I grabbed a box of Nectar Essential Daily Calm because my stress levels had been creeping up, work was intense, sleep was sketchy, and I needed something natural to “take the edge off” without turning to sedatives. I hoped this drink mix could be a gentle, daily reset. After trying it for a few weeks, I’ve got thoughts.
What Is Nectar Essential Daily Hydration?
Nectar Essential Daily Calm is a powdered drink supplement designed to support relaxation, reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels, and promote better sleep and recovery. It comes in single-serve packets that you mix into water. According to Nectar, it’s formulated by doctors and nutritionists using clinically studied ingredients to help you feel calmer without using sedatives. 
Why I Tried It
I was looking for a non-pharmaceutical way to manage my chronic stress. I didn’t want something that knocked me out or made me feel “zombified.” I also liked that it’s zero-calorie and sugar-free, meaning I can use it daily without worrying about weight gain or an energy crash. Plus, having a drink I can sip felt more natural than popping a pill.
My Experience Using It
I started by mixing one packet into about 12 oz of water. The first thing I noticed was how easy it is to drink, the taste is light, fruit-forward, and not syrupy like some “calm” drinks feel. There’s a very mild, pleasant sweetness (from stevia) but nothing artificial-heavy.
About 30–45 minutes after taking it, I did feel a noticeable shift: my thoughts calmed down, the racing mind slowed, and I felt more grounded. It wasn’t a knockout kind of sleepy, but a gentle easing… exactly what I wanted. On nights when I drank it before bed, I felt more ready to wind down; I still woke up, but I’d fall asleep more smoothly than without it.
However, not every day was perfect. On high-stress days, a single serving didn’t feel quite strong enough… I felt some lingering tension or unease later in the evening. Also, because it’s a powder, it doesn’t dissolve fully; I had to stir pretty well or shake it in a bottle, and the bottom of the glass always had a little sediment left.
One practical thing: you can take up to three packets daily, per their site, but I never felt the need to go that high… for me, one was enough. I didn’t notice any major digestive issues or crash, which was a relief.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Light, tasty drink… very drinkable
- Sugar-free, zero calories… good for daily use
- Contains magnesium glycinate + ashwagandha + L-theanine, a strong blend for stress relief
- No drowsy sedatives… helps calm without knocking me out
Cons
- Not super strong on very stressful days… may underwhelm for high anxiety
- Powder can settle… requires good mixing
- Effects are mellow… not a “take me out” calm, but a “softly ease me” calm
- Some cost considerations: daily packets add up
Product Claims vs. Reality
- Claim: “Instately reduce stress & overthinking.” – Reality: Mostly true, in a gentle way. It calmed my racing thoughts, but didn’t erase stress entirely.
- Claim: “Support restful sleep.” – Reality: Yes, it helped me unwind and fall asleep more naturally, but it’s not a sleep aid that puts you to sleep.
- Claim: “Balance cortisol naturally.” – Reality: The ingredients (like KSM-66 ashwagandha) are well chosen for this purpose, and I felt more emotionally stable, though I can’t personally verify cortisol levels.
Is It a Scam?
Nope, this isn’t a scam. Nectar is transparent about its ingredients, has a money-back guarantee, and the effects I felt line up pretty well with what they promise. That said, it’s not magical. If you’re expecting an instant, profound calm or sedative-level relaxation, you’ll probably feel underwhelmed. But for daily stress management and gentle support, it feels very genuine.
How to Use It
- Mix one packet into 8–16 oz (adjust for taste strength).
- Stir or shake well, the powder can settle at the bottom.
- Take any time of day, but many people (including me) prefer 30–60 minutes before bed.
- You can use up to three packets a day, but start with one and see how you feel.
- Stay hydrated, even though it’s calm, it’s still a drink mix.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re unsure about this, or want something more / less potent:
- Magnesium glycinate supplement
- L-Theanine
- Ashwagandha capsules (KSM-66)
- Natural Calm (magnesium citrate powder)
Conclusion — Would I Recommend It?
Yes… I would, with caveats. If you’re someone dealing with low-level daily stress, occasional overthinking, or just want a mellow way to wind down, this could be a very solid addition to your routine. It’s not a sedative, and it won’t erase a major anxiety episode, but it does feel like a thoughtful, high-quality supplement.
Would I buy it again? Probably yes, in moderation. Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, especially to someone looking for a clean, natural way to feel calmer without relying on pills or harsher sleep aids.
Read my similar review on the Calmify Drink