Botanic Tonics' "feel free" Surpasses 5-hour Energy in Major National Chain in Just Four Months

Botanic Tonics, maker of the popular feel free, announced today that it has achieved a significant milestone in the competitive convenience store market. feel free has now surpassed 5-hour Energy in its first major national convenience store chain partner, marking a pivotal moment for the company and the broader herbal supplement industry. This achievement is based on NIQ sales data for the four weeks ending September 28, 2024. 

This rapid ascent and displacement of a long-established brand is particularly noteworthy given that 5-hour Energy has been a staple in convenience stores for over 20 years, while Botanic Tonics entered the market just three years ago, and in this national chain only 4 months ago. This success speaks volumes about changing consumer preferences and the strong appeal of Botanic Tonics' premium plant-based herbal supplements. 

  

"Dethroning 5-hour Energy, a 20-year industry giant, in just four months showcases the sheer force of our innovative approach. We're not just competing; we're completely reshaping the market," said Cameron Korehbandi, CEO of Botanic Tonics. "Our single SKU, feel free, is outperforming 5-hour Energy's entire lineup of over 30 product variations. This isn't a one-off success—we're replicating this achievement across 13 business units of this national retailer, as well as in our independent and chain partnerships nationwide. It's irrefutable evidence that consumers are demanding change, and feel free is spearheading that revolution. We're not merely succeeding; we're poised to fundamentally transform the entire convenience store landscape." 

Botanic Tonics' flagship product, feel free CLASSIC, has gained popularity for its use of natural ingredients, including kava root, kratom leaf, and other botanicals. The company has distinguished itself through its commitment to transparency, quality, and consumer education. 

"Our year-over-year growth has been nothing short of explosive, with our store count skyrocketing from 10,000 to 27,000 in just one year," said Chris Elebesunu, Senior Vice President of Sales at Botanic Tonics. "This remarkable expansion isn't just about numbers—it's a clear vote of confidence from consumers who are choosing feel free over established brands."

This milestone comes just days after Botanic Tonics announced its position as a top 10 manufacturer in the energy category for total convenience store sales. The company's rapid growth continues, with its products now available in over 27,000 stores nationwide, including placement in two of the top five national convenience store chains. 

"We're going toe-to-toe with industry giants in the convenience store space and coming out on top," Elebesunu added. "As the fastest-growing brand in our category, we're attracting attention from national retailers who don't want to miss out on this momentum. Our success proves we're not just filling a gap in the market—we're reshaping it entirely. And the truly exciting part is that we are just getting started." 

  

Botanic Tonics manufactures its products in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified production plant in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The company has invested heavily in safety testing, quality control measures, and clinical research to ensure product efficacy and safety. 

As Botanic Tonics continues to grow and capture market share, it remains committed to responsible manufacturing practices, clear labeling, and consumer education. The company supports appropriate regulation of the kratom industry and continues to advocate for consumer safety through robust labeling requirements and responsible manufacturing standards.

Disclaimer: Consume responsibly. Adults 21 years of age and older only. To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page.

About Botanic Tonics

Botanic Tonics is a plant-based herbal supplement company headquartered in Broken Arrow, OK. Established in 2020, it produces kava-forward tonics under its feel free brand. Its signature product, feel free CLASSIC, is crafted with ancient functional plants to provide mood lift, energy, and focus. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility and actively supports consumer safety regulations through transparent labeling and educational resources. Learn more at https://botanictonics.com.