David McLaughlin has always been inclined towards a healthier more intuitive lifestyle, opting for kombuchas and teas over alcoholic drinks for the past twenty years. Always toying with the idea of creating his own beverage brand, the thought came to fruition in 2018 after David first-hand experienced the positive benefits of CBD.
Disappointed by the bitter flavors and excessive sugars present in existing CBD drinks in the market, a light bulb went off in David’s head. His vision became “to produce a CBD-infused soda that not only harnessed the therapeutic effects of CBD, but that tasted great to consumers and stayed true to organic principles”—attributes he knew were desired in communities like Boulder, being a resident himself for over twenty years.
Together with Paul Devlin and their PhD food scientist friend, Sati Soda was created. The name, “Sati,” inspired by the strain Sativa, also resonates with meanings like “friend” in Nepalese and “mindfulness” in Buddhism, perfectly encapsulating the spirit of the Sati brand. They developed three distinct flavors: Chill Ginger Soda, Clarity Lemon-Lime Soda and Energy Berry Soda, each infused with natural supplements like chamomile, theanine, ashwagandha and organic yerba mate to uniquely enhance each flavor’s health benefits.
In October 2019, the team debuted the sodas at a CBD exposition in Denver, where they immediately stood out, with hundreds of eager people lining up for a taste. The expo furthered their belief in the product. Can after can popped open for curious consumers to try, confirming the fact that David and his team were onto something big.
Yet, following the expo, like every small-business owner, they encountered numerous challenges. Of course, navigating complex regulations regarding CBD growth and distribution practices proved stressful. Sati continuously had to adhere to strict guidelines and rigorous inspections to keep up with changing demands. Similarly, issues with securing investors, raising capital and retaining consumers were also priorities—taking time away from the team to branch outwards with their business plan. True to their form, Sati did not quit, and the team motivated one another to keep moving towards their initial vision, not looking back. From this journey forward, Sati additionally released three non-CBD sodas, appealing to another niche in the market and keeping one step ahead of competitors.
With the success of the exposition and new soda launches behind them, McLaughlin and Devlin set out on the next step to find manufacturers and retailers. Opting for a direct approach, they bypassed traditional distribution channels, offering their sodas to supermarkets with a risky two-month money-back guarantee. Luckily, their strategy paid off, as Sati Sodas flew off the shelves quickly, becoming a consumer favorite.
The best part? Sati Soda is the only CBD soda to be USDA Certified Organic, joining the mere 5% of generic sodas on shelves with this label; a dream McLaughlin had hoped for since the early days. He recalls the process as both “daunting and exciting, pioneering the way for organic CBD drinks to come.”
As of today, Sati Soda is available in 35 states and has established multiple co-packing arrangements, including one in Longmont. The growth of the brand has been an extremely collective effort, with David’s wife, Heather McLaughlin, joining as a co-owner in 2021. From 2018 forward, the local Boulder community has played a crucial role in Sati’s success, providing essential support and guidance. David reflects on his journey with immense gratitude, emphasizing that “if you can make it in Boulder’s community, you can make it anywhere.”
Looking ahead, the way forward for Sati Soda is more than promising, bubbling with potential as the team hopes to expand further, innovate and introduce new flavors. In the mind of Sati, their sodas are more than just a drink; they’re a lifestyle, promising to bring health, flavor and a sip of mindfulness to customers nationwide—and we’ll say cheers to that!
Learn more about Sati Soda at SatiSoda.com, on Facebook @SatiSoda and Instagram @Sati.Soda