Founded during lockdown by Charlie Knockton, London-based start-up Happy Inside has created a line of ‘lip smacking’ no-added sugar drinks formulated to boost gut health.
Made from 100% natural ingredients including fruit juices and ‘superpowered botanicals’, the Happy Inside still (‘no bubbles no bloating’) soft drinks are based around the hero ingredient Japanese knotweed, which has traditionally been used to help alleviate gut issues, contributing to the microbiome and providing a rich source of antioxidants.
“Japanese knotweed is a very good source of resveratrol,” says Happy Inside’s resident Registered Nutritional Therapist, Louisa Dobbs. “Not only has resveratrol been proven to be a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, but studies have shown it has positive effects on the composition of our gut microbiome, which is crucial for our health … We want to promote the ‘good’ bacteria for good health and create an environment where they can grow and thrive. We also want to minimize the ‘bad’ bacteria, which is connected to many diseases. Happy Inside is a great alternative to your fizzy pop.”
The gut-friendly refreshments are packaged in recyclable, slimline 250ml cans, and are available in two varieties:
- Lively Lemon, Yuzu & Ginger benefits from vitamin C-rich lemon and the limonene found in the peel of yuzu – a tangy Japanese citrus fruit – which provide antioxidant support, contributing to a healthy immune system and helping reduce inflammation, and ginger to help improve indigestion and decrease bloating.
- Punchy Pomegranate, Lime & Mint combines antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pomegranate juice – which studies have suggested may work as a prebiotic – with mint to relieve gas and bloating, and provide nutrients including iron, magnesium and folate. Acidic limes are also included to help saliva break down food for better digestion and stimulate the secretion of digestive juices.
Happy Inside is donating 1% of all sales to the mental health charity Mind.
