Drawing inspiration from Elton John, there’s an intriguing feeling as I craft this article. As I write, it feels like it’s brewing into a hit, much like blending ice and tonic water for a refreshing experience.

While I don’t feel bittersweet, there’s an unmistakable sensation—light and lively, akin to the sparkle of synapses firing.

I’m not the first journalist to indulge while working; however, I assure you, the drink beside me is not alcohol. It’s Sentia, a composition developed by pharmacologists and addiction researchers, including Professor David Nutt.

Certified as the future of drinking, Sentia is designed to have a neuroactive effect on those who consume it.

The aim is to replicate the relaxed, social, and carefree feeling associated with one or two alcoholic beverages without the hangovers or addictive qualities, and with minimal calories—double mine.

So how does Sentia work without alcohol or caffeine? The concept involves enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain known as GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid—though after a few drinks, that might be hard to remember).

GABA is often referred to as the brain’s off switch, slowing our neural impulses. The effects can lead to reduced anxiety, mood enhancement, and better sleep.

Stress Relief through Neurotransmitter Support

GABA is naturally present in our bodies and can be obtained through our diets.

There is a debate on whether ingested GABA is actively effective—some researchers are skeptical about its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier—hence, Sentia claims to boost the GABA levels circulating in the brain.

In contrast, herbal blends in the drink are thought to enhance the efficacy of natural GABA in the brain and aid in its absorption in the gut. Currently, peer-reviewed evidence for this is limited.

Researchers from the University of Exeter have conducted brain scans on individuals consuming Sentia, observing brain wave patterns consistent with relaxation and sociability. Nutt also conducts his own research, while Gabalabs, the company making Sentia, funds additional studies.

That GABA influences mood and behavior is hardly controversial. Andrew Scholey, a professor of human psychopharmacology at Northumbria, is not directly associated with Sentia but is well-versed in GABA research.

In a 2023 study, he examined individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and found that GABA levels were lower in those with high anxiety.

“This population showed a significant correlation,” Scholey noted. In another study, Shorey reviewed existing literature on orally ingested GABA and its impact on stress and sleep quality.

Despite mixed findings, he remarked, “there’s an indication that GABA improves sleep quality, which can, in turn, reduce stress.”

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Personal Experience

I’ve been sampling Sentia for a week while tracking my sleep through my Apple Watch. It’s perhaps unsurprising that my device indicated Sentia promotes more and better sleep than alcoholic options.

What’s hard to quantify with wearable technology is the sensation experienced while drinking Sentia. For me, the effect feels subtle—almost too subtle, leading me to wonder if it’s just a placebo effect. Yet, there is something.

After a Sentia, I feel relaxed and satisfied. Scholey points out the challenges in measuring the effects of psychoactive substances.

“Many recreational drugs have distinct felt effects,” he stated, “making it difficult to differentiate between actual psychopharmacological actions and placebo expectations, especially with substances like alcohol.”

Anecdotally, Shorey knows individuals within the psychopharmacology community who have tried Sentia, reporting mixed outcomes—some feel significant effects, while others do not experience any.

I’d say I fall somewhere in between. Regardless of its effectiveness, consuming Sentia is an enjoyable experience. I tried two out of three flavors, each exhibiting complex herbal notes, resembling cocktails rather than typical soft drinks.

Given the rising curiosity about relationships with alcohol, it’s easy to see why products like Sentia spark interest. In the UK, sales of No and Low Alcohol beverages more than doubled in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Sentia isn’t the only brand offering psychoactive effects. Impossibrew, another UK brand, offers non-alcoholic products claiming to help consumers unwind by affecting brain waves.

Scholey also collaborates with ārepa, a New Zealand brand producing “functional” beverages that promote cognitive function.

For Nutt, who understands the substantial long-term and societal damage alcohol can cause, Sentia presents a healthier drinking alternative.

As for me, I remain uncertain about its effectiveness, but I’m open to trying it again if given the opportunity.

Tasting Notes for Sentia

Chandra Sarkar, Doctor | Taste: Sentia Red

“The aroma reminded me of a Christmas candle, but I wasn’t fond of its smoothie-like texture. It didn’t mix well with tonic but was quite enjoyable over ice. After a couple, I certainly felt a light buzz.”

“The effects didn’t last long, but if I were to consume it in the evening, I would take it at my own pace. As a doctor, I recommend ensuring that the herbal ingredients do not interact with any medications.”

Gentian Dema, Law Enforcement | Taste: Sentia Black

“Having avoided alcohol for over two years, I seek refreshment, relaxation, and stress relief when I drink. However, this didn’t align with my preferences.”

“It felt a bit sticky, and my mouth was dry afterward. I had to eat some grapes to clear the taste. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel much at all.”

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