CBD Drinks vs. CBD Oil?

Standing in front of a CBD shelf can feel oddly stressful. Bottles with droppers, CBD capsules in tubs, and drinks in colourful cans that look suspiciously fun.

You want calm, better sleep, or a way to switch off after work, but the format alone feels like a decision you can mess up.

We get it. CBD drinks and CBD oil both work, but they work differently in real life. 

The difference most people miss is not strength. It is taste, routine, social comfort, and how easily you stick with it long term.

So let’s break down CBD drinks vs. CBD oil properly.

Quick Comparison - CBD Drinks vs CBD Oil

Both CBD drinks and CBD oil come from the same source, the hemp plant, which is a legal variety of the cannabis plant in the UK. The difference lies in how you consume them and how they fit into daily life.

What Are CBD Drinks?

CBD drinks are ready-to-drink beverages infused with CBD, designed to be consumed like a soft drink rather than a supplement.

In the UK, most CBD drinks contain between 10mg and 30mg of CBD per can. They're often made using CBD isolate, which strips away other naturally occurring cannabinoids.

Little Rick does things differently. Our UK cans contain 32mg of full spectrum CBD, along with minor cannabinoids like CBG and CBC and natural terpenes. That matters because these compounds work together, a concept often called the entourage effect.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a concentrated extract blended into a carrier oil, usually MCT or hemp seed oil. Most people take it under the tongue, holding it there for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. This allows some CBD to be absorbed through the mouth tissues before entering the digestive system.

CBD oils come in different types. CBD isolate contains only CBD. Broad spectrum CBD contains multiple cannabinoids but no THC. Full spectrum CBD contains a wider range of plant compounds, including trace cannabinoids, while staying within UK legal limits.

Absorption and Onset - Which Works Faster?

CBD oil often feels faster because of sublingual absorption. Some CBD enters the bloodstream directly through tissues under the tongue, while the rest passes through the digestive system.

CBD drinks rely more on digestion, which means the onset can feel slower but steadier. In practice, this difference is not dramatic for most people.

Cannabis research supports this idea. One review found that CBD absorption varies widely depending on food intake, metabolism, and formulation, making consistency more important than speed alone.

Taste, Texture, and Enjoyment

Taste is where many people quietly quit CBD oil. Even high quality oil has a bitter, grassy profile that not everyone enjoys. Some tolerate it. Many do not.

CBD drinks remove that barrier completely. They turn consuming CBD into a pleasant ritual instead of a chore. Flavour masking, carbonation, and real fruit juice all help make the experience feel normal and enjoyable.

This matters more than it sounds. A product you enjoy is one you keep using. That is why many people switch to drinks after trying oil first.

Our Mint and Lime is crisp and fresh, while Raspberry Coconut leans smooth and soft. Taste is not a side benefit. It is the point.

Dosing and Control

CBD oil gives you control. You can take smaller or larger amounts depending on your needs, which appeals to people who like precision or use CBD as part of a structured routine.

CBD drinks take the thinking out of it. One can equals one dose. That makes them beginner-friendly and reduces the risk of taking too much by accident. For people new to consuming CBD, this simplicity builds confidence.

Each Little Rick can contains 32mg of CBD, clearly stated, with consistent CBD concentrations from batch to batch.

Lifestyle and Social Use

CBD drinks shine in social settings. They work as an alcohol alternative without awkward explanations or droppers at the table. In the UK, alcohol reduction has grown steadily, with surveys showing younger adults increasingly choosing non alcoholic beverages for social occasions.

CBD oil, by contrast, fits better into private routines. Morning rituals. Evening wind down. It is less something you share and more something you manage.

If you want a social calm that fits into dinner, a walk, or a quiet evening with friends, drinks win. If you want a strict daily supplement routine, oil may suit you better.

Which Is Better for Stress, Focus, or Relaxation?

CBD is not medicine, and we avoid medical claims. That said, people use CBD for unwinding, wellness, and even for focus.

A World Health Organization review found that CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal observed reduced anxiety scores in adults taking CBD daily, although researchers stressed the need for larger trials.

Safety, Legality, and UK Regulations

In the UK, CBD food products are classed as novel foods. The Food Standards Agency confirmed this in 2019 and now maintains a public list of products linked to valid applications. Only compliant CBD products should be sold.

CBD Drinks vs CBD Oil - Pros and Cons

CBD Drinks

Pros

• Easy to drink

• Pleasant flavours

• Fixed, simple dosing

• Social friendly

• Alcohol alternative

Cons

• Bulkier storage

• Slower onset for some

CBD Oil

Pros

• Precise dosing control

• Compact bottle

• Faster sublingual onset

• Flexible daily use

Cons

• Strong earthy taste

• Awkward in public

Which Should You Choose?

If you are new to CBD, CBD drinks are often the easiest starting point. If you want social relaxation or an alcohol alternative, drinks fit better. If you already know your dose and prefer precision, oil may suit you more.

There is no wrong choice. Only the choice you actually stick with.

Do Little Rick CBD Drinks Replace CBD Oil?

For many people, yes. Our drinks deliver full spectrum CBD in a format that feels like a treat, not a supplement. We craft our blend in-house, use real fruit juice, and produce in small batches so quality stays tight. If you want to explore flavours, the Little Rick Mix Pack is a solid place to start.

FAQ

Are CBD drinks stronger than CBD oil?

They can be per serving, but oil allows a higher total intake if adjusted carefully.

Do CBD drinks work as well as oil?

For many people, yes, especially when used consistently.

Can you take CBD oil and drinks together?

Some do, but total intake matters. Speak with a healthcare professional if unsure.

Which lasts longer, CBD oil or drinks?

Both can last several hours. Effects vary by person and context.

Are CBD drinks legal in the UK?

Yes, when compliant with UK novel food rules and THC limits.