From Husk to Can: Why Cascara Is The Healthy Energy Boost You’ve Been Missing

If you’re tired of sugary energy drinks or jittery coffee highs, there’s a new contender in the game — and it’s been hiding in plain sight. Say hello to cascara, the unsung hero of the coffee plant that’s now making its way from husk to can, offering a natural, sustainable, and health-forward energy boost.

Let’s dive into what makes this drink so special, and why it might just become your go-to pick-me up.

What Is Cascara, Anyway?

Cascara (Spanish for “husk” or “skin”) is the dried outer layer of the coffee cherry — the fruit that surrounds the coffee bean. For centuries, coffee farmers in places like Ethiopia, Yemen, and Central America brewed it into teas, enjoying its subtle sweetness and fruity, tea-like flavor.

Traditionally discarded or composted during coffee processing, the husk is now being recognized not as waste, but as a superfood — rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and natural caffeine.

A Gentler Energy Boost

Unlike traditional energy drinks or even coffee, cascara offers a more balanced and sustained source of caffeine. You won’t get the same sharp spike and crash. Here’s why:

• Lower caffeine than coffee, but enough to give you a gentle lift
• L-theanine and polyphenols support mental clarity and focus without the jitters
• Naturally hydrating, especially when brewed as a tea or infused beverage

Packed With Antioxidants

Cascara isn’t just about energy — it’s also loaded with antioxidants, compounds that fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that cascara has antioxidant levels comparable to or higher than many superfruits, including acai and pomegranate.

Antioxidants in cascara may help:

• Reduce fatigue and support recovery
• Improve skin health
• Support a healthy immune system

A Win for Sustainability

Using cascara means nothing goes to waste. By turning what was once a byproduct of coffee production into a valuable beverage, producers are:

• Reducing waste in the coffee supply chain
• Supporting farmer incomes through a new revenue stream
• Promoting environmentally-friendly agricultural practices

Sipping cascara is a small act with a big impact.

From Husk to Can: Cascara Goes Modern

Today, innovative beverage brands are brewing cascara into ready-to-drink cans — carbonated or still, often lightly sweetened with fruit juices or herbs. These drinks are:

• Naturally energizing
• Low in sugar
• Refreshing and lightly fruity, with notes of cherry, hibiscus, and raisins

Cascara is no longer just a farmer’s secret — it’s showing up in grocery aisles, coffee shops, and gym bags everywhere.

Why You Should Try Cascara

If you’re looking for a better alternative to traditional energy drinks, cascara hits the sweet spot:

• Clean energy without the crash
• Antioxidants and nutrients, not chemicals
• Sustainable and ethically sourced
• Light, fruity taste — not bitter or syrupy

Whether you're powering through work, hitting the trail, or just need a healthy afternoon lift, cascara might just be your new go-to.

Final Sip

From husk to can, cascara is redefining what energy drinks can be — natural, functional, and good for the planet. It’s not just a trend; it’s a return to a centuries-old tradition, reimagined for modern wellness.

So next time you’re reaching for a boost, skip the synthetic buzz. Try a can of cascara — and feel the difference for yourself.

Say Hello to BeGOAT

BeGOAT taps into the natural energy of Cascara+, using the entire coffee fruit to provide clean, steady energy without the crash. Each can delivers 200 mg of caffeine with zero calories, naturally sweetened with organic Reb M stevia and monk fruit. Made from non-GMO, plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients, BeGOAT is a sustainable source of fuel designed to help you stay sharp, energized, and performing at your best.

Zero Sugar Flavors:

• Blue Raspberry
• Huckleberry Lemonade
• Strawberry Acai

OG Flavors:

• Grapefruit Tangerine
• Hibiscus Lime
• Strawberry Lemon Ginger
• Watermelon Dragonfruit

Grab a can of BeGOAT at your local market for a refreshing, sustainable boost, or order online whenever it suits you. Stay in the loop by following us on social media!

BeGOAT is available at select retailers, including Amazon, New Seasons Market, Market of Choice, Town & Country Markets, and participating Safeway and Albertsons locations.