PepsiCo to introduce hemp seed-infused beverage under Rockstar Energy brand.

• PepsiCo’s latest drink from Rockstar Energy is infused with hemp seed.
• The company aims to attract younger, female consumers to the energy drink market.
• CBD is not present in hemp seeds, and products that contain hemp do not face the same legal restrictions as those containing cannabis.

’s latest drink from Rockstar Energy wants to help consumers chill out.

Pepsi is targeting younger, female consumers with a drink infused with hemp seed oil, spearmint, and only 80 milligrams of caffeine. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that men aged 18 to 34 consume the most energy drinks.

Fabiola Torres, PepsiCo general manager and chief marketing officer of its energy business, stated that the combination of herbals can aid in relaxation but not in sleeping.

The amount of caffeine in other versions of Rockstar drinks ranges from 160 to 300 milligrams.

The 12-ounce cans of Rockstar Unplugged will be available in three flavors: blueberry, passion fruit, and raspberry cucumber, starting Tuesday nationwide at $1.99 per can.

Rockstar Energy + Hemp was launched in Germany in April, marking the brand's first foray into hemp. PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta stated that the German test was specific to that country, which has a significant hemp market. Torres revealed that Rockstar Unplugged's formula is quite different, containing half the amount of caffeine compared to the German beverage.

Although many people associate hemp seed with CBD, there are some notable distinctions. While both originate from hemp plants, hemp seed contains minimal CBD and produces less dramatic effects when ingested.

Hemp seed serves no purpose, it originates from an herb," Torres stated. "Imagine consuming an herbal tea containing caffeine. That's it.

Currently, it is illegal for companies to sell CBD-infused food and beverages across state lines, preventing large corporations like Pepsi and its rival from entering the market. Although some smaller players with less to lose have introduced their own CBD drinks, the category remains minuscule. According to Brightfield Group, only 1.8% of Americans purchased a CBD drink in the last three months of 2021.

In the U.S., hemp seed-infused food and drinks are legal, but they haven't gained as much popularity as in other countries like Germany.

Torres stated, "We're testing and learning in new territory while having fun."

PepsiCo sought legal compliance advice from Perkins Coie regarding the use of hemp seed oil.

Over the past year, Pepsi's stock has increased by 26%, resulting in a market value of $239 billion.