What happens when a bold innovator meets an outdated status quo that no one is willing to change? They rewrite the paradigm. That’s exactly what CJ Rapp did when he launched Karma Water back in 2011.

“We are a solution to a problem that many consumers are don’t even realize exists,” says Rapp.

The problem is a byproduct of traditional pre-mixed functional drink manufacturing, where ingredients are often hot-filled and left on shelves, exposed to varying climate conditions. Over time, this exposure steadily breaks down key ingredients like probiotics and vitamins, as it does in beverages like kombucha. This means consumers are not always getting the stated level of active ingredients.

Karma Water, on the other hand, takes a bold step away from the conventional method by separating live probiotics in a hermetically sealed, patented push cap, which the consumer activates moments before drinking. This ready-to-mix design keeps sensitive ingredients separate from the water until the moment of consumption, delivering the consumer 100 percent of the intended benefits.

The push cap technology works in tandem with a probiotic strain — the good bacteria Bacillus Coagulans GBI-30, 6086 (BC30^®) — the beverage industry’s ‘gold standard’ probiotic. Developed by Kerry Foods, this strain is more readily bio-available than other offerings in the market.

The company selected BC30® for its ability to survive the harsh digestive tract and deliver the benefits at the desired location to enhance nutrient absorption. By combining this strain with the patented push cap, Karma Probiotic Water remains stable for more than 18 months, ensuring two billion active probiotic cultures — 10 times more when compared to yogurts. It also contains six essential vitamins, all within 20 calories, providing a holistic wellness drink. The result is a stark improvement in the consumer’s gut health and immunity with every sip.

Karma Probiotic Water is the go-to choice for health-conscious individuals seeking digestive support, immune-boosting vitamins, and overall wellness. The brand also offers a sustainable solution with its Karma Hydration Kits— customizable subscriptions featuring push caps paired with a reusable bottle. For those with busy lifestyles, Karma recently introduced convenient stick packs that deliver the same benefits in a more portable format.

To further cater to customer preferences, both the bottled drinks and stick packs come in a variety of refreshing flavors, including Berry Cherry, Blueberry Lemonade, Strawberry Lemonade and Watermelon Wild Berry.

Karma’s 2024 entry into the energy drink category reflects its continued commitment to a consumer-first approach. Recognizing the growing demand for energy drinks that align with evolving wellness priorities, Karma developed a product consumers can feel good about. Karma Energy Water delivers a cleaner, more natural alternative for those seeking a healthier boost.

Karma’s products are available through multiple channels, including brick-and-mortar avenues as well as e-commerce, direct-to-consumer and B2B channels. This includes a presence in Walmart, Sam’s Club, Kroger and online platforms like Amazon. The company goes beyond B2C by serving food service companies, hospitals and college campuses through vending machines.

Its expansive marketing reach is powered by a strategic partnership with Constellation Brands, giving the brand access to world-class resources and distribution capabilities. This is complemented by an in-house leadership team with over 30 years of experience in the beverage industry. Together, they ensure that Karma’s innovation remains deeply aligned with the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers.

The company’s growth as a trusted alternative to traditional functional drinks is a testament to the power of willpower, innovation and the courage to think outside the box. In a world saturated with compromises, Karma proves that science, convenience and an unwavering dedication to wellness can break the status quo and pave the way to a healthier future.