Kombucha

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a slightly fizzy, sweet and sour drink. It’s made by fermenting sweet tea with a culture of yeast and bacteria, called a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast). Kombucha typically takes between 7-14 days to ferment and is usually made with either black or green tea. 

This sparkling fermented tea can have a depth of flavours, depending on the ingredients used. The tart and slightly sweet tastes are often interwoven with floral or herbal notes. Made entirely from plant-based ingredients, kombucha is a great example of an “accidentally vegan” beverage.

Health Benefits of Kombucha

People who buy kombucha are usually buying the drink for its perceived health benefits. To make kombucha, a bacteria culture is introduced to tea, as well as some sugar. The mixture is allowed to ferment for 7-14 days, which produces lactic-acid bacteria that can work like a probiotic. 

Fans of probiotics believe that these “good” bacteria help to restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut, thus aiding digestion. The NHS notes that probiotics may be helpful in specific cases such as easing the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

However, it also notes that caution should be exercised as probiotics are classed as food, not medicine and are not subject to the same levels of regulation or scrutiny.

Due to the tea content, kombucha is also considered a good source of antioxidants. Green tea, in particular, is considered a good source of polyphenols. Antioxidants are thought to reduce or slow cell damage by free radicals. 

Depending on the brand and variety, kombucha can contain a range of different vitamins and minerals. A variety of minerals and vitamins are vital to support our many body functions, such as the immune system. Check the bottle label for full details of any minerals and vitamins in your kombucha.

There is a wide-ranging number of perceived health benefits, associated with drinking kombucha. Ultimately, it is a low-calorie, low sugar, refreshing beverage. 

Top Brands to Try

Whether you’re looking to try kombucha for the first time, or a seasoned vegan kombucha drinker, we’ve rounded up our favourite brands to help you buy kombucha online. 

Captain Kombucha

Made using traditional Chinese fermentation methods, Captain Kombucha's Organic Kombucha is delicious and refreshing. This vegan kombucha is a prime example of kombucha made from light, delicate green tea, paired with classic flavour combinations such as ginger and lemon. 

LA Brewery

Deceptively, LA Brewery brews its artisanal kombucha in small batches in Suffolk. Unlike other kombucha brands, LA Brewery's Kombucha is non-alcoholic. Bursting with beautiful botanical flavours, it’s a delicious beverage, any time of day. 

Lo Bros

Lo Bros’ Organic Kombucha is made from a unique blend of single-estate oolong and green tea. It’s available in an assortment of flavours: Ginger & Lemon, Passionfruit and for a limited time only, Summer Special Peach & Ginger. Lo Bros’ Kombucha is simply a perfectly refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot summer’s day!

Remedy

Remedy Kombucha is made in small batches and long-age brewed. Whilst many kombuchas are brewed within 7-14 days, Remedy’s Kombucha is brewed for 30 days! That gives the beverage lots of extra time to develop flavour. More great tasting, natural ingredients are then added to produce a huge variety of kombucha flavours! 

Best Drinks to Pair with Kombucha

Kombucha is such a versatile drink that it might almost be easier to ask what kombucha doesn’t go well with! From mocktail to cocktail, kombucha is a fantastic base ingredient to add a little sharpness to your drink. 

For mocktails, blend your chosen kombucha with a complimentary fresh fruit juice, or even just a little sparkling water for extra fizz! We think fresh lychee juice mixed with Karma Kombucha’s Organic Ginger Kombucha is a tropical match made in heaven, but it works equally well with organic apple juice, like Biona’s Organic Apple Juice Pressed!

Kombucha also pairs well with all kinds of alcohol to make a healthier cocktail. Since kombucha is naturally tart, it works especially well with sour drinks like a margarita, mojito or even a Cosmo! The kombucha should be the last ingredient you add to your cocktail. Just make sure that your cocktail is shaken not stirred! You don’t want to lose any of the precious bubbles!

As if that wasn’t enough, you could always combine two of the latest trends, here in the UK - kombucha boba tea. Pour yourself a tall glass of your favourite kombucha flavour, add a scoop (or two!) of fruity popping pearls, and a handful of ice. Grab a straw and slurp! 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Base of Kombucha?

Organic kombucha is a delicious, slightly fizzy drink made from organic fermented tea. Typically, black tea or green tea is used as the base. To start the fermentation process, a SCOBY (Symbiotic Colony Of Bacteria and Yeast) and some sugar is added to the tea. 

The choice of tea for the kombucha base will affect the flavour of the kombucha. Black tea kombucha tends to have a deeper flavour, whilst green tea kombucha is more delicate and almost herby.

Does Kombucha Contain Alcohol?

Technically, yes, kombucha does contain alcohol. During the fermentation process, the yeast in the SCOBY consumes and ferments sugar, releasing carbon dioxide and ethanol as by-products. However, the average kombucha contains less than 0.5% alcohol. 

This is well below the definition of an alcoholic beverage in the UK, which the UK Food Standards Agency has set at 1.2% alcohol content. Some kombuchas known as hard kombuchas, are brewed to be alcoholic and can contain up to 8% alcohol.

If concerned, check the label on your kombucha to check the alcohol content.

Can Kombucha be Used Instead of Vegetable Dressing in Food?

Due to its naturally sour and slightly sweet flavour, kombucha is a perfect alternative for a vegan salad dressing. A flavoured kombucha, like Karma Kombucha’s Organic Pomegranate Kombucha, can replace vinegar in a salad dressing recipe with great results. A fruity pomegranate dressing can be used to brighten up any rice or couscous dish. 

If you’re fermenting your own kombucha, buy some kombucha SCOBY to start your batch. Then, if you leave a batch to ferment longer, you’ll get kombucha vinegar. Just perfect for giving your dressing an added kick! 

Does Kombucha Contain Minerals?

Kombucha has been found to contain a variety of minerals, which are known to be important components of our health. Small amounts of zinc, copper, magnesium, iron, nickel, cobalt, B-vitamins and Vitamin C can be found in kombucha. 

Some of these minerals help the body to produce red or white blood cells, whilst others support digestion. The amounts vary between brands, so check the labels if you need to know the mineral content in your kombucha.