Can Wellness Shots Really Fight Inflammation and Boost Digestion? We Tried 7 Brands to Find Out

When it comes to wellness, we’ve long been told not to look for quick fixes. Crash diets? Hard no. Restrictive cleanses? Definitely not. But perhaps paradoxically, I’ve started diving deep into the world of wellness shots. The moniker is appropriate—like the alcohol-based varietal, wellness shots pack a punch. Of course, the goal is different: these little health boosters are designed to help you feel your best. (Not sure about you, but on me, tequila has the opposite effect… )

Because much of what’s buzzed about in wellness circles happens first online, my interest was piqued when I started seeing influencers downing ounces of various colored liquids in the name of improved immunity and boosted energy. The Reels were all the same: crack open a tiny bottle, tip your head back, swallow, and—contort your face into a pained expression? Yikes. But as an ever-curious, wellness-obsessed writer, I took it upon myself to do the work of answering: are wellness shots worth the hype?

Below, I’m breaking down the what and the why behind the wellness shot trend. Plus, keep scrolling for my review of seven of the top wellness shots available.

Featured image from our interview with Kimberly Snyder by Teal Thomsen.

What are wellness shots?

As I said, the name is apt—wellness shots are small, concentrated drinks (typically two fluid ounces or less) that boast a blended mix of nutrient-packed ingredients. The usual suspects include ginger, turmeric, lemon, and a variety of fruits that deliver antioxidants.

The thought is that incorporating wellness shots into your everyday diet and routine will increase your nutrient consumption. However, as Mara Weber, RD, LD noted in an article for The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, there’s little research to back up these claims.

Of course, consuming good-for-you ingredients is good, but it’s important to note that wellness shots are not meant to replace healthy whole foods. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: when it comes to everything from supplements to smoothies to juices, prioritize consuming foods in their natural, unprocessed state. However, we also understand that in our modern world, sitting down to a meal prepared at home isn’t always possible. When you’re trying to fill in nutrient gaps or your routine needs a little support, wellness shots can be a good choice.

How often should you take a wellness shot?

When it comes to harnessing the power of any wellness practice, consistency is key. Interviewed for The Skimm, Chicago-based nutritionist dietitian May Zhu recommended throwing back a wellness shot every few days to once a week in order to reap the benefits.

The bottom line? Think of wellness shots as an addition to your routine—not as a replacement for a well-balanced diet that puts whole foods front and center.

7 Wellness Shots, Tested and Reviewed

To get a sense of what’s available in the world of wellness shots, I set out to test some of the most popular brands and those just popping up on social media. Below, I share my findings on everything from taste to what’s inside (including the wellness shot I tested for three weeks straight—and can’t get enough of). Keep scrolling to find the wellness shot that’s right for you.

Freshest Flavor: Broc Shot Ginger + Lime

In truth, these wellness shots took a little getting used to. The name is cute and the branding is considered. But before taking my first sip, I couldn’t help but wonder: is this actually going to taste like broccoli? Disclaimer: the first few times you try it, it definitely does. But as the days went on (I took Broc Shot every morning for three weeks), I started to pick up on the other flavors of ginger and lime and actually began to enjoy the routine. Of course, because you’re sipping down just an ounce of liquid, the entire experience lasts a couple of seconds. So really, not a big deal.

A few things I noticed as I wrapped up my three-week-long Broc Shot routine:

My skin was visibly clearer. I’ve been dealing with stubborn hormonal acne around my chin for the first time in my life. After two weeks, the inflammation had gone down and I even had traces of the ever-elusive glow we’re all after.

I was more regular. Truthfully, because wellness shots contain little-to-no fiber (a benefit of eating whole fruits and vegetables), I wasn’t expecting this shift. But now, I can expect regular bowel movements in the morning, every morning. And if you’ve dealt with constipation before, you know how relieving that is. Bloating, buh-bye.

On a final note, out of all the wellness shots I tested, Broc Shot had the most well-designed packaging. With its patented dosing cap, the active powder and filtered water contained in each shot stay separate, keeping the broccoli sprout powder as fresh as possible until you’re ready to take it.

• Serving Size: 1 fl oz
• Calories: 5
• Key Ingredients: Broccoli Sprouts Powder, Organic Evaporated Cane Sugar, Water
• Certified: Non-GMO, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Kosher, Preservative-Free

Most Noticeable Results: So Good So You Detox Coconut Lime Organic Cold-Pressed Probiotic Juice Shot

Because I’ve added spirulina to smoothies in the past and found the flavor hard to tolerate, I was prepared to hate this shot. But the piña colada vibes are totally there. It’s very coconutty, but the rich flavor gets curbed by the sour-sweet kiwifruit and lime. I definitely wouldn’t mind making this a standby in my weekly wellness routine.

As for benefits, this shot is all about setting you up for a reset. I timed my test with a weekend involving drinks and indulgent meals out. Though I was ready to fall asleep immediately following a six-course meal, I took this shot before going to bed. The next morning, I woke up with zero bloat—and yes, zero hangover. While I’d rather rely on healthy habits than solutions for my less-than-virtuous weekends, I will always turn to this shot in a pinch.

• Serving Size: 1.7 fl oz
• Calories: 15
• Key Ingredients: Organic Coconut Water, Lime Juice, Kiwifruit Powder, Blue Spirulina
• Certified: Organic, Preservative-Free, Non-GMO

Best Flavor: Vive Organic Brain + Immunity Wellness Shot

A quick peek into the ingredients list told me that, in terms of taste, this wellness shot would be an easy yes. Assumption, confirmed. Blueberry and pear juice give it a nice sweetness while green tea and ginkgo leaf extract curb the overall flavor with just a touch of bitterness. Because I only tried it once, I’m assuming the effect is placebo, but I did notice a sharper focus as I tackled my morning to-do list.

• Serving Size: 2 fl oz
• Calories: 25
• Key Ingredients: Organic Blueberry Juice, Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Flaxseed Oil Powder, Organic Ginkgo Leaf Extract, Organic Green Tea Extract
• Certified: Organic, Non-GMO

Best for Fighting a Cold: Remedy Organics HEAL Shot

I’ve loved Remedy Organic’s superfood-fueled smoothies and shakes in the past. (I’ve even found their Matcha Fuel to be an energizing morning coffee substitute.) I started taking these shots a few weeks back when I began to feel the subtle symptoms of an oncoming cold. I supplemented my usual preventative measures—plenty of sleep, lemon tea, and soups galore—with one of these shots every morning. Four days in, and my combined efforts seemed to have nipped any sign of sickness in the bud. While I probably can’t attribute this quick and positive turn of events to any one factor, I’m sure this ginger and lemon-fueled shot couldn’t have hurt.

In terms of flavor, out of the entire group, this was the only shot that tasted exactly how I expected. It’s a little spicy (ginger), a little sour (lemon), and a little hot (cayenne), with just the perfect touch of sweetness from the honey. While some find ginger-based wellness shots hard to swallow, I love the quick, energizing burn that wakes up my entire system.

• Serving Size: 2 fl oz
• Calories: 25
• Key Ingredients: Organic Ginger Juice, Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Cayenne Pepper, Organic Honey
• Certified: Organic, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, Soy-Free

Best Immunity-Boosting: Suja Immunity Elderberry Shot

Elderberry is the reigning queen of immune-supporting ingredients. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, it’s been used to prevent illness, fight inflammation, and reduce stress. Sound good? Stock up on this immunity shot.

Dozens of five-star reviews cite improved immunity and a quick bounce-back from illness after making the shot a consistent part of their morning routine. Note: Some reviewers shared that they experienced nausea after taking the shot on an empty stomach. As these shots are designed to take any time of day, the brand recommends starting slowly and adjusting your routine as needed.

• Serving Size: 2 fl oz
• Calories: 20
• Key Ingredients: Organic Chamomile Tea, Organic Blueberry Puree, Organic Elderberry Extract, Organic Turmeric Juice
• Certified: Organic, Non-GMO, Cold-Pressed

Best for Beginners: Elixir Shots Coco Radiance Cacao Wellness Shot

This was the first shot I saw that departed from the fruit/ginger formula. Among nutrient-packed ingredients like peppermint and cacao and oat milk and coconut for creaminess, this shot features lion’s mane—a functional mushroom. Lion’s mane contains bioactive substances that do everything from protecting against cognitive decline to boosting the immune system to relieving mild depression and anxiety. Compared to other energy beverages on the market, this shot provides not only a clean, sustained source of energy (re: zero jitters) but it also boosts mood and offers greater mental clarity. If you haven’t yet kicked your Celsius habit, this might just do it.

• Serving Size: 2 fl oz
• Calories: 50
• Key Ingredients: Cacao, Oat Milk, Lions Mane, Coconut, Peppermint
• Certified: Organic, Cold-Pressed

Best for Workout Recovery: Splendid Spoon Recovery Shot

A favorite in the delivery, ready-to-eat space, Splendid Spoon does more than smoothies, soups, and grain bowls. Their wellness shots are slightly larger than the other options on this list (corresponding to also being one of the most expensive). With a blend of watermelon, beets, and cherries, this shot is a great pick pre- or post-workout. Relieve muscle soreness, boost blood flow, and get ready to go into your next class or routine feeling refreshed.

• Serving Size: 3 fl oz
• Calories: 25
• Key Ingredients: Watermelon Juice, Cherry Juice, Beet Juice, Lemon Juice, Ginger Juice
• Certified: Information not available