Are wellness shots worth it? For most people, it depends on what you want from them. If you enjoy a bold, spicy sip and like having a small ritual in your day, a wellness shot can be a pleasant habit that is easy to keep. If you are buying them expecting a proven health result, the research on ingredients like ginger and turmeric is not strong enough to promise one, and a shot costs more per ounce than most drinks.
Below we cover what shots are, the research, the real cost and how to decide. For more, visit our Wellness Shots Guide.
What Is a Wellness Shot?
A wellness shot is a small serving of pressed juice, usually 2 to 3 ounces, made to be sipped or taken in a few swallows. Most are built around ginger or turmeric, balanced with citrus or fruit, and sometimes finished with a pinch of heat from cayenne or black pepper. That concentrated flavor is a big part of the appeal.
Meraki’s three tonics show the range. The Ginger Tonic is pineapple, ginger, lemon and cayenne. The Turmeric Tonic is turmeric extract, pineapple, lemon, ginger and cayenne. The Meraki Wellness Shot combines pineapple, ginger, turmeric, oregano oil, lemon and black pepper. For a closer look at each of these components, read what’s in a wellness shot.
What the Research Shows (and What It Doesn’t)
Most of the research on these ingredients looks at ginger or turmeric taken as dietary supplements, not as juice shots. Keep that in mind when you see bold claims.
Ginger
- The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says research shows ginger may be helpful for nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy (source).
- It also notes that most studies of ginger for motion sickness have not shown it to be helpful, and that it is unclear whether ginger helps with nausea after surgery or alongside chemotherapy (source).
- Ginger taken by mouth can cause side effects such as abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation (source).
Our article on ginger shots and what the research says goes deeper on this.
Turmeric
- NCCIH states plainly: “We don’t know enough to definitively conclude if turmeric or curcumin is beneficial for any health purposes” (source).
- Some early research on turmeric or curcumin supplements looks positive for specific conditions, but NCCIH says higher-quality evidence is needed (source).
- Curcumin is often paired with piperine, a compound from black pepper, to improve how much the body absorbs. That research is about supplements, so it does not tell you what a small drink does (source).
- Oral turmeric can cause nausea, acid reflux, stomach upset, diarrhea or constipation, and highly bioavailable curcumin supplements have been linked to liver injury in some people (source).
The takeaway: these are familiar, well-loved ingredients with some interesting research behind them, but a shot is not a treatment. If you are weighing the two main styles, our comparison of ginger vs. turmeric shots breaks down the differences in flavor and ingredients.
What Do Wellness Shots Cost?
Shots are small, so the price per ounce is where the difference shows. Here is how Meraki’s own current prices compare.
| Product | Size | Price | Approx. cost per ounce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger Tonic | 3 oz | $4.95 | $1.65 |
| Turmeric Tonic | 3 oz | $5.50 | $1.83 |
| Meraki Wellness Shot | 3 oz | $5.95 | $1.98 |
| Tonic Bundle | Three 2 oz shots (6 oz total) | $15.00 | $2.50 |
| 12 oz cold-pressed juice (most flavors) | 12 oz | $9.95 | $0.83 |
Ounce for ounce, a shot costs roughly twice as much as a full-size juice. You are paying for concentration and convenience, not volume. The bundle costs the most per ounce, but it is a simple way to taste all three before committing to a favorite.
Who Might Enjoy Wellness Shots
- Flavor lovers. If you like the bite of fresh ginger, bright citrus and a little heat, a shot delivers a lot of flavor in a few sips.
- Routine builders. Some people like a small, repeatable moment in the morning or before a workout.
- People who don’t want a full juice. A 2 or 3 ounce bottle is a lighter commitment than a 12 ounce juice.
Who Should Skip Them or Ask a Doctor First
- Anyone taking medication. NCCIH advises talking with your health care provider before using ginger, turmeric or any herbal product if you take any type of medicine, because some herbs and medicines interact in harmful ways (source; source).
- Pregnant or breastfeeding. NCCIH says ginger supplements during pregnancy may be safe but recommends consulting your provider, and says turmeric supplements during pregnancy may be unsafe. Little is known about either while breastfeeding (source; source).
- A history of liver problems. Ask your provider before adding concentrated turmeric, given the liver injury reports NCCIH describes for some curcumin products (source).
- Sensitive stomach or reflux. Ginger, turmeric, citrus and cayenne can all be hard on some stomachs. Heartburn and stomach upset are listed side effects for both ginger and turmeric.
- Anyone at higher risk from untreated juice. The FDA says children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face greater risk from juice that has not been pasteurized or otherwise treated (source). Choose treated juice. Meraki’s juices are Certified HPP.
How to Decide if Wellness Shots Are Worth It for You
- Be clear on your reason. Taste and routine are realistic reasons. A guaranteed health result is not.
- Check the ingredient list. Look for ingredients you recognize and enjoy, and note anything you need to avoid.
- Do the math. A daily 3 oz shot adds up over a month. Decide what fits your budget.
- Try before you commit. A sampler is an easy way to find out whether you like the flavor at all.
- Keep the basics first. A shot is a small extra alongside water, fruits and vegetables, not a replacement for them.
FAQ
Are wellness shots a waste of money?
Not if you enjoy them and they fit your budget. They are a poor buy if you expect a proven health effect, since research on these ingredients is limited and mostly involves supplements (source).
Is it OK to have a wellness shot every day?
Many people enjoy one as a daily habit. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition, check with your provider first.
Is a wellness shot the same as a supplement?
No. A shot is a drink made from juice and spices. Supplement research uses measured doses, so those results do not directly apply to a shot.
Which Meraki shot should I try first?
If you are unsure, start with the Tonic Bundle so you can taste the Ginger Tonic, Turmeric Tonic and Wellness Shot side by side.
Try Meraki Tonics
The easiest way to decide is a taste test. The Tonic Bundle is $15 for three 2 oz shots: one Ginger Tonic, one Turmeric Tonic and one Meraki Wellness Shot. Found a favorite? Order a full 3 oz bottle:
- Ginger Tonic, $4.95: pineapple, ginger, lemon and cayenne.
- Turmeric Tonic, $5.50: turmeric extract, pineapple, lemon, ginger and cayenne.
- Meraki Wellness Shot, $5.95: pineapple, ginger, turmeric, oregano oil, lemon and black pepper.
Every tonic is made in our 100% plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free kitchen in West Palm Beach, using organic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Online orders ship nationwide Monday through Wednesday.
Keep reading: explore every article in our Wellness Shots Guide.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your health care provider before making changes to your diet, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.