


Homemade kombucha is likely to have a higher alcohol content, so beware when making it or you might just end up with a vinegary moonshine. The alcohol content of kombucha can vary between brands. Kombucha falls into this category as well. All fermented foods, such as vinegar, sauerkraut, kefir, and soy sauce, contain some alcohol. So, what we’re saying here is that alcohol naturally occurs during the brewing process and can’t be avoided. The trace amount of alcohol in kombucha varies from brew to brew since genuine kombucha is naturally fermented without being pasteurized. The alcohol in the final product results from yeast consuming and fermenting sugar into CO2 and ethanol. Kombucha is a fermented beverage, so it produces some alcohol during the fermentation process. Kombucha Watermelon HOW MUCH ALCOHOL IS IN KOMBUCHA? Still, the actual alcohol level varies depending on a few factors. After fermentation, brewers can even reduce alcohol levels using a variety of techniques. This is because a small amount of alcohol is produced as a byproduct of the natural fermentation process of kombucha. This alcohol is naturally occuring and not added. However, commercial kombuchas do have varying amounts of alcohol. It’s important to understand that kombucha is not brewed to be intentionally intoxicating (although some more alcoholic kombuchas are emerging in the market). We know it sounds confusing, so let’s walk through the answer so you can better understand the process and make an informed decision on whether kombucha is right for you. However, it isn’t technically considered an alcoholic beverage. When it comes to this ready-to-drink beverage, one of the more common questions is: does kombucha have alcohol? The short answer is yes, kombucha does contain some alcohol. It contains carbon dioxide, alcohol, acetic acid, and other acidic compounds, along with probiotic bacteria. This film is an example of a living “symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast,” also known as a SCOBY.Īs a result of the fermentation process, kombucha has unique flavor and characteristics. The surface of the tea becomes covered with a mushroom-like film formed by bacteria and yeast during fermentation. The mixture must then ferment for several weeks at room temperature. Kombucha is created using black or green tea infused with certain strains of bacteria, yeast, and sugar. Alcohol in Kombucha: What You Need to Know 9 WHAT IS KOMBUCHA, AND DOES KOMBUCHA HAVE ALCOHOL?įermented beverages like kombucha are believed to have originated in China. In this article, we explore the alcohol content of kombucha and what that means for drinkers of this fermented treat. Does kombucha have alcohol in it? Why? Is it considered an alcoholic beverage? Its alcohol content, however, concerns some people. Some of these benefits may include improved digestion, a reduction in cholesterol, and better-controlled blood sugar levels. The health benefits of kombucha have been studied extensively in recent years and there are many ongoing studies to understand the role of probiotics. Although the history of kombucha dates back thousands of years, this fermented beverage has become increasingly popular in the past decade, especially among people wanting to live a healthy lifestyle.
