The Lowdown on Kombucha

“Why is some kombucha located in the wine cooler?”

This is a great question!

Kombucha does contain a small amount of alcohol as a natural byproduct of the fermentation process. Here are the key points to remember about alcohol in (commercial) kombucha:

• Most store-bought kombucha contains around 0.5% alcohol by volume (ABV).
• To be sold as a non-alcoholic beverage in the U.S., kombucha must contain less than 0.5% ABV.
• Beverages with more than 0.5% ABV must be labeled as alcoholic.
• The alcohol content depends on factors like fermentation time, temperature, and yeast strains used.
• Homemade kombucha* can have higher alcohol levels, typically ranging from 0.5% to 3% ABV.
• While the alcohol content in most kombucha is very low, individuals who need to avoid alcohol completely (e.g., recovering alcoholics, pregnant women) should be aware of its presence and make informed decisions about consumption.
• GTs “Classic” kombuchas, which are fermented for 45 days, must be sold separately and made available only to people 21+ due to its naturally occurring alcohol byproduct.

*You can make your own kombucha at home by following this recipe.

Why is kombucha rich in probiotics?

Kombucha is indeed rich in probiotics, aka beneficial live microorganisms that can help improve gut health. The probiotic content in kombucha arises from its fermentation process, which involves tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. To make kombucha you must have a scoby (symbiotic colony of yeast and bacteria), which can be purchased or obtained from someone who has already made a batch. (It’s similar to keeping sourdough starter to make your next batch of sourdough bread.) The fermentation process produces a variety of probiotic bacteria and yeasts, making kombucha a potent source of these beneficial microbes.

• Kombucha typically contains a range of probiotic bacteria and yeasts, including Bacillus coagulans, Lactobacillus nagelii, Gluconacetobacter, Gluconobacter, and Komagataeibacter species. Yeasts such as Brettanomycesand Cyberlindnera jadinii are also commonly found in kombucha.
• The specific strains and quantities of probiotics can vary widely depending on the ingredients, brewing process, and fermentation duration.
• Probiotics in kombucha can help promote a healthy gut microbiome, support the immune system, and aid in digestion. They may also help alleviate gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation.