How to Formulate Hemp-Based Products: A Guide for Wellness Brands

Hemp-based beverages are no longer just a novelty — they’re becoming a staple in the world of functional drinks.

What started with CBD-infused waters and teas has expanded into a fast-growing category that includes Delta-9 beverages — offering consumers a mild, controlled, and social way to relax without alcohol.

The most popular hemp-based drinks help people unwind after a busy day, promote focus and creativity, support recovery, and enhance mood — all in convenient, ready-to-drink formats.

As health-minded consumers seek alternatives to alcohol and traditional energy drinks, they’re gravitating toward products that deliver gentle effects, taste great, and fit seamlessly into their lifestyles.

And while big beverage brands are starting to explore everything hemp-based from CBD to Delta-9 drinks, the market still holds tremendous opportunity for innovative new brands to differentiate themselves.

This guide is for beverage entrepreneurs and established brands who want to create hemp-based beverages that consumers are excited to try — and come back for again and again.

By the end, you’ll know what goes into formulating a compliant, great-tasting hemp-based drink that holds its own in a competitive and evolving marketplace.

Why Are Hemp-Based Drinks So Popular?

The CBD beverage market is experiencing rapid growth. But beyond CBD, Delta-9 beverages are making waves in the industry as well, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill, which allows hemp-derived Delta-9 in concentrations below 0.3% on a dry weight basis. This legal pathway has opened doors for brands to develop low-dose Delta-9 drinks that offer mild euphoria, relaxation, and wellness benefits — often referred to as the “light cannabis” or “sessionable THC” market.

Consumers are turning to hemp-based beverages for:

• Stress relief and calm

• Improved focus and mood

• Social relaxation (without alcohol)

• Better sleep and recovery

Key Steps in Formulating Hemp-Based and Delta-9 Drinks

1. Ingredient Selection

The right hemp-derived ingredients make all the difference. Your formulation may include:

• CBD isolate or broad-spectrum extract for non-intoxicating wellness benefits

• Hemp-derived Delta-9 THC distillate or nano-emulsion for legal, low-dose psychoactive effects

• Botanical blends (such as adaptogens and functional herbs) to enhance the product’s positioning

We help brands source high-quality, compliant hemp extracts with third-party testing for purity and potency.

2. Solubility and Bioavailability

CBD and Delta-9 THC are naturally oil-soluble, making proper emulsification critical for beverage applications. Using advanced nano-emulsification technology is necessary to ensure ingredients stay evenly dispersed, enhance absorption, and maintain a clear, shelf-stable product. Learn more about beverage formulation best practices in our guide: How to Formulate Functional Beverages.

3. Flavor Development

Hemp-derived extracts and cannabinoids often carry earthy, bitter, or resinous notes. We work with brands to develop custom flavor systems and masking techniques that make hemp beverages enjoyable and craveable.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Formulating Delta-9 drinks requires precise measurement and compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill, ensuring each serving remains under 0.3% Delta-9 THC by dry weight. In addition, each state has its own regulatory considerations for selling and distributing Delta-9 beverages. For updates on regulatory changes, refer to Hemp Industry Daily.

5. Stability and Testing

Proper stability and shelf-life testing ensures cannabinoids remain active and effective throughout the product's life cycle. Brands must establish robust testing protocols for potency, microbial contamination, heavy metals, and residual solvents, critical for both CBD and Delta-9 beverages.

What Types of Hemp-Based Products Can You Create?

At BevNutra, we help brands develop:

• CBD sparkling waters and seltzers

• Hemp-infused functional shots

• Low-dose Delta-9 THC beverages (“sessionable THC” drinks)

• Hemp-based mocktails and social tonics

• Recovery beverages combining CBD, electrolytes, and adaptogens

• CBD teas and wellness elixirs

Best Practices for Hemp and Delta-9 Beverage Formulation

✔ Understand your target market — Are you creating a relaxation beverage for professionals, a post-workout recovery drink, or a social beverage for the alcohol-alternative crowd?

✔ Work with verified suppliers — Only use hemp-derived cannabinoids from reputable suppliers with full COAs.

✔ Be transparent and compliant — Label your product accurately and follow state and federal guidelines.

✔ Focus on taste and experience — Especially for Delta-9 drinks, balance functionality with great flavor and a pleasant “sessionable” dose.

✔ Start low, go slow — Delta-9 beverages often contain between 2-5 mg THC per serving, designed for mild effects.

Ready to Launch Your Hemp or Delta-9 Drink?

The market for CBD and Delta-9 beverages is only just beginning, and there’s plenty of room for brands that prioritize quality, compliance, and innovation. At BevNutra, we specialize in hemp-based drink formulation, flavor development, and manufacturing guidance.

Contact us today to discuss your hemp beverage project and learn how we can help bring your vision to market.