Korean pear juice is exactly what it says on the tin. “Korean pear juice comes from the crisp, round fruit marketed as Asian or nashi pear,” says Jennie Norton, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Vegan Wins. “The juice is approximately 88% water and tastes mildly sweet. It does contain some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, and small amounts of potassium and polyphenol antioxidants.”

So far, so simple. But where do the hangover cure claims come from? According to social media, glugging a glass of the fabled juice before a night out is the best way to avoid a groggy head the next day, but while the hype may be new, the idea itself dates back centuries.

“Traditionally used for generations in Korea as a natural remedy around drinking occasions, the Korean shingo pear is the only variety backed by scientific studies conducted in Korea for its ability to support the body’s alcohol metabolism,” says Priya Pankhania, co-founder of PrePear. “It’s a pre-alcohol drink made purely from shingo pear; naturally rich in antioxidants and electrolytes, it also supports hydration and liver health.”

Korean pear juice is trending, but is there any truth behind the claim that it can reduce hangover severity?