an ethical entrepreneur hoping to bypass some big boxes and a distribution deal with giant UNFI, to maintain control over where it ends up. And, it seems he is not alone. The new trend with independent food and beverage companies is to bypass the middle man–the distributor and/or ingredients broker–and set up retail deals themselves.

In the case of food and supplement companies sourcing products from various nations, often poor, control over distribution and sourcing of ingredients, which is usually handled by brokers, can impact the lives of many. Setting up sourcing themselves, rather than through a broker, can prevent bidding wars and help ensure farmers get a better, more fair wage.

In Moody’s case, this is to ensure it does not end up at retailers he does not respect. This is why he and some others are exploring distribution at places such as 7-eleven. The benefits lies in the control an owner maintains over where his or her product is sold, and as Moody explained, the ability to appeal to a different retail end, since the drugstores and convenience marts are often supplied by the tobacco and candy distributors.

For now, Moody is working on getting distribution in New York, where tests showed that Gotham was very interested in the soda. In the future, however, he aims to expand the brand and possibly transition outside food, as well as creating products in different forms, such as low-carb and with different sweeteners.

Mary Jane’s relaxing soda has a suggest retail price of $2.49 and a four-pack sells for $11. Click here to learn more about the product or to place an order.

Note: The product mentioned is not meant to prevent, cure or treat any disease. Consult a doctor before consuming if you are pregnant or nursing, on any other medications, or are allergic to pepper. Mary Jane’s Relaxing Soda label also recommends use for those 18 or older.