Kava & Company, Jacksonville, FL
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Should You Drink Kava With Food or on an Empty Stomach?

Answered by the Kava & Company crew in Jacksonville, FL · 3 min read · Updated
A tropical drink with a flower garnish at Kava & Company in Jacksonville
The short answer

Many kava drinkers like to drink it on an empty or light stomach because they feel it more. Having food first usually makes the effect gentler and can help if kava upsets your stomach. Either way, a light snack after is a classic move.

Why people drink kava on an empty stomach

Kava regulars commonly say they feel the relaxing effect more clearly when they haven't just eaten a big meal. In the Pacific, kava is often drunk before the evening meal, with food after.

When to eat first

  • It's your first time and you want to ease in
  • Kava has made you nauseous before
  • You're having more than one or two shells

If kava upsets your stomach, read kava safety and side effects.

Best snacks with kava

Something light and a little sweet or salty: fruit, chips, crackers or pretzels. In Fiji, the bites served after kava are called "chasers." At our bars, a pineapple or citrus chaser after a shell helps with the taste.

Other tips for a good kava night

People also ask

Is it better to drink kava on an empty stomach?

Many people say they feel it more on an empty stomach. Eating first usually makes it gentler.

Can kava upset your stomach?

Some people get mild nausea, especially on an empty stomach or with stronger kava. Eating something first can help.

What should I eat with kava?

Light snacks like fruit, chips or crackers. A fruit chaser after each shell is a classic.

Visit us in Jacksonville

Kava & Company in San Marco, Mandarin and Jax Beach has snacks, food trucks on event nights and plenty of chasers. Check the events calendar.

Kava & Company San Marco

1224 Kings Ave
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 551-3809
Sun-Tue 9am-12am · Wed-Sat 9am-2am

Get directions → · Location page

Kava & Company Mandarin

11018 Old St Augustine Rd, Ste 123
Jacksonville, FL 32257
(904) 900-3606
Daily 10am-10pm

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Kava & Company Jax Beach

223 9th Ave S
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 595-5150
Sun-Wed 9am-12am · Thu-Sat 9am-2am

Get directions → · Location page

This article is for general education only and isn't medical or legal advice. Statements about kava, kratom and kanna have not been evaluated by the FDA, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Kava & Company serves kava to guests 18+. Florida law requires buyers of kratom to be 21+.