As the popularity of kombucha continues to soar globally, more and more health & wellness enthusiasts are looking to fit this fizzy, fermented tea into their daily routines.
Whether you've been drinking kombucha for years or you're a curious newcomer, it is important to understand the differences between an authentically brewed kombucha with potential health benefits and a non-bucha (as I like to call the fake ones).
Get the taste of a real Kombucha with a sample bottle of our very own homemade Kombucha, totally unfiltered, unpasteurised, and authentically fermented for 7 - 10 days in small batches, delivered to you (within the UK) for just the cost of the postage.
As a UK-based business famous for our 5 star rated, beginner friendly Complete Kombucha Starter Kit and for our range of online and in-person Kombucha Brewing Workshops we have written this guide to explain how to be sure you're buying good quality kombucha, and to (hopefully) tempt you into considering the option of brewing your own kombucha at home.
Understanding Kombucha Quality
To understand what makes kombucha high-quality, let's get into what Kombucha actually is first.
Kombucha is a fermented health tonic made from tea, sugar, and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The quality of a kombucha is determined by a few factors:
- Ingredients: Look for kombucha made with simple ingredients. The only ingredients needed to make authentic kombucha are; water, tea, sugar and live kombucha culture (SCOBY)
- Storage: Ensure the kombucha you buy has been stored in the fridge section, in a glass bottle, it has a shelf life less than 6 months, and has no mention of filtering or pasteurisation prior to bottling
- Fermentation: Proper fermentation is crucial. High-quality kombucha should have a balanced taste, not too sweet and not too vinegary
- Flavourings: Natural flavourings such as fruit juices, herbs, and spices can enhance the taste of kombucha, but always avoid artificial flavours, sweeteners and preservatives
Look at these stunning bottles of homemade kombucha. This was a 2 litre batch of Hibiscus and Ginger Kombucha, which I added fresh lemon into one half and fresh mint into the other.
Shopping for Kombucha in the UK
When shopping for kombucha in the UK, here are some good places to try:
- Local Health Food Stores
- Vegan Cafes or Alcohol Free Bars
- Farmers Markets
Tips for Selecting the Best Kombucha
1. Read the Label: Check for the list of ingredients and nutritional information. Avoid products with high sugar content, also avoid kombuchas with zero sugar, or with preservatives, sweeteners and unnatural flavourings.
2. Check the Packaging: Kombucha should be stored in glass bottles to maintain its purity and prevent leaching from plastics or cans. It should always be kept in the fridge section of the store and also needs to be transported cold too.
3. Look for Sediment: Sediment is normal, healthy & is a sign of live cultures. Yeast strands are the sign of an unfiltered kombucha, which is great, and if it has any mini SCOBYs in the bottle, that is even better. Here's how you can do a simple 4 step test to see if the kombucha you buy is live.
4. Best Before Date: Freshness is important with kombucha. Check the 'best before' date to ensure you're getting a fresh batch. We recommend looking for a brand where the shelf life is 6 months at max from bottling.
Brew Your Own Kombucha
Those looking to get a regular dose of high quality kombucha on a budget should consider brewing their own at home, with one of our Kombucha Starter Kits.
Our starter kits are specifically designed with beginners in mind, come with a lifetime of brewing support and have been rated 5 stars over and over again by happy customers!
Not only is it cost-effective, but it allows you to totally control the ingredients and fermentation process. You also get to learn a new, fascinating & healthy hobby, which is something we often forget about in busy modern day adult life.
Imagine how impressed your friends and family will be with a delicious sample of your freshly brewed, homemade kombucha. You could even chose a couple of kombucha recipes from the Kombucha Recipe Club for special occasions!
Finding a good quality kombucha in the shops is tough! And if you're buying kombucha because you like the flavour of an authentic fermentation, and the potential health benefits then all of this is super important to know.
But if, and when you decide you're up for a fun new gut-loving hobby, consider brewing your own kombucha at home with one of our kombucha starter kits.
Remember to always enjoy kombucha as part of a balanced diet. If you have any health concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before adding new fermented foods to your routine.