As the popularity of kombucha continues to soar in the UK, more and more health & wellness enthusiasts are looking to incorporate this fizzy, fermented tea into their daily routines.
Whether you're a seasoned kombucha lover or a curious newcomer, understanding how to shop for high-quality kombucha is key to enjoying its unique taste and potential health benefits.
As a UK-based business known for our Complete Kombucha Starter Kit's & Kombucha Brewing Workshops we're here to guide you through the process of selecting the best kombucha on the market, while also considering why the option of brewing your own kombucha at home might be better!
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 kombucha can be determined by several 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.
- Probiotic Content: One of the main reasons people drink kombucha is for its probiotics. Ensure your kombucha contains live cultures (not pasteurised or filtered).
- Flavourings: Natural flavourings such as fruit juices, herbs, and spices can enhance the taste of kombucha, but always avoid artificial flavours and preservatives.
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 or with preservatives 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.
3. Look for Sediment: Sediment is normal, healthy & is a sign of live cultures.
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 total beginners in mind, come with a lifetime of brewing support from BooChaCha 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, home-made kombucha. You could even chose a couple of kombucha recipes from the Kombucha Recipe Club for special occasions!
Conclusion
Shopping for high-quality kombucha in the UK is an exciting journey into the fermented world. By understanding what to look for and where to find it, you can ensure that you're getting a product that's not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.
If you're up for a fun and rewarding project, consider brewing your own kombucha at home with one of our kombucha starter kits. Happy kombucha hunting!
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. Cheers to your health and wellbeing!