Ritual Launches Magnesium+, A Ready-to-Mix Answer to the ‘Sleepy Girl Mocktail’ Trend

Leading health and wellness brand Ritual has debuted Magnesium+, a ready-to-mix powder featuring 300 mg of magnesium bisglycinate chelate and 480 mg of Montmorency tart cherry fruit powder, formulated for relaxation, sleep, muscle recovery, and even pregnancy and period pains.

The new product is the company’s answer to the “sleepy girl mocktail,” a recipe typically featuring magnesium powder, tart cherry juice, and occasionally a prebiotic soda, which went viral on TikTok and other social media platforms.

Safety and Efficacy in Formulation

Kat Schneider, founder of Ritual, said she didn’t see any sleepy girl mocktail formulas available on the market with sufficiently safe, efficacious, and clinically backed ingredients. Another factor was that negative reviews of magnesium powder are prevalent due to digestive side effects associated with certain forms of the mineral.

Ritual elected to use magnesium bisglycinate, a chelated form, because of its bioavailability and it tends to be easier on the stomach.

The new supplement also features Montmorency tart cherries, which are a varietal supported by over 15 years of research, including 20 human clinical studies. The tart cherries are sourced from grower-owned and vertically-integrated farms in Michigan.

Consumers Thirsty for Rest & Relaxation

Nima Alamdari, PhD, chief scientific officer at Ritual, noted that consumers are shifting toward supplements to rest and relax, which is why the sleepy girl mocktail trend went viral and remains a popular choice.

“Tart cherry juice and magnesium have both been studied for their roles in relaxation, recovery, and sleep. While the viral mocktail recipe itself has not been clinically tested, its rise reflects a broader shift toward nutrition-forward approaches to supporting rest and relaxation.”

Magnesium has seen renewed attention for its far-ranging involvement in cellular function and relaxation, while the polyphenol-rich tart cherry is studied in athletic and clinical settings concerning both recovery and sleep quality.

“Together, these trends highlight rising demand for accessible, evidence-informed routines that blend everyday wellness with evolving science,” said Alamdari.

Magnesium Form Matters

Few consumers likely realize that the form of magnesium can make a difference, he noted. “Magnesium bisglycinate, a chelated form bound to glycine, offers advantages in both bioavailability and tolerability. Studies show it is absorbed more efficiently than many other forms and is gentler on the digestive system, with a low incidence of side effects even at commonly used doses. This combination of effective absorption and minimal discomfort makes it well-suited for routine use.”

More specifically, magnesium bisglycinate is absorbed through amino acid transport pathways, which improves uptake compared to inorganic salts. Clinical and pharmacokinetic studies confirm that supplementation with the bisglycinate form results in higher circulating magnesium levels.

“Unlike some forms that are poorly absorbed and more likely to cause laxative effects, magnesium bisglycinate is well-tolerated even at clinically relevant doses,” Alamdari said.

Polyphenols and Bioactives from Cherries

Montmorency cherries are higher than other varietals in polyphenols, and are particularly rich in anthocyanins, Alamdari noted. They also contain naturally occurring melatonin and other compounds thought to play a role in the sleep-wake cycle.

“These compounds have been linked to reductions in post-exercise pain and soreness and improvements in sleep quality … Regular intake may help extend sleep duration and improve efficiency, likely through a combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circadian-supportive mechanisms.” So, this varietal became the most popular choice in clinical studies over the years, helping to “build a coherent and reproducible body of evidence,” Alamdari said.

“Just as importantly, the dosing matches levels used in clinical research,” he noted. “These ingredients are included at amounts that reflect real-world efficacy. While the viral mocktail spotlights the synergy between magnesium and tart cherry for mind and muscle relaxation, this formula is grounded in measurable physiological benefit, supported by careful sourcing, form selection, and evidence-based dosing.”