If you're going to invest in a traditional wellness tonic, BRAND'S is the name you'll see everywhere. With a heritage dating back to 1835, it has become the best-known producer of essence of chicken and bottled bird's nest. But with so many variants on the shelf, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
This breakdown covers the BRAND'S range at MyAsianStore: the Essence of Chicken, the Essence of Ginseng, the Cordyceps variant and the Bird's Nest drinks. Here's what each one is, who tends to reach for it, and how to choose.
1. BRAND'S Essence of Chicken
What it is
BRAND'S Essence of Chicken is the original product that built the brand. It's a pure chicken extract, steam-dripped for hours without added water, salt or preservatives. The result is a concentrated liquid rich in amino acids, peptides and carnosine, and it's enriched with vitamin B12. It's fat-free, cholesterol-free, and contains no artificial additives or preservatives.
It comes in a 6-bottle pack if you want to try it, or a 36-bottle case once you know it suits you.
Why people drink it
Essence of Chicken has long been a household staple across Asia, traditionally taken during periods of heavy mental workload. It's one of the more extensively studied tonics of its kind, with research from institutions including Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok looking at its effects on mental performance and fatigue.
Who it suits
Traditionally taken by students during exam periods, professionals facing heavy workloads, and people recovering their strength after illness. For children, a half bottle per serving is the usual recommendation.
2. BRAND'S Essence of Ginseng
What it is
BRAND'S Essence of Ginseng is a plant-based ginseng beverage adapted from a traditional Chinese recipe. It's formulated with two types of ginseng, Asian and American, alongside Mai Men Dong and Schisandra. The formula is free of fat and cholesterol.
The three herbs are meant to work together: ginseng tonifies qi, Mai Men Dong reduces heatiness, and Schisandra helps retain qi. In traditional practice, this combination gives a longer-lasting qi-replenishing effect without the heatiness Asian ginseng alone can bring.
Who it suits
Popular with people living busy, high-stress lives, and with anyone who wants ginseng without the heatiness. Note that it is not recommended during pregnancy because of its Chinese herbal ingredients.
It's stocked as a 4-pack of 24 bottles.
3. BRAND'S Essence of Chicken with Cordyceps
What it is
Essence of Chicken with Cordyceps combines the signature chicken essence with wild cordyceps, a rare and highly valued medicinal fungus in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The formula also includes tangkwei (dong quai) and Chinese licorice, which round out the taste while adding to its traditional profile.
The cordyceps used is authentic Cordyceps sinensis rather than cultivated cordyceps, and it goes through quality control to verify authenticity.
Why people drink it
The cordyceps turns chicken essence into something closer to a recovery tonic. In traditional Chinese medicine, cordyceps is associated with building qi, the vital energy linked to stamina and recovery from fatigue, and with supporting the lungs and kidneys.
Who it suits
Aimed at working adults who aren't getting proper rest, and at people rebuilding their strength. Recommended for ages 15 and up.
Available as a 6-bottle pack or a 36-bottle case.
4. BRAND'S Bird's Nest Drinks
What it is
BRAND'S was the first in the world to produce bottled bird's nest, starting in 1982. Bird's nest is the nutrient-rich salivary secretion of swiftlets, long prized in Chinese culture as a nourishing delicacy. BRAND'S uses bird's nests from Indonesia and Thailand, verified through FTIR fingerprinting technology to confirm authenticity.
Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar
Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar is the classic version, brewed with pure rock sugar and noticeably less sweet than comparable Asian drinks, with no added preservatives or artificial colouring. It's Halal certified.
Choose your size: a single 6-bottle pack to try, the 4-pack bundle for better value, or the full 48-bottle case for gifting season or a household that goes through it steadily.
Why people drink it
Bird's nest is best known for its association with skin and beauty in traditional use, and BRAND'S Bird's Nest contains sialic acid (NANA) and zinc. It's also a traditional choice during recovery and through the pre- and post-natal period.
Who it suits
Suitable for all ages, taken chilled or warmed. It's a classic gift for new mothers and elders, and a steady favourite for anyone who takes it as part of a routine.
Important note: bird's nest may cause allergic reactions in some people. Take care the first time you try it.
Quick comparison: which BRAND'S product is right for you?
| Your need | Best BRAND'S option |
|---|---|
| Mental focus for studying or work | Essence of Chicken |
| Rebuilding strength after illness or exhaustion | Essence of Chicken with Cordyceps |
| Broad qi and vitality support | Essence of Ginseng |
| Skin and beauty routine | Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar |
| Gifting or stocking up | Bird's Nest, 48-bottle case |
Final thoughts
BRAND'S has built its reputation on consistency, quality and rigorous sourcing. Whether you choose the classic Essence of Chicken, the Ginseng Essence, the Cordyceps variant for deeper recovery, or the Bird's Nest for a beauty routine, you're getting a product with decades of history behind it.
If you're new to BRAND'S, start with the option matching your main goal. Most come in small packs as well as cases, so you can see how your body responds before committing to a full regimen.
These products are traditional food tonics and dietary supplements. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.