Frequently Asked Questions — Nano Kava & Kavalactones

Nano Kava is a nanoemulsified form of Kava extract with a mean particle size of about 20 nanometers, made with our proprietary NanoOptimizer™ surfactant system and ultrasonic processing. It is a 100% water-dispersible kavalactone nanoemulsion at 30 mg/mL, crystal clear in a finished beverage, and roughly 4–5x more bioavailable than conventional kava powder.

Packaging kavalactones at about 20 nanometers multiplies their surface area, so the body absorbs far more of what you put in — 4–5x conventional kava powder — and you can formulate at roughly a quarter of a conventional dose. It also means crystal-clear formulations with no cloudiness, and an emulsion that stays clear and stays suspended. We achieve this through our partnership with QSonica, the #1 ultrasonic liquid processing equipment manufacturer. Cannasol was the first company to nano-emulsify kava, and has since scaled the process and brought the cost down.

A conventional kava emulsion sits at 200–1,000 nm, so it settles and hazes the beverage. Ours is 100% water-dispersible at about 20 nm: it stays clear, stays suspended, and is absorbed 4–5x better than conventional kava powder. The practical result is a clear drink, a lower dose for the same kavalactone delivery, and minimal kava-characteristic taste.

NanoOptimizer™ is our proprietary blend of food-grade surfactants that encapsulate Kava particles, making them water-dispersible and stable. This system prevents particle re-aggregation, ensures consistent dosing, and allows the nano Kava to remain suspended indefinitely without separation or settling.

The nanoemulsion is roughly 4–5x more bioavailable than conventional kava powder. Packaging the kavalactones at about 20 nanometers multiplies their surface area, so far more of what you put in is absorbed — which is why you can formulate at roughly a quarter of a conventional dose.

Because the nanoemulsion is roughly 4–5x more bioavailable than powder-based kava, conventional kava dosing does not apply. For most social tonics and seltzers we recommend 50–60 mg of kavalactone per serving: 40 mg is a light serving, 50–60 mg is the recommended range, and 75 mg is max strength. At 30 mg/mL that is about 1.33 mL, 1.67–2.00 mL and 2.50 mL of emulsion per serving respectively. We work directly with each client to dial in the dose for their specific product.

Kava has been consumed across Pacific Island cultures for centuries, traditionally served in ceremonial and social settings for its calming and relaxing properties. It has a long history as a community drink — valued for promoting relaxation and social ease. This is traditional and cultural context, not a health claim: we supply the ingredient, and any consumer-facing claims about effects are the brand's to make with their own regulatory guidance.

Kava has been consumed for thousands of years in Pacific Island cultures. Our nano Kava is a root and rhizome extract of Piper methysticum, grown in Vanuatu and CO2 extracted through New Zealand, then nanoemulsified in-house — the same kavalactones, in a more bioavailable form. We use only noble Kava varieties and test for purity and potency. As with any supplement, we recommend following standard Kava safety guidelines and consulting with regulatory experts for your specific market.

Our nano Kava is ideal for: Kava seltzers and sparkling beverages, functional shots and elixirs, RTD (ready-to-drink) relaxation beverages, wellness tonics, mocktails and alcohol alternatives—plus any water-based formulation where you need clear, great-tasting Kava.

No. One of the key benefits of our ~20 nm particle size is crystal-clear formulations. Traditional Kava extracts create cloudy, unappealing beverages. Our nano Kava stays perfectly clear and stable, giving your products a premium, professional appearance.

The nanoemulsion dissolves completely into the beverage with minimal kava-characteristic taste. For brands that want an even cleaner finish, we sell a standalone Bitter Blocker at the best pricing in the industry, and it ships in the same sample box on request.

Nano Kava carries 12+ months of shelf stability when stored properly, and it stays clear and stays suspended the whole time — no settling, no sediment and no "ring around the bottle." The NanoOptimizer™ system prevents particle re-aggregation. Every formulation is different, so validate stability in your own base; that is exactly what the free sample is for.

There is no minimum to get started. Nano Kava is $250 per liter of ~30 mg/mL kavalactone nanoemulsion — our 1,000 L tier, currently extended to every customer to make development easy. That pricing is a promotional tier and is subject to change, so contact us for a written quote.Contact us

Absolutely. Tell us the format you are developing and your target dose, confirm a ship-to address, and the samples, a COA and a particle-size report are with you within a week. Then you start formulating, with support available by phone.

Getting started is simple: (1) Schedule a discovery call with Josh to discuss your product vision, (2) Receive samples to test in your formulations, (3) Work with us to refine your product and dial in the perfect dosage, (4) Place your order and scale production. Josh works directly with every client to ensure your success.

We primarily supply nano Kava as a bulk ingredient for your own branded products. We don't currently offer finished product manufacturing, but we can recommend trusted co-packers and formulators if needed.

A Certificate of Analysis and a particle-size report are supplied with every lot. Our facility follows GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) guidelines, and we test for potency, purity, heavy metals and microbial contamination.

Yes, we exclusively use noble Kava varieties, which are the traditional, safe varieties that have been consumed for centuries. We never use tudei (two-day) Kava or other non-noble varieties that have been associated with adverse effects.

Yes, we provide full documentation including COAs, particle-size reports, specification sheets and safety data. Nano Kava is sold as a bulk ingredient for licensed manufacturers and brand owners, not as a finished consumer product: statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and buyers are responsible for the regulatory status, labeling and substantiation of their finished products. We can work with your regulatory team to ensure you have everything needed in your target markets.