Red Bull versus Slow Cow: relaxation drinks enter Canadian market

Think Bobby McFerrin in a can. Relaxation drinks—the inevitable foils to Red Bull and its energizing ilk—are now on store shelves throughout Canada, promising to keep worry at bay and “ease everyone’s world” for a toonie or two. But are they safe? Health experts are concerned that drinks like Slow Cow, iChill and Drank are not being sold in the right category of products. Most contain such ingredients as the hormone melatonin, valerian root and L-theanine (a common tea ingredient), which could cause impairment while driving. Health Canada remains mum on the precise legal status of the beverages, though it believes they should be regulated as natural health products due to their medicinal components and advertised health claims.

• Relaxation drinks take on the energy market [Globe and Mail]