Fiji Kava Coles - What to look for when buying Fiji Kava
Since 2022, Fiji Kava products have been available in Coles, Australia’s largest grocery chain. This new accessibility brings substantial exposure to kava, introducing it to a broader audience nationwide.
While this may seem like great news, it raises potential concerns for kava advocacy and quality. Widespread retail availability coupled with limited supply chain capacity in Fiji could impact quality control. Advocates and new kava drinkers need to be armed with knowledge on how to determine what to look out for when buying Fiji Kava. In this blog we cover that just because a product is openly available with the country’s biggest retailer, it doesn’t mean it’s of the highest quality.
Understanding Quality Noble Drinking Kava - A must Read before Buying Fiji Kava Coles
Buying quality noble drinking kava involves understanding specific indicators of its quality, including kavalactone percentages, plant chemotypes, and general food quality standards like moisture content. Each of these factors plays a critical role in determining the effectiveness and safety of kava for consumption. Let’s delve into what each of these elements signifies and why they are important.
Kavalactone Percentages
Kavalactones are the active compounds in kava, responsible for its therapeutic effects. A quality noble drinking kava typically contains high kavalactone percentages. Specifically, noble kava should have between 5-15% kavalactones to be considered effective. These compounds contribute to kava’s calming and anxiolytic properties, making kava a popular choice for stress relief and relaxation. When kavalactone levels are optimal, users experience the maximum benefits without adverse effects.
Plant Chemotypes
Another crucial factor is the chemotype of the kava plant. Chemotypes are specific combinations of kavalactones unique to each kava variety. Noble kavas usually belong to chemotypes that are safe and non-toxic for regular consumption. For instance, the Tudei variety, commonly found in non-noble kavas, is considered less desirable due to higher chances of side effects. Therefore, knowing the chemotype helps verify the kava’s quality and suitability for consumption.
Moisture Content and Food Quality Standards
Moisture content also significantly affects kava’s quality. Ideally, the moisture level in dried kava should be less than 12%. Higher moisture levels can lead to mould growth, which can spoil the kava and pose health risks. In addition to moisture, other food quality standards like cleanliness, absence of contaminants, and proper storage conditions should be met. These standards ensure that the kava remains safe and effective over time.
Testing and Certification
Testing for these quality indicators is not always readily accessible. Limited resources make obtaining detailed analyses difficult for many consumers and small-scale producers. Nonetheless, several independent testing facilities in Fiji and Vanuatu offer comprehensive analyses of kava. These facilities provide vital services in measuring kavalactone percentages, identifying chemotypes, and assessing general food quality standards through microbial testing.
Challenges of Accessibility
While independent facilities offer essential testing, securing access to them can be challenging. Geographic constraints and costs can limit small producers’ ability to regularly utilise these services. As a result, consumers may find it difficult to verify the quality of their kava. For this reason, it’s crucial to source kava from reputable suppliers who adhere to quality assurance protocols.
The Role of Certification
Certification by trusted Independent organizations are a must before buying kava. If you cannot see Certificate of Analysis documentation on a supplier’s website, you cannot be sure it is either potent or safe.
The Role of Certification
Certification by trusted Independent organizations are a must before buying kava. If you cannot see Certificate of Analysis documentation on a supplier’s website, you cannot be sure it is either potent or safe.
Does Fiji Kava Coles Have Certificate of Analysis Documentation?
When considering the quality of Fiji Kava from Coles, it’s essential to understand its authenticity. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) provides detailed information on kavalactone percentages and quality indicators. Unfortunately, upon reviewing fijikava.com.au and Coles’ product page, there is no direct mention of a COA.
Noble Kava Claims
However, the Fiji Kava in Coles is marketed as noble kava. This suggests adherence to specific quality standards, such as having high kavalactone percentages between 5-20%. The problem here is that no proof of this via a COA remains available. This is a major concern considering this product and its distributor are at the forefront of kava distribution in Australia.
Whilst Fiji Kava from Coles lacks a readily accessible COA, it’s marketed as noble kava. This implies adherence to quality standards but there is no documentation to support these claims.
Quality Assumption based on claims not tests.
Lack of explicit documentation can raise concerns. Ideally, consumers should look for COA documentation to confirm the product’s safety and effectiveness. Independent testing facilities are easily available in Fiji at the University of the South Pacific. Furthermore, quick USA-based testing is available for a fraction of the cost and quick turnaround.
Whilst Fiji Kava from Coles lacks a readily accessible COA, it’s marketed as noble kava. This implies adherence to quality standards but again – these claims are without evidence.
Fiji Kava Coles Alternatives
When buying kava, knowing the content and quality of the product is essential. Unfortunately, Fiji Kava sold at Coles does not offer Certification of Analysis (COA) documents. This leaves consumers uncertain about the product’s specific qualities. However, other products have available certifications.
Both Fiji Harmony and Waka Premium from Australia Kava Shop provide detailed certification of their products. Their websites highlight the quality and authenticity of the kava they sell.
Fiji Harmony
This product available at Australia Kava Shop, has been tested using the Kavalytics testing protocol. The below PDF is available on their website both on the product page and on their testing page. The Kavalytics Analysis documents outline:
- 6.0% Kava Lactone Percentage: Measures the active compounds responsible for kava’s effects.
- 4-6-3 Noble Drinking Chemo Type: Ensures the kava is of a desirable strain.
- 10.1% Moisture Content: Whilst not optimal it is below the 12% threshold and indicates the product’s freshness and shelf life.
Each analysis guarantees the purity and potency of Fiji Harmony’s kava products.
Waka Premium Kava
Similarly, Waka Premium Kava from Australia Kava Shop provides certifications. These include:
- 7.9% Kava Lactone Percentage: Confirms the strength and effectiveness of the kava.
- 4-3-6 Noble Drinking Chemo Type: Verifies that the kava conforms to high noble standards.
- 9.1% Moisture Content: Checks the preservation state and longevity of the kava.
These details attest to the high quality of Waka Premium Kava.
Why Certification Matters
Having a Certification of Analysis is crucial for several reasons:
- Transparency: Consumers know exactly what they are purchasing.
- Safety: Ensures that the product is true Noble kava and free from harmful contaminants.
- Quality Assurance: Validates that the kava meets industry standards.
In summary, while Fiji Kava from Coles lacks COA documents, Fiji Harmony and Waka Premium provide them. This certification guarantees the consumer gets pure and effective kava. So, purchasing kava with a COA ensures a reliable and safe experience.