# Calming Non-Alcoholic Spirits Gaba Spirits Mimics the Feel-Good Effects of Alcohol By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-01-05 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaba-spirits References: [thespiritsbusiness](https://www.thespiritsbusiness.com/2023/01/scientists-create-new-category-of-non-alcoholic-spirit/) & [sentiaspirits](https://sentiaspirits.com/en-de/products/sentia-50cl-x-6-alcohol-free-drinks)  [Gaba Labs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaba-labs), leverages the expertise of a team of scientists and professor of neuropsychopharmacology David Nutt, to create a new category of non-alcoholic "spirit" with Gaba Spirits that mimics the feel-good effects of alcohol. Specifically, scientists have found that by targeting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system in the brain, a calming effect is produced. Nutt told [The Spirits Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/low-abv-gin), “Gaba is the fundamental neurotransmitter in the brain, and it turns out that the most of the desired effects of alcohol by [the majority of] people are mediated through Gaba.” In terms of taste, [SENTIA Red](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moodenhancing-spirits) is said to have heady floral aromatics and bittersweet spiced berries for a refined adult experience without the downsides of drinking. Ingredients in the product include agave syrup, blackberry concentrate and botanical extracts like ashwagandha, passion flower and rose. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 14% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Non-alcoholic Spirits:** Gaba Labs creates a new category of non-alcoholic 'spirit' with Gaba Spirits that mimics the feel-good effects of alcohol. - **Targeting the GABA System in the Brain:** By targeting the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system in the brain, a calming effect is produced, which is now being harnessed outside of alcohol consumption. - **Botanical Extracts in Non-alcoholic Beverages:** Gaba Spirits includes botanical extracts like ashwagandha, passion flower, and rose, signaling an opportunity for more non-alcoholic beverages to incorporate herbs and botanicals for added wellness benefits. ### Who This Affects Most - **Alcohol-free Beverages:** Gaba Spirits opens up a new category of non-alcoholic 'spirits' in the beverage industry. - **Neuropharmacology Research:** The successful application of targeting the GABA system for the purposes of creating calming effects and feelings of wellbeing may signal an opportunity for neuropharmacology research. - **Natural Health and Wellness:** Botanical extracts in non-alcoholic beverages may pave the way for more natural health and wellness options in the food and beverage industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Mindful Alcohol-Free Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gaba-labs.md) - [Botanical-Based Mood-Enhancing Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moodenhancing-spirits.md) - [Dry January Enhancing Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sentia-spirits.md) - [Functional Alcohol-Free Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bonbuz.md) - [Alcohol-Free Unwind Supplements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sun-chaser.md) - [Non-Alcoholic Terpene Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terps-co.md) - [Functional Non-Alcoholic Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aplos.md) - [Non-Alcoholic Functional Spirits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/functional-spirits.md) - [Functional Terpene Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/buuz.md)