Bumblezest Drinks - healthy shots of goodness which you have to try!

Long time, no post! It’s been a busy few weeks and I can’t wait to share some of the details of my NYC trip with you all soon.

Today I’m focusing on a fab British brand, founded just up the road from me, in Battersea: Bumblezest.

Bumblezest produces a range of 5 healthy shot drinks packed with nutrients to support the body and enhance wellbeing. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to try out the full selection of flavours at the end of April.

Each of the 5 shots come in a 90ml recyclable glass bottles and are designed to be consumed on the go (though all can be diluted with water if so desired.) 3 in the range are completely vegan and 2 are not, using a drop of honey for sweetness. The honey used is ethically produced, from British hives where some of that precious honey is left behind to sustain the bee colony through the winter.

I’m not a calorie counter, but it may be useful for some to note that each flavour contains only 45Cals or fewer. All are gluten & nut-free and contain no GMO ingredients.

The 5 shot flavours are:

Propel & Protect: Matcha – Ginseng – Moringa (Vegan)

I tried this one out before a Vinyasa yoga class as all the main ingredients contain stamina, concentration and endurance enhancing nutrients. I felt calmer and more focused than normal, especially through the balance section which is never a strong point for me, so the reduction in wobbles was a plus. Matcha and Moringa are stuffed with antioxidants which help to guard against cell-damaging free radicals and inflammation. The flavour was delicious, invigorating and strong without being overpowering.

Nourish & Nurture: Cacao – Maca – Collagen (Non-Vegan)

I know not everyone is on board with the taste of maca but as someone who enjoys it, I found the flavour of this drink pleasant. There is a subtle chocolate element due to the cacao – a great source of magnesium so a perfect ingredient for avoiding post-workout muscle tension – this was an after yoga drink for me. Both maca and cacao are supposed to have positive effects on mood and energy and can even improve libido. The marine collagen helps to stimulate the stores which we already have within the body, promoting healthy hair, skin and fingernails. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties and is great for keeping the joints supple.

Calm & Comfort: Chamomile – Lavender – Spirulina (Vegan)

Chamomile tea has long been a go-to home remedy when I’m having sleep issues or struggling with anxiety. I was excited to see it here in combination with lavender & spirulina – a regular smoothie addition for me. Even the smell of this drink was relaxing so it doubled up as aromatherapy! I tried this in the evening and drifted off into quality slumber swiftly. I can often get distracted by my thoughts but it was a lot easier to clear my mind and meditate before dozing off. Spirulina is stuffed with nutrients including Iron, B vitamins & vitamin K. All vital for the proper function of the body. B6, in particular, is helpful for sleep and mood as it’s involved in seratonin production.

Detox & Defend: Apple Cider Vinegar – Milk Thistle – Charcoal (Vegan)

This is the only one which would have benefitted from dilution. The flavour of the Apple Cider Vinegar comes through strong and I’m yet to train myself to be able to handle it. I took this one on the plane to NYC with me as I tend to struggle with sluggish digestion in flight. ACV stimulates the digestive juices and helps to aid in mineral absorption. Charcoal captures and flushes out nasty toxins within the body and milk thistle supports liver function which was handy before all the cocktails I consumed over the following couple of weeks. I did feel less bloated and sluggish mid-flight than I might normally. This is meant to be a great hangover cure but I doubt that I’d be able to handle the taste.

Revive & Restore: Ginger – Turmeric – Collagen (Non-Vegan)

Last but not least as this was my favourite of all 5! The combination of ginger & turmeric gives this shot a zingy and invigorating flavour. I sipped on this through my Wednesday morning Anatomy & Physiology class – I’m not a natural early bird, it can take me a while to get going in the AM; the taste of this woke me up and kicked me into the concentration groove a lot faster than coffee. Ginger & turmeric both have strong anti-inflammatory properties aiding joint health and they can boost the immune system and help fend off pesky colds. I should have indulged in more of these as I’m currently writing wrapped in the duvet, snuffling. Again this shot contains a dose of collagen to keep skin supple and stave off wrinkles.

I would highly recommend these to anyone looking for something nutrient dense which they can consume on the go.

Of course, make sure to use only in addition to a balanced diet & if you have any concerns in that area please see a qualified, professional nutritionist or dietician!