Is There Alcohol in Kombucha? Understanding Your Kombucha Home Brew

Is There Alcohol in Kombucha? Understanding Your Kombucha Home Brew

Kombucha, the effervescent, tangy, probiotic health drink that's taken the UK by storm, is often celebrated for its broad range of health benefits.

But there's a common question that bubbles up for many enthusiasts: Is there alcohol in kombucha?

As a UK based company specialising in Kombucha Starter Kits, we're here to demystify the alcohol content in kombucha and highlight the benefits of brewing your own at home.

Photo of a delicious, fresh, raw and totally natural glass of kombucha being poured into a fancy glass, against an aesthetic background with nice shadows being cast - boochacha


The Fermentation Process: Where Alcohol Comes Into Play

Kombucha is created through the fermentation of sweetened tea using a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast). This process, like all fermentation techniques, naturally produces trace amounts of alcohol, as a by-product.

If authentic fermentation techniques have been used to make commercially produced kombucha, and the product is served fresh, the alcohol content is typically less than 0.5%, which is considered non-alcoholic by UK standards. It is important to note that if a live kombucha has been stored incorrectly, or bottled for long periods of time the alcohol content could be higher than anticipated.

When you brew kombucha at home, you have full control over the fermentation process, allowing you to manage the alcohol levels to ensure they remain minimal.

Home Brew Kombucha: Control and Customisation

One of the joys of using one of our famously fun, easy & faff-free kombucha starter kits is the control it gives you over your brew.

You can influence the taste, fizziness, and yes, even the alcohol content using simple equipment in the comfort of your own kitchen.

By monitoring the length of fermentation and the temperature, you can tailor your kombucha to your personal preference, all while keeping the alcohol content at a level that suits your lifestyle.

Photo of boochacha complete kombucha starter kit in action, with scoby floating around, and bundles of tea in background, with branding and bright colours - boochacha


The Benefits of Home Brewing

Full Control Over Ingredients

When you brew kombucha at home, you choose what goes into your own, unique concoction. This means selecting tasty teas, high-quality sugar, and adding natural flavourings. You're not only crafting a beverage that's tailored to your taste buds but also one that aligns with your health goals and dietary preferences.

Cost-Effective and Sustainable

Home brewing with a kombucha starter kit is not only a fun and engaging hobby but also an economical choice. It reduces the need for buying single-use bottles from the store, cutting down on waste and saving you money in the long run.

Health Benefits at Your Fingertips

Kombucha is lauded for its health benefits, which include aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and providing a source of probiotics. By brewing at home, you can consume your kombucha in it's freshest state, and ensure that the powerful benefits are preserved, as commercial processes and storage can sometimes effect the quality of the kombucha.

The Alcohol Content: Keeping It Low

For those concerned about the alcohol in kombucha, rest assured that home brewing gives you the ability to keep it to a minimum. The key is to maintain a shorter fermentation period and to store your kombucha in a cool environment. This halts the fermentation process, preventing the production of excess alcohol. These steps are explained further in the brewing instructions included with each starter kit. 

Embracing the Kombucha Culture in the UK

The UK's interest in health and wellness continues to grow, and kombucha is at the forefront of this movement. By embracing home brewing, you're not only joining a community of health-conscious individuals but also taking charge of what you consume.

Delicious looking shot glass of cayenne pepper and lime kombucha with fresh limes around and salt on the rim, kind of like a sober tequila - boochacha

Conclusion: Raise a Glass to Health-Conscious Brewing

In conclusion, while kombucha does contain trace amounts of alcohol, the levels are typically very low, especially when you brew at home with one of our kombucha starter kits.

Home brewing offers a plethora of benefits, from full control over your brew to enjoying the health advantages of this delightful fermented drink.

For those in the UK looking to embark on their home brewing journey, our kombucha starter kits are the perfect way to begin. They're designed to simplify the process, ensuring that you can create a healthy, delicious, & low-alcohol kombucha right in the comfort of your own kitchen.

So, whether you're a seasoned brewer or a curious newcomer, we invite you to explore the world of kombucha. With our starter kits, you'll discover that not only is home-brewed kombucha good for you, but it's also a delightful way to take part in the UK's burgeoning health and wellness scene.

Back to blog