Full Answer
Which brand of kombucha is the healthiest?
The 10 Best Kombucha Brands, According To A Nutritionist
- Health-Ade Organic Kombucha. Clarke loves Health-Ade kombucha, which comes in sixteen different organic flavors. ...
- Brew Dr. Organic Kombucha. ...
- GTs Enlightened Organic Raw Kombucha. ...
- Wild Kombucha. ...
- Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha. ...
- Forage Kombucha. ...
- Humm Kombucha. ...
- Kosmic Kombucha. ...
- Holy Kombucha. ...
- Trader Joe's Organic Kombucha. ...
How to choose the best kombucha?
Rankings
- GT’s Kombucha. GT’s Kombucha is one of the original and most popular kombucha brands, and it stakes its products on their purity and lack of additives or sweeteners.
- Remedy Kombucha. Remedy Kombucha tastes amazing, carries an organic certification, and is loaded up with probiotic yeast and bacterial cultures.
- Theory of Kombucha Powdered Mix. ...
What is kombucha and why is it so popular?
Kombucha is a tea that has been fermented with bacteria and yeast, giving it a tart, vinegar-like zip and high levels of bacteria that some believe impart health benefits. And it’s hugely popular. Sales of kombucha jumped nearly five times between 2013 and 2015, to about $600 million a year, according to retail analysts at Markets and Markets.
How to choose a brand of kombucha?
“The thing to look for is that it’s a living product,” Crum says. Most commercial kombuchas are and will typically say “raw” on the label and list the active cultures. How to Pickle Everything
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What is the healthiest kombucha drink?
Best Overall: Better Booch Kombucha Organic, Variety Pack With 50 calories and 10 grams of sugar per 16-ounce can, Better Booch is a great probiotic-packed, refreshing beverage. They have no added sugars, colors, or flavors, and are also vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and verified non-alcoholic.
Which is the best store bought kombucha?
What Are The Best Brands?Synergy Raw Kombucha. If you've been searching high and dry for a healthier (low sugar) kombucha, G&T's synergy blend will sit well with you and your gut. ... G&T Aqua Kefir. ... Suja Organic Kombucha. ... Health Ade Kombucha. ... Holy Kombucha Signature Brew. ... Buddha's Brew Kombucha. ... Better Booch.
What is the best tasting kombucha?
Healthy Living: Six of the Best Kombuchas, Tasted and Ranked (2019)Blessed Brewery Fairy Tonic.Pilot Kombucha Pomegranate Rose.Brew Dr. Kombucha Lemon Ginger Cayenne.Humm Strawberry Lemonade.Health-Ade Pink Lady Apple.GT's Gingerade.
Is it good to drink kombucha everyday?
So just how much kombucha should you drink? Too much of anything is bad for you, of course. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that four ounces of kombucha can be safely consumed one to three times a day.
When should you drink kombucha?
Drink kombucha when you feel like it. On an empty stomach, you will enhance its detoxifying effect. Before or after meals, it will improve your digestion thanks to its natural probiotics. If you are especially sensitive to caffeine, we recommend not drinking kombucha in the evening.
Does kombucha make you poop?
The bottom line. Kombucha is a potentially good source of probiotics, which can promote gut health and prevent constipation. It can also help keep you hydrated, which is important for improving stool consistency and promoting regularity.
Is kombucha good for weight loss?
The acid in kombucha, such as acetic acid, can offer health and weight-loss benefits as well. Acetic acid is the component in kombucha that gives it its vinegar-like taste, but more importantly, it has been shown to positively impact insulin sensitivity and help reduce fasting blood sugars.
What should I look for in kombucha?
What to Look Forpackaging. One, if not the most, greatest things about kombucha falls onto its robust probiotic content. ... sugar content. Well, added sugars. ... natural ingredients. Like any food or beverage product, artificial ingredients may be added to enhance flavor and stabilization. ... presence of alcohol.
Is kombucha good for gut health?
Kombucha is thought to potentially provide probiotics, or "good" bacteria, that can improve digestion, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, prevent leaky gut syndrome, and much more.
Who should not drink kombucha?
Although rare, there have been reported cases of severe allergic reactions, acidosis and liver complications due to potentially contaminated kombucha consumption ( 21 ). Since kombucha is unpasteurized and contains small amounts of caffeine and alcohol, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it as well ( 22 ).
What are the negative effects of kombucha?
Kombucha has been reported to cause some side effects, including stomach problems, yeast infections, allergic reactions, yellow skin (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, and death.
Can kombucha hurt your liver?
Research posted to SD Med attributes some cases of toxicity of the liver and inflammation to kombucha consumption. These may lead to complications such as jaundice or lactic acidosis. Those with conditions affecting the liver may want to avoid kombucha or ensure it comes from a controlled environment.
Is Synergy raw kombucha good for you?
Made from pure and organic ingredients, SYNERGY Raw Kombucha contains over 9 billion living probiotics that transform your body, mind and spirit. From aiding in digestion to supporting gut health and boosting immune function, live a happier and healthier life with raw kombucha.
Is kombucha good for weight loss?
The acid in kombucha, such as acetic acid, can offer health and weight-loss benefits as well. Acetic acid is the component in kombucha that gives it its vinegar-like taste, but more importantly, it has been shown to positively impact insulin sensitivity and help reduce fasting blood sugars.
Is kombucha good for acid reflux?
While kombucha isn't a proven treatment for acid reflux or GERD, its probiotic-rich nature is known to improve overall gut health, so it's likely to relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms of both these ailments.
How much weight can you lose with kombucha?
“A healthy gut is full of good bacteria that can be more supportive of lean mass. Some unhealthy gut bacteria can promote weight gain.” Hodovic recommends people limit consumption of Kombucha to four ounces per day.
Rankings
GT’s Kombucha is one of the original and most popular kombucha brands, and it stakes its products on their purity and lack of additives or sweeteners.
Who Should Buy Kombucha?
Kombucha is safe for most individuals and is a great choice for people looking to improve gut health and enhance weight loss. It can also help support the immune system and fight off colds.
How We Ranked
When looking at the various kombucha’s products on the list, we first looked at the sugar content. We preferred products like Latta Kombucha and GT’s Kombucha that contained less than 5g of sugar. Our last pick, Koe, provides a certified organic kombucha but contains an astronomical amount of sugar per can (up to 20g).
Benefits
Kombucha contains probiotic bacteria that can boost your immune system. One surprising area of research on the uses and benefits of kombucha is in agriculture, where scientists are searching for better alternatives than synthetic antibiotics for increasing the resistance of farm animals to infection.
Side effects
Some public health officials have expressed concerns over the health risks of kombucha, particularly because many people are choosing to manufacture and ferment it themselves.
Recommended dose
So far, research on kombucha has largely been relegated to either observational studies or tests of kombucha extracts in animals.
Recap
Kombucha is a great source of probiotic bacteria, especially for people who are lactose intolerant.
What is kombucha?
The probiotic drink is concocted by fermenting sweetened tea (usually a blend of green and black teas) with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, also known as SCOBY. Concerned about the added sugars? Kombucha requires a dash of the sweet stuff because the yeast feeds on the sugar in order to ferment the mixture.
What are the benefits of kombucha?
There are many benefits of kombucha; however, there is still research to be done to confirm the extent to which kombucha can improve your health. "We currently know very little about kombucha and how it affects human health.
The 11 best kombucha brands you can buy
Ready to add this bubbly drink to your weekly routine? Below, we've rounded up the best kombucha brands offering the lowest-sugar picks on the market. Each pick features bold flavors coming from fruit, herbs, and spices that help balance the beverage's natural acidity.
Health-Ade Kombucha Ginger-Lemon
This ginger-lemon flavor strikes a balance between sweet and tart, while surprising you with a subtle kick in every sip thanks to cold-pressed juices. Almost unbelievably, Health-Ade crafts their kombucha with the utmost of care, brewing in small, two-and-a-half gallon glass jars.
GT's Organic & Raw Synergy Lemonade Kombucha
Looking for a healthier, lower-sugar lemonade? We bet you'll swoon over GT's Lemonade kombucha, crafted with green and black teas, kiwi juice and lemon juice, and two billion CFUs of gut-healing probiotics. For just six grams of sugar per serving, you'll be happy you picked up a tangy bottle.
Brew Doctor Kombucha Clear Mind
An invigorating blend of rosemary, peppermint, sage, and green tea helps clear your mind come midday while providing a plethora of antioxidants. One cup contains just five grams of sugar, deeming Brew Doctor the ultimate antidote to the 2 p.m. slump. What's unique about Brew Dr.
Humm Kombucha Hopped Grapefruit
Prep your body for that post-work spin class by hydrating with Humm's hopped grapefruit kombucha. Grapefruit contains natural electrolytes such as potassium, which can help replenish stores to prevent fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. This also happens to be a low-calorie, low-carb substitute for a hoppy IPA beer.
Are you hooked on the punchy fermented drink? These are the best kombucha brands to try
Just a few years ago, everyone was wondering what is kombucha? Kombucha was only a fringe drink available at health stores. Today the fizzy, fermented beverage is available in most grocery stores, and there’s a bevy of different brands and types to choose from. It’s obvious people are enjoying them for flavor as well as the health benefits.
More Bubbly Kombucha Brands
The silver medal goes to Health-Ade’s Organic Ginger-Lemon Kombucha. This is another vegan, gluten-free option that’s also certified raw, which is believed to help preserve nutrients as the ingredients aren’t exposed to heat.
Strawberry-Lavender Infused Water
A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out the lavender and enjoy this anytime.
How We Chose the Winners
Our Taste of Home Test Kitchen and editors team up to taste all kinds of popular foods and run essential kitchen gear through the paces. We rank them, discuss and test again, if needed, to arrive at the products we recommend for you and your kitchen. Find out how we choose the best products and see everything we’ve tested.
The Best Healthy Granola
A sprinkle of granola turns plain yogurt into a parfait, adds crunch to baked goods and can even stand in for graham crackers in a pie crust. Our Test Kitchen put a grocery store's worth of brands to the test so you can level up these treats with the best. See the Winner
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A former in-house editor at Taste of Home, Kelsey now writes articles and novels from her home in Milwaukee. She's an avid cook, reader, flâneur, and noir fanatic. Her debut novel, Girl in the Rearview Mirror, will be published in June 2019 by William Morrow.
Health-Ade
We can’t get enough of Health-Ade. Not only do its bottles contain the least amount of sugar, they also taste the best (in our humble opinion!) They also come with super cool packaging, and are certified organic. They add forward-thinking healthy ingredients such as reishi mushrooms and maca to their flavors.
Humm Kombucha
Oregon-based Humm gets points for its funky, custom packaging designs and creative flavors, like Coconut Lime and Chai. Its brews are organic, uniquely delicious, and come with very little extra sugar.
Holy Kombucha
This small Fort Worth, Texas-based company brews its certified organic ‘bucha with an extra serving of purpose, by regularly donating a percentage of profits to charity. Its bottles are also raw, low-sugar, and come in delish flavors like Blood Orange and Green Apple Ginger.
Brew Dr
OK, some of Brew Dr.’s bottles contain a little more sugar than we’d like, but the ingredients (all raw and organic) and flavor are so darn good that we’re cutting it some slack. The company also makes brilliant, functional blends like “Clear Mind,” brewed with herbs that are known to help with mental clarity and focus.
See if the kombucha is refrigerated
"As a living food, Kombucha is also not shelf-stable, so it should always be kept refrigerated. If you see one that is not stocked in a refrigerated section, that Kombucha is an imposter," GT Dave says. Kombucha tastes better chilled, anyway.
Look at the ingredient list
Spotting a fake Kombucha begins before you open a bottle. GT Dave tells us that there are a number of telltale signs you should look out for on the backside of the bottle or can.
Check the 'Enjoy By' date
"The keyword to look for when choosing a kombucha that doesn't use heat to remove the alcohol produced by fermentation would be 'raw,'" Thomas tells us. "Kombucha should be raw, just as nature intended. If you see one that has been processed, filtered, or pasteurized, it is not authentic," GT Dave adds.
Does it have a tangy taste?
Upon taking your first sip, you'll notice kombucha's signature tangy taste—which just happens to be a key indicator to identifying a true booch, GT Dave tells us. "This flavorful characteristic is developed through an authentic fermentation, which can be found in all cultured foods such as kimchi, kefir, Greek yogurt, and sourdough bread.
So just how much kombucha should you drink?
Too much of anything is bad for you, of course. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that four ounces of kombucha can be safely consumed one to three times a day.
Possible hazards vary by drinker and fermenter
Drinking too much kombucha could potentially lead to reactions like headache, nausea, GI distress or going into ketoacidosis (a medical emergency where there’s too much acid in your blood), Smith continues.
Rankings
- 1. GT’s Kombucha
Check price at Amazon GT’s Kombucha is one of the original and most popular kombucha brands, and it stakes its products on their purity and lack of additives or sweeteners. GT’s Kombucha products are extremely low in sugar, with only two grams per bottle of the gingerade flavor. This … - 2. Brew Dr. Kombucha
Check price at Amazon Brew Dr. Kombucha is high in probiotic bacteria and low in sugar, with only five grams per bottle. Some of this is added sugar, but the low absolute amount still makes it a great pick as a health beverage. Aside from cane sugar, Brew Dr. flavors its kombucha with he…
Who Should Buy Kombucha?
- Kombucha is safe for most individuals and is a great choice for people looking to improve gut health and enhance weight loss. It can also help support the immune system and fight off colds. Due to the high bacteria content, pregnant women and children should not consume kombucha. Certain kombucha brands can also contain a lot of sugar, which can be both unhealthy and dang…
How We Ranked
- When looking at the various kombucha’s products on the list, we first looked at the sugar content. We preferred products like Latta Kombuchaand GT’s Kombuchathat contained less than 5g of sugar. Our last pick, Koe, provides a certified organic kombucha but contains an astronomical amount of sugar per can (up to 20g). Taste was also important. B-Tea Kombuchacontains a low …
Benefits
- Kombucha contains probiotic bacteria that can boost your immune system. One surprising area of research on the uses and benefits of kombucha is in agriculture, where scientists are searching for better alternatives than synthetic antibiotics for increasing the resistance of farm animals to infection. Research from this field suggests that kombucha could boost immunity and reduce th…
Side Effects
- Some public health officials have expressed concerns over the health risks of kombucha, particularly because many people are choosing to manufacture and ferment it themselves. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention described a series of serious illnesses, one of which was fatal, in an Iowa town in 1995 that was linked to kombucha consumption (4). …
Recommended Dose
- So far, research on kombucha has largely been relegated to either observational studies or tests of kombucha extracts in animals. Neither of these make it particularly easy to recommend specific doses, and given how new kombucha is as a health trend, randomized controlled trials haven’t come out yet that would establish effective doses. Right now, typical kombucha intake i…
FAQ
- What is kombucha? Kombucha is a fermented drink popular for its health benefits. It comes from both black and green tea leaves combined with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast. Due to fermentation, kombucha has an alcohol content of about 0.5% or less – though this value can be up to 3% depending on the manufacturer. Given its low percentage of alcohol, kombucha tea is n…
Related Articles
Recap
- Kombucha is a great source of probiotic bacteria, especially for people who are lactose intolerant. These probiotic bacteria are associated with benefits ranging from better immune system function to improved protein digestion. Moreover, the green tea content of kombucha gives it strong antioxidant properties that may help lower cholesterol and ward off oxidative damage. K…