How to Choose the Best Kava for You
Choosing the best kava for your needs can feel challenging, especially if you don’t know where to start. Between the different products, varieties, and grind sizes, you may feel overwhelmed by the options, which is the last thing kava should make you feel! Kava is all about relaxation, and a few simple questions can make the selection process simple.
- Why and when do you want to drink kava?
- What kinds of effects do you want to experience?
- Do you know what type of kava product you want?
- Do you know the reputation of your kava vendor?
Below, we’ll dive into the details of how these questions can help you select the best kava for your needs.
First, let’s explore some of the basics about kava to start you off down the right relaxation path.
About Kava: The Basics
Kava is a small shrub grown in the Pacific Islands, mainly Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, and Hawaii. Centuries ago, the locals on these islands discovered kava’s natural relaxation properties when they ground up the root, steeped it, and consumed it as a type of “tea” beverage. Kava quickly became the drink for socialization, religious ceremonies, and medicinal purposes.
Now, the love of kava has spread across the world, with kava products appearing on the shelves and kava bars replacing your neighborhood pub. Kava has become the modern hit beverage for relaxation. The active ingredients in kava—kavalactones—interact with the limbic system of the brain, helping to naturally soothe your body into a state of relaxation. Our customers commonly drink kava to help calm their mind, keep stress at bay, and soothe them into a gentle sleepy state. Kava can even help you feel happier, put you in a better mood, and offer a natural alternative to alcoholic beverages for social relaxation.
Have more questions about the ins-and-outs of kava? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Kava.
How to Buy the Best Kava for Your Relaxation Needs
So, how can you tell what types of relaxation effects you will get? It all depends on the variety and product you select. Here’s our step-by-step guide for how you can easily choose the best kava products for your relaxation dreams. Answer the following questions, and you’ll be on the road to relaxation:
1. Why and When Do You Want to Drink Kava?
Why you want to drink kava and when you intend to have it are closely related, because kava strains can be broadly categorized by the kind of experience they provide. First, decide whether you need a “heady,” “heavy,” or “balanced” kava variety.
What are Heady, Heavy, and Balanced Kavas?
- Heady kavas – Great for daytime use as they make you feel more energetic, uplifted, and euphoric A heady kava can enhance your mood and focus without causing drowsiness, making it ideal for socializing or staying productive while relaxed.
- Heavy kavas – Best for evening or nighttime use, since they are more likely to deeply relax your body and make you feel a little sleepy. Heavy kavas have stronger sedating qualities that can help ease you into sleep or simply unwind at the end of the day.
- Balanced kavas – These fall in between heady and heavy, providing moderate effects that are good for anytime. A balanced kava gives you a bit of mental calm and physical relaxation without being overly energizing or overly sedating.
When shopping, closely read product descriptions to see how a given kava is classified (heady, heavy, or balanced) and when it’s best enjoyed (day vs. night). With over 100 known kava cultivars (varieties) out there, each with slightly different effects, finding your favorite can take some personal experimentation. If you’re new to kava, a sampler can help you discover what you like. (For example, our Kava Sample Packs are designed to let first-timers try a range of kava types.)
Double-Check the Chemotype and Type of Kava
Another factor that can help you choose the best kava is understanding kava’s chemotype and the difference between “noble” and “tudei” kava varieties. These aspects relate to kava’s chemistry and quality, and they can influence the effects you experience:
Chemotypes: Every kava cultivar has a chemotype, which is a six-digit sequence representing the concentrations of the six main kavalactones (active compounds) in that kava. Reading a chemotype can give you insight into the kava’s effects. For example, kavain is represented by the number 4, and it’s known for promoting elevated mood and clear-headed energy. If a chemotype starts with 4 (meaning kavain is the dominant compound), that kava is likely to be more heady and uplifting. On the other hand, the numbers 2 and 5 represent dihydrokavain (DHK) and dihydromethysticin (DHM), which are associated with heavier, more sedating effects. If you see 2 or 5 among the first three numbers of a chemotype, that variety tends to be heavy and more likely to make you sleepy. (Learn more about the science behind kava’s calming effects in our article.)
Noble vs. Tudei Kava: Chemotypes can also reveal whether a kava is “noble” or “tudei.” Noble kavas are the types traditionally consumed for their pleasant effects and are generally considered higher quality. Tudei kavas (from the word “two-day”) are varieties known to sometimes cause lingering side effects. A quick chemotype clue: if the first number in the chemotype is 5 (DHM), it’s almost guaranteed to be a tudei kava. Drinking a tudei kava can lead to lethargy and a hangover-like grogginess that lasts into the next day (or even the second day), so it’s usually best to avoid tudei varieties. Always opt for noble kava when choosing your kava product. All the kava that Kalm with Kava sells, for example, is high-quality, lab-tested noble kava. (You can read more about the differences in our “Noble Kava vs Tudei Kava” guide.)
Knowing a bit about chemotypes can further refine your choice (especially if you’re comparing detailed product specs), and sticking with noble kava will ensure a smoother, more reliable experience without unwelcome after-effects.
2. What Kinds of Effects Do You Want to Experience?
Each kava variety we carry has a distinct effect profile, making it easier to find the perfect match for your lifestyle, stress level, and time of day. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of every kava we offer, grouped by effect type and drinking occasion.
Heady Kavas (Best for Daytime, Uplifting, Social)
Pouni Ono (Tonga)
A customer favorite for a reason. Pouni Ono is our go-to for daytime or social relaxation. It delivers happy, uplifting effects without making you tired—ideal for easing stress while staying productive or hanging out with friends. It’s also known for its light, approachable taste, making it one of the easiest kavas to drink.
Samoan Ava (Samoa)
Samoan Ava offers a smooth, light taste similar to Pouni Ono. It promotes clarity and calm without strong sedative effects, making it a great heady kava for relaxing during the day without feeling sleepy.
Balanced Kavas (Flexible for Day or Evening)
Loa Waka® (Fiji)
Loa Waka® is the strongest kava we carry and offers a well-rounded experience. In small servings, it feels heady and energizing—great for tackling your day. In larger servings, it takes on heavier, more grounding effects, perfect for winding down.
Borogu (Vanuatu)
One of the most widely consumed kavas in Vanuatu, Borogu starts off with a gentle, heady lift and transitions into a deeper calm. Best enjoyed in the afternoon or early evening, especially if you want to stay present but ease into relaxation.
House Blend
This proprietary blend combines several noble varieties to create a smooth, versatile experience. Designed for anytime use, it balances relaxation and clarity—making it a reliable daily kava for newcomers and regulars alike.
Heavy Kavas (Best for Evening, Deep Relaxation, Sleep)
Borongoru® (Vanuatu)
Looking for stress relief after a long day or help getting better sleep? Borongoru® is a heavy kava known for its full-body relaxation. It’s one of our top recommendations for evening use and is frequently used as a natural sleep aid.
Melomelo (Vanuatu)
True to its name, Melomelo is mellow and deeply calming. Great for easing anxiety and mental chatter, this heavy kava is perfect for evening sipping when you’re ready to sink into the couch or prepare for bed.
3. Do You Know What Type of Kava Product You Want?
Where and how you want to drink kava plays a big role in choosing the right product. Whether you’re looking for a traditional kava preparation at home or a quick, travel-friendly way to relax, Kalm with Kava offers a variety of options to match your routine, lifestyle, and taste preferences.
Medium Grind Kava: This is kava in its most traditional form. It requires a muslin strainer bag, a bowl of water, and kneading by hand to extract the kavalactones into a tea. Because of the prep time, medium grind is ideal for unwinding at home. For a simpler setup, try our Kalm Pouch—a grab-and-go kit with everything you need to brew kava the old-school way.
Micronized Kava: Micronized kava is finely ground and easy to mix—no straining required. Just stir 2–4 teaspoons into water, juice, or smoothies. It’s great for busy days or travel, and many customers love the smoother taste when paired with fruit juice. It delivers a strong experience similar to medium grind, but with faster prep.
Kava Concentrate: Our kava concentrate is crafted with the help of nutritionists and food scientists to deliver a smooth-tasting drink you can mix in seconds. Just add water—no brewing, no straining. It’s a top pick for travel, especially among nervous flyers who want a calming sip before takeoff. Available in tasty flavors, it’s our easiest entry point for new kava drinkers.
Instant Kava: Instant kava dissolves in water—no blending or straining needed. It’s a great all-around option that balances convenience and strength. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a smooth kava experience without the earthy texture of traditional prep.
Kava Gummies: Our extract-based Kava Gummies are easy to dose, tasty to chew, and discreet enough for daily use. They offer a consistent, mild experience and are a great choice for anyone new to kava or looking for an alcohol alternative in a bite-sized form.
NobleNano™ Kava Extract: This is kava in its most concentrated form. Our extract drops are ideal for those who want fast-acting effects in small servings. A few drops go a long way—perfect for dialing in your ideal dose or stacking with other kava formats.
Kava Seltzer: Our kava seltzer delivers relaxation in a light, bubbly format. These flavored, low-dose drinks are perfect for social events or winding down without alcohol. Great chilled and ready to pop open anytime you need to unwind without the fuss. Available in Tropical, Fuji Apple, and Cola flavors.
4. Do You Know the Reputation of Your Kava Vendor?
No matter which type of kava you decide on, an important final step is to buy from a reputable vendor. The quality and freshness of kava can greatly impact its effects. A trustworthy vendor will sell high-quality Noble kava and provide information about their products (such as origin, how it’s processed, and possibly lab testing for purity).
Before trying kava for the first time, it’s wise to read product reviews and customer testimonials. These can give you insight into the potency and experience others have had with that vendor’s kava. Remember, quality does matter for both effectiveness and safety. (To learn more about Kalm with Kava’s dedication to quality and freshness, check out our About Us and our Kalm Standards.)
Need a Little Help Choosing? Try Our Kava Quiz!
Still wondering which is the best kava for you? Try out our handy quick selection tool. After answering a few questions, you will be matched with a kava product that matches your specific relaxation needs.
Ready to Relax? Shop Kava Today
The world of kava has something for everyone, whether you’re seeking a daytime mood boost or nighttime tranquility. With the right kava in hand, you’ll be able to enjoy its calming benefits to the fullest. Ready to find your perfect kava? Browse our range of premium kava products and buy kava online today.