Runa Clean Energy Drinks
For thousands of years guayusa (gwhy-you-suh) has played a significant role in the lives of indigenous Kichwa families. And it was the Kichwa people who introduced it to the co-founder of RUNA, Tyler Gage. He loved the smooth taste and powerful yet focused energy boost he got from the leaf. Today guayusa is the main ingredient of all RUNA drinks. Each leaf naturally contains caffeine and polyphenols. It’s that unique combination that creates the experience of sustained clarity and focus.
What’s in Store?
- Berry (Sweetened)
- Blood Orange (Unsweetened)
All RUNA drinks taste naturally sweet and smooth. That’s because guayusa is naturally low in tannins. Tannins are what create the bitter taste sometimes associated with tea.
Grown in Rainforest Gardens
The unique “forest gardens” in which guayusa grows are tended to by Kichwa farmers, an indigenous people of the Amazon. So by drinking one simple beverage you are both helping to preserve the rainforest and supporting independent farmers. And that’s just the beginning of what makes the guayusa leaf so incredible.
The Magic is in the Leaves
Guayusa’s biological construct comes with a lot of benefits. One is that the caffeine releases more slowly into your body compared to the coffee. This makes the energy it provides last longer and finish in a smooth landing. Another is the low levels of acidity and tannins, that allow our drinks to have no, or less, sugar and still be sweet.
Fully Alive
To the indigenous Kichwa people guayusa leaves have immense cultural importance and they have been using them to brew tea for thousands of years. Traditionally Kichwa families wake up before dawn and gather around a communal fire to drink guayusa. During this early-morning ritual, community members share dreams, myths, and legends. Hunters also drink guayusa before nighttime hunting trips in order to heighten their senses of awareness and focus.
They describe the effects of guayusa as making them feel “RUNA” which translates to “fully alive.”
About Runa
All RUNA products are Fair Trade Certified™ which means a fair price is paid to the farmers. Additionally, all of the guayusa they produce is certified organic. It’s all a part of why RUNA is a B-Corporation. ‘B’ stands for “Benefit” and it means that Runa has legally-defined goals to have a positive impact on society, workers, the community and the environment.
Guayaki Energy Drinks
Yerba mate (yer-bah mah-tay) is made from the naturally caffeinated and nourishing leaves of the celebrated South American rainforest holly tree (Ilex paraguariensis). Yerba mate has the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate, all in one beverage. Of the six commonly used stimulants in the world: coffee, tea, kola, cocoa, and guarana, yerba mate is balanced and healthful while it stimulates.
Reach deep into yerba mate culture and you’ll discover people have long gathered to imbibe mate to awaken the mind, perform extraordinary feats and to exchange confidences. Even Yari, the mythical goddess of mate, decrees it the symbol of friendship. Come to life with this high energy infusion brewed from the mighty, emerald green mate leaves.
What’s in Store?
- Bluephoria – A euphoric burst of blueberry, elderberry and yerba mate
- Revel Berry – A melodic blend of raspberry, blackberry, hibiscus and yerba mate
- Enlighten Mint – Living up to its name, this blend is enlightening; peppermint, yerba mate and a touch of honey
About Guayakí
The mission of Guayakí is to steward and restore 200,000 acres of South American Atlantic rainforest and create over 1,000 living wage jobs by 2020 by leveraging their Market Driven Regeneration business model. Guayakí has pioneered an innovative business model called Market Driven Regeneration in which Guayakí serves as a bridge linking consumer purchases of healthy yerba mate products in North America with indigenous communities engaged in sustainable agriculture and reforestation projects in Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.
