Full-spectrum vs isolate CBD drinks: what’s the difference?

Quick answer

Full-spectrum CBD is a hemp extract that keeps other natural plant compounds alongside the CBD: minor cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC, terpenes, and a trace of THC. CBD isolate is highly purified CBD with everything else taken out. Both are used in UK drinks. Little Rick uses full-spectrum CBD, 32mg in every 330ml can. The isolate drink we checked, Goodrays, uses 10mg of CBD isolate per can.

Last reviewed 7 November 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.

The three types of CBD, side by side

Every CBD extract starts as hemp. What changes is how much of the rest of the plant is kept.

Full-spectrum Broad-spectrum Isolate
What’s in it CBD plus other cannabinoids, terpenes and plant compounds. Our blend contains CBD, CBG and CBC. A full-spectrum extract that has been processed again to take the THC out. Highly purified CBD on its own.
THC A trace amount Reduced as far as the process allows Purified to leave as little as possible
Taste Can carry a light, herbal hemp note In between Neutral
Drug-test risk Higher, because of the trace THC Lower Lowest
UK drinks that say so on their own site Little Rick: 32mg per 330ml can None of the brands we checked Goodrays: 10mg per 330ml can

Not every brand says which type it uses. INTUNE lists 10mg of “CBD botanical extract” per can and Hip Pop’s CBD kombucha lists 15mg of “CBD extract”, without naming the type. SKÏP says its cold-pressed CBD keeps “the full spectrum of cannabinoids” and also calls its drinks “THC-free”. We checked each brand’s own website on 7 November 2026.

Why some people prefer full-spectrum

The case for full-spectrum is the “entourage effect”: the idea that cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than CBD does alone. It was set out in a widely cited 2011 review in the British Journal of Pharmacology. The research is still developing, and no drink can promise you a particular effect.

What we can tell you is what our customers say. In our autumn 2026 survey of 59 UK customers, “how it makes me feel” was picked as the most important thing in an evening drink 62% of the times it was shown, ahead of price, sugar and calories. Reviews say the same in plainer words:

“Been a goodrays drinker for a while,but the flavours are a bit wishy washy as such. I am now a total convert of little rick.”

Kim elaine W., verified buyer, 17 October 2026

“I like you have stuck to good quality drinks. I notice the difference every time.”

Tim C., verified buyer, 17 October 2026

Is full-spectrum CBD legal in the UK?

Yes. Pure CBD is not a controlled drug, but THC is, so the law limits how much THC a CBD product can contain. Under the “exempt product” rule in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, no part of a product may contain more than 1mg of a controlled cannabinoid. The Home Office applies that 1mg to the whole container, not to a dose. It also says it is “nearly impossible” to make CBD without any trace of other controlled cannabinoids, which is why the limit exists for isolates too.

Food law applies on top. In England and Wales, a CBD drink must be on the Food Standards Agency’s list of products linked to a novel food application. The first three CBD ingredients the FSA has recommended for authorisation are a synthetic CBD and two CBD isolates. Little Rick’s four drinks are listed under a separate application, RP-438. Read the full picture in Is CBD legal in the UK?

Full-spectrum CBD and drug tests

Because full-spectrum CBD carries a trace of THC, a Little Rick drink could cause a positive result on a drug test. If you’re tested at work or in sport, an isolate is the lower-risk choice, and you should check your employer’s or sport’s rules. More on this in Does CBD show up on drug tests?

How to tell which one you’re buying

  • Read the extract type. Look for “full-spectrum”, “broad-spectrum” or “isolate” on the can or product page. “CBD extract” on its own doesn’t tell you.
  • Find the mg per can. Some brands give mg per 100ml. Multiply by the can size to compare like for like. See how much CBD is in a can.
  • Open the lab report. A certificate of analysis lists the cannabinoids measured. A full-spectrum result shows more than just CBD. Ours are on our lab results page.
  • Check the FSA register. Search the brand on the FSA’s register of CBD products. If it isn’t there, it shouldn’t be on sale in England and Wales.

What’s in a can of Little Rick

Each 330ml can contains 32mg of full-spectrum CBD, with CBG and CBC, in a sparkling soft drink with no alcohol. There are four flavours: Raspberry Coconut (zero sugar), Raspberry Lemonade, Mint & Lime and Piña. A 12-can pack costs £33.00 (£2.75 a can). For a deeper look at the extract itself, read What is full-spectrum CBD?, or see how we compare with an isolate brand in Little Rick vs Goodrays.

Shop: CBD Drinks Mix Pack · Lab results

Frequently asked questions

Does full-spectrum CBD get you high?

No. A full-spectrum CBD drink contains only a trace of THC, and UK law limits any controlled cannabinoid to 1mg per container. Most people describe Little Rick as calm and relaxing rather than “high”.

Is CBD isolate safer than full-spectrum?

Neither is approved yet: no CBD food has been fully authorised in the UK. The FSA’s advised limit of 10mg of CBD a day was set from data on pure-form CBD (98% or more). Its advice not to use CBD while pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or under 18 applies to every type.

Which is stronger, full-spectrum or isolate?

Strength is the milligrams of CBD per can, not the extract type. A 10mg isolate can and a 10mg full-spectrum can contain the same amount of CBD. Little Rick cans contain 32mg.

Why do some brands say their CBD is “THC-free”?

Isolate and broad-spectrum extracts are processed to remove THC. The Home Office says it is nearly impossible to make CBD with no trace of controlled cannabinoids, so the legal test is the 1mg-per-container limit rather than zero.

Can I see what’s in Little Rick?

Yes. Our lab certificates are on our lab results page, and the ingredients and nutrition for each flavour are on its product page.

Sources