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Benefits of Kombucha- is it a health tonic or dangerous
  • Health

Benefits of Kombucha Tea & How to Make it At Home

Katie WellsAug 12, 2016Updated: May 12, 2020
Dr Madiha Saeed Medical Advisor to Wellness Mama
Medically reviewed by Dr. Madiha Saeed, MD
Reading Time: 10 min

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Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » Benefits of Kombucha Tea & How to Make it At Home
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • What is Kombucha?+−
    • The SCOBY: a Colony of Microbes
    • Kombucha Nutrition
    • What Does it Taste Like?
  • Kombucha Benefits and Probiotics+−
    • 1. Improving Digestion
    • 2. Natural Detoxification and Liver Support
    • 3. Immune Boost
    • 4. May Support Joint Health
    • 5. More Nutritious Alternative to Soda
    • Important Caveat About The Benefits
  • Potential Risks and Side Effects of Kombucha+−
    • Kombucha Risks and Cautions
    • Oral Health Concerns
    • Caffeine Content
    • Sugar Content
    • Alcohol Content
  • How to Make Kombucha
  • How to Make Kombucha at Home to Get the Many Benefits
  • Where to Get Kombucha
  • Probiotic-Rich Kombucha Alternatives
  • Bottom Line

There are many benefits attributed to Kombucha – an age-old fermented tea drink that has been around (in various forms) for centuries in many different cultures.

What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a traditional fermented drink made of black tea and sugar. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes and has been prized by traditional cultures for its health-promoting properties.

More specifically, Kombucha is a sweetened tea that is fermented with a SCOBY (a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast) to become a nutrient-rich beverage. The fermentation process takes 7-12 days depending on temperature and the strength of the SCOBY. The SCOBY consumes over 90% of the sugar during fermentation, resulting in a low-sugar finished product. This process is similar to what would happen in sourdough bread or milk/water kefir.

Once a very obscure drink, Kombucha is now a popular beverage that is available at most health food stores and many local grocery stores. Many people also brew at home using various methods including the batch method and continuous brew.

The SCOBY: a Colony of Microbes

The SCOBY, or Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast, is the collection of microbes responsible for turning sweet tea into a probiotic beverage. Essentially, it is a living colony of beneficial organisms that turn sugar into healthful acids and probiotics.

SCOBYs are often called “Mushrooms” and are the reason Kombucha is sometimes called “Mushroom Tea.” On a practical level, a SCOBY is an unattractive rubbery disc that covers the surface of the brewing liquid to seal it off from the air. This allows fermentation to happen in an anaerobic (air free) environment.

You may also hear a SCOBY called “The Mother” as it is the parent culture that creates the tea. During the brewing process, the SCOBY also often creates a “baby” or secondary culture on top of itself, which can then be used to brew other batches.

If properly taken care of, a SCOBY can last for many years. In fact, I know a couple of families that have generations-old strains of SCOBYs that have made many babies over the years.

What is a SCOBY- symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast

Kombucha Nutrition

As mentioned, this tangy fermented beverage contains beneficial probiotics and acids. It is lower-calorie than other carbonated beverages like soft drinks, with only about 30 calories per cup (8 ounces). Kombucha is fat-free and does not contain any protein.

One cup does contain about seven grams of carbohydrates and about 20% of the daily value of B-Vitamins, according to the label of the popular GT brand. Eight ounces also provides:

  • Bacillus coagulans GBI-30 6086: 1 billion organisms
  • S. Boulardii: 1 billion organisms
  • EGCG 100mg
  • Glucuronic Acid 10mg
  • L(+) Lactic Acid 25mg
  • Acetic Acid 30 mg
Kombucha Nutrition Facts

What Does it Taste Like?

This fermented tea has a slightly sweet and slightly tangy flavor, reminiscent of a shrub or vinegar based drink. The flavor varies widely by brand and homebrew method. Finished kombucha tea can also be flavored in a process called secondary fermentation by adding juices, fruit or herbs.

Kombucha Benefits and Probiotics

This ancient health tonic is attributed with several health benefits. The nutrients it contains are wonderful at supporting the body in various ways. It is important to note that while there is an abundance of anecdotal evidence from avid supporters, studies about kombucha are lacking. But then again, so are studies about flossing, but everyone seems to be pro-flossing.

To be clear- it isn’t some magic pill or silver bullet, but it may help the body function well by supporting:

  • Liver detoxification
  • Increased energy
  • Better digestion
  • Helps nutrient assimilation

These benefits could be partially due to the concentration of beneficial enzymes and acids present in kombucha, including  Gluconacetobacter, Lactobacillus and Zygosaccharomyces.

1. Improving Digestion

The research is still out on the specific way Kombucha affects digestion, but we do know that it contains probiotics, enzymes and beneficial acids and these have been researched for their health benefits.

Harvard Medical School explains that a healthy gut will have 100 trillion + microorganisms from 500 different identified species. In this sense, we truly are more bacterial than human. There has been a lot of emerging research on the dangers of an overly sanitary environment and how overuse of antibiotics and antibacterial soaps and products is literally changing the structure of our gut.

Drinks like Kombucha, Water Kefir, Milk Kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut contain billions of these beneficial bacteria, enzymes and acids that help keep the gut in balance.

2. Natural Detoxification and Liver Support

The liver is one of the body’s main detoxification organs. Kombucha is high in Glucaric acid, which is beneficial to the liver and aids its natural detoxification.

As Kombucha also supports healthy gut bacteria and digestion, it helps the body assimilate food more easily and provides quick and easy energy without caffeine.

3. Immune Boost

Kombucha is naturally high in antioxidants and supportive of the immune system. Again, there is no magic pill or silver bullet when it comes to immune function- it is best to support the body in its natural immune process.

It contains a compound called D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone (or DSL for short) that has amazing antioxidant properties. This compound is not present in unfermented teas (though many teas are high in other antioxidants). DSL has been specifically identified as beneficial for cellular detoxification.

4. May Support Joint Health

Kombucha is a natural source of compounds called glucosamines, which are often recommended for joint health and to alleviate joint pain. Glucosamines naturally increase hyaluronic acid in the body and helps protect and lubricate the joints. In some trials, hyaluronic acid provided relief similar to over the counter pain killers.

5. More Nutritious Alternative to Soda

Kombucha is a great alternative to sugar-laden drinks like soda. It is naturally carbonated. This means that the secondary fermentation process naturally produces bubbles and carbonation. Sodas, on the other hand, are artificially carbonated by forcing carbonation into the liquid.

This fizzy fermented tea is an attractive alternative to other carbonated beverages and provides probiotics and nutrients not present in soda. Kombucha also contains less sugar than soft drinks. The sugar in the recipe is simply the food for the beneficial bacteria and is largely consumed during the fermentation process.

Important Caveat About The Benefits

I originally wrote about this age-old brewed tea drink years ago, and since that time, I’ve seen thousands of posts claiming it cures everything from cancer to wrinkles. It is important to note that there are no confirmed studies about kombucha’s benefits and safety.

At the same time, there are anecdotal reports of its benefits and many people love its taste and the energy it gives them. Don’t expect kombucha to solve your health problems, but it is a great refreshing drink with some added probiotics.

The benefits of kombucha- digestion - immune support-detoxification-weightloss

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Kombucha

I love this ancient fermented tea and drink it often, but there are some cautions and side effects to be aware of when consuming it.

Kombucha Risks and Cautions

  • Pregnant and nursing moms and anyone with a medical condition should check with a doctor before consuming. It contains both caffeine and sugar, which should be limited during pregnancy.
  • Some people experience bloating from drinking it. This may in part be due to the presence of Probiotics and potential changes in gut bacteria. Anyone with a digestive disorder should consult a doctor before consuming.
  •  If kombucha is made incorrectly, it may contain harmful bacteria and could be dangerous. This is rare but is more common with home brews. If you brew your own, be very careful to keep the environment clean and brew correctly.
  • Preparing kombucha in a ceramic vessel may be dangerous as the acidic brew can leach any lead from this vessel into the finished drink.

Oral Health Concerns

The most logical concern I’ve seen with Kombucha is its potential to cause dental problems. Since it is high in natural acids (but still lower than most sodas) it can be harmful to the teeth. OraWellness wrote a great article on the specific way kombucha affects teeth and how to consume it without harming your teeth.

These steps may also help reduce the potential for the acids in kombucha to affect teeth: drink it all in one sitting, don’t sip it throughout the day, and swish with clean water (don’t brush) right after.

Caffeine Content

The base for kombucha is black tea, and some people have concerns about its caffeine content. The amount of caffeine in kombucha varies quite a bit based on the type of tea used and the steep time. In general, it is considered to have less caffeine than soda or coffee. Caffeine content also decreases during fermentation, so the longer the ferment, the less caffeine typically left in the brew.

If caffeine is a concern, there are several ways to reduce the caffeine content:

  1. Use a mixture of teas with as little as 20% black tea and lower caffeine teas like green or white to make up the difference.
  2. Try herbal teas along with 20% black tea since herbal teas are caffeine free.
  3. Dump the first steep of the tea and use the second for kombucha. In other words, steep the tea bags or leaves you will use for kombucha in a cup of boiling water for about two minutes. Then, pour this liquid out and then add the tea to the liquid you plan to use to make kombucha. Since the majority of the caffeine is removed during the initial steep, this greatly reduces the caffeine content of the finished product

It is generally not recommended to use decaffeinated tea for kombucha as the caffeine is often removed through a chemical process and the residue may kill the kombucha SCOBY.

Sugar Content

Sugar is used in making kombucha, and for this reason many people are concerned about the sugar content in the finished tea. Fortunately, the majority of the sugar ferments out during the fermentation process. Because the sugar is the food for the bacteria, it is not possible to make without any sugar at all. For this reason, sugar substitutes like stevia and xylitol do not work either.

Alcohol Content

Kombucha does contain a very small amount of alcohol, which has been a source of much controversy in recent years. Sources estimate that store bought brews contain 0.5% to 1.0% alcohol. To put this in perspective, a person would have to drink a six pack of kombucha to approach the alcohol in a single 12oz beer. In fact, a bottle of kombucha would have a comparable alcohol content to an over-ripe banana.

Store bought brew containing over 0.5% alcohol must be labeled as such and often an ID is required to purchase it. Homemade kombucha also typically contains more alcohol than store bought, though still not much.

How to Make Kombucha

If you decide to venture into the world of homebrewing kombucha, the process is simple, but nuanced. Check out this full tutorial for a full explanation of the process and other methods.

how to make kombucha easy recipe

How to Make Kombucha at Home to Get the Many Benefits

Katie Wells
Kombucha is an age-old fermented tea drink that may help improve digestion and is a natural source of antioxidants and benefitical enzymes. Make kombucha at home with this easy recipe. 
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Course Drinks
Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

  • Gallon size glass jar (make sure it's really clean!!)
  • Fermentation cover or coffee filter or thin cloth and a rubber band
  • Cheesecloth

Ingredients
  

  • 1 gallon of brewed sweetened tea ratio: 1 cup of sugar per gallon of tea 
  • a SCOBY and 1 cup of liquid from a previous batch of kombucha

Instructions
 

  • Sterilize all equipment and wash hands thoroughly.
  • Make 1 gallon of tea using black tea or a mixture of black tea with green/white tea or herbal teas.
  • Add 1 cup of natural sugar. Honey is not recommended and other sugar substitutes do not work.
  • Let the sweetened tea cool and place in a 1 gallon or larger glass jar.
  • Add 1 cup of brewed raw kombucha (or 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar).
  • Carefully place the
    or "mother" on top of the mixture, ideally floating it on top to seal the mixture off from air.
  • If the SCOBY is not the same size as the container, don’t worry. It will grow to fill the container as it ferments.
  • Cover the jar with a
    cheesecloth or piece of organic cloth and a rubber band.
  • Let sit at room temperature for 7-12 days to desired tartness.
  • Remove the SCOBY and 1 cup of finished komobucha to start a new batch and repeat steps 1-9.
  • If a fizzy finished drink is desired, pour finished kombucha into airtight jars or bottles and add organic juice or fresh/frozen fruit. Add 1 part juice/fruit to 4 parts kombucha.
  • Cover tightly and let sit an additional 1-2 days until carbonated.
  • Store in the refrigerator in airtight containers until consumed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 56.3gSugar: 16.3g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Where to Get a SCOBY and Supplies:

If you decide to make your own, it is important to get the SCOBY and supplies from a high-quality source. Find a local friend who already brews and ask for an extra SCOBY. I also highly recommend Kombucha Kamp, a small family-owner company run by my friend and affiliate partners Hannah and Alex. They carry SCOBYs, tea, sugar and all necessary supplies.

Where to Get Kombucha

Don’t want a jar of fermenting tea sitting on your counter perpetually? You’re in luck.

Kombucha has gained popularity in the US recently and is now available in many stores. There are dozens of really good brands and if you choose to buy it, just look for an organic variety without a large amount of sugar or added ingredients. Some of my favorite pre-made brands are:

  • GTs Kombucha
  • Humm Kombucha
  • Buchi

Probiotic-Rich Kombucha Alternatives

As I mentioned, kombucha contains probiotics and beneficial acids, yet it also has some cautions and side effects. There are many other foods and drinks that are natural sources of probiotics and that don’t carry the same risks.

While kombucha is delicious, I’d also suggest branching out into other healthy probiotic foods and drinks like: sauerkraut, water kefir, beet kvass, or homemade ginger ale. These are all great probiotic foods to add to your diet:

Top Probiotic Foods to Add to Your Diet

Bottom Line

Many people love Kombucha because of its taste. The internet abounds with anecdotal stories of its benefits. Research doesn’t yet support its health-promoting properties, but it is generally considered safe to drink if from a reputable source.

We do know that it is a good source of probiotics, enzymes, and beneficial acids, and a decent source of B-vitamins. It can be made at home or found in many stores. It may not be a silver bullet for health, but it sure is tasty!

Like with any raw/fermented product, those with any health condition or who are pregnant/nursing should check with a doctor before consuming.

This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Kombucha Benefits and Facts Infographic

Do you drink it? Do you make it? Have you experienced any benefits from taking it? Share with below!

Sources
  • R. Jayabalan, P. Subathradevi, S. Marimuthu, M. Sathishkumar, K. Swaminathan, Changes in free-radical scavenging ability of kombucha tea during fermentation, Food Chemistry, Volume 109, Issue 1, 1 July 2008, Pages 227-234, ISSN 0308-8146, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814607012940.
  • Sheng-Che Chu, Chinshuh Chen, Effects of origins and fermentation time on the antioxidant activities of kombucha, Food Chemistry, Volume 98, Issue 3, 2006, Pages 502-507, ISSN 0308-8146, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814605005364.
  • P. Semjonovs, I. Denina and R. Linde, 2014. Evaluation of Physiological Effects of Acetic Acid Bacteria and Yeast Fermented Non-alchocolic Beverage Consumption in Rat Model. Journal of Medical Sciences, 14: 147-152.
  • C. Dufresne, E. Farnworth, Tea, Kombucha, and health: a review, Food Research International, Volume 33, Issue 6, July 2000, Pages 409-421, ISSN 0963-9969, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996900000673.
  • Determination of D-saccharic acid-1,4-lactone from brewed kombucha broth by high-performance capillary electrophoresis.
Category: HealthReviewer: Dr. Madiha Saeed, MD

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

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Reader Interactions

Discussion (141 Comments)

  1. Amber

    October 23, 2014 at 6:39 PM

    Hi everyone! Just wondering if anyone has ever added co2 to their homemade kombucha? I have not have any luck getting bubbles with a second fermentation. Would love any knowledge that you can be passed on 🙂

    Reply
    • Jorge Herrera

      October 29, 2014 at 10:35 PM

      When I bottle mine for the second stage fermentation, I add 1 teaspoon of sugar to my 1 litter flip top container. Wait 2-4 days, depending on temp in your home, and it comes out like champagne. But because your adding sugar you’ll start to form a mini scoby, I just filter as I pour so the little guy doesn’t get into my glass.

      Reply
    • Nadine

      November 12, 2014 at 12:27 AM

      I used to have that problem as well in the second ferment. What fixed it for me was, after taking the SCOBY out, I stirred up the whole batch to get the sediment (yeast) distributed evenly throughout. I then bottled and after 3 days of second ferment with different flavours (I bottle the first ferment and the second ferment is done in individual bottles each individually flavoured) my Kombucha becomes super bubbly, so much so that some times its like opening a bottle of champagne. Hope this helps you out.

      Reply
    • Jana

      August 14, 2016 at 7:01 AM

      Make sure your second ferment jars are airtight. I use canning jars and was using plastic lids and getting no carbonation. I switched to the two part canning lids and that made a big difference.

      Reply
  2. Marie

    October 22, 2014 at 9:57 PM

    Great article Katie! I have heard conflicting info regarding kombuchas effect on candida. I am 10 months post partum, have been under a lot of stress in the past couple of months (a move, my 10 month old and 3 yr old getting whooping cough, and travel), and I am realizing I definitely have yeast issues. Stubborn toenail fungus, flakey scalp, itching all over my body, etc. Can you point me to some specific info on how it works against candida, despite the yeast and sugar it contains? I am doing the Primal Defense probiotic, eating about a half cup of fermented veggies a day, and /or drinking the fermented pickle juice, and drinking 1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar on the days I remember. I know stress can aggravate fungus infections and adrenal fatigue has been an on and off issue for me for 7 yrs. Thank you in advance and thank you for all you do!!!

    Reply
    • Max

      May 21, 2015 at 11:28 PM

      Your symptoms remind me of my symptoms before I self diagnosed my
      Thyroid condition (hypothyroidism). Have you had a thyroid panel blood
      test?

      I really enjoy coming to this website, thanks.

      (This is my first comment)

      Reply
  3. Teresa

    October 22, 2014 at 7:28 PM

    I maintain 4 mothers in my kombucha farm, all started from a bottle of GTs many years ago. I drink 12-14 oz a day and I think it tastes better than any commercial brand. Simple and inexpensive to make.

    Reply
  4. Anna

    October 22, 2014 at 2:11 PM

    I just wanted to add a note for anyone who suffers with yeast issues… When I started drinking Kombucha, my yeast infection, which I didnt realize I even had, flared up BADLY. However, I kept drinking it as I read somewhere that this reaction was positive as it was cleansing my system. Since then the infections have disappeared so I would really recommend Kombucha esp if you have yeast issues – just push through the initial reaction!

    Reply
  5. Tasja

    October 22, 2014 at 1:04 AM

    I have been making my own brew for a couple of months now. Could you give me some ideas on how you like to drink it? I really like it and my kids do to but I want to be able to switch it up now and again so we don’t get bored of it and stop drinking it. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • kurohana

      October 22, 2014 at 4:15 PM

      i will take the scoby out and muddle some black berries and sage and let it sit for 2-3 days, then strain it and bottle it. I also like to take a large chunk of fresh ginger smash it a little and let it sit for 2-3 days. I recently made a green tea batch and when i bottled it i added a little honey, capped and shook it up until the honey dissolved. Pretty tasty

      Reply
      • Jeremy

        March 14, 2017 at 4:25 PM

        Couple drops of honey into the bottles before capping will help increase carbonation also.

        Reply
  6. Lori

    October 21, 2014 at 7:42 PM

    Can you purchase it? I don’t know that I have time or am brave enough to make it myself.

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      October 21, 2014 at 8:51 PM

      Yes. Many stores carry it. Just look for an organic, low-sugar variety

      Reply
      • Jill Sidlowski

        December 4, 2014 at 9:17 AM

        what would be considered “low sugar”? I’m new to kombucha and while I can see myself making it SOME day, that day is not today…so I want to be sure I’m buying a “good” one!

        Reply
    • Jeannie

      August 27, 2016 at 11:26 AM

      I buy mine @ our local Fresh Market grocery store.

      Reply
  7. Theresa

    October 21, 2014 at 7:16 PM

    What are the concerns of drinking this during pregnancy? Considering there are no other issues.
    Thanks, this is a really informative article and I might get my hubby onboard with it too!

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      October 21, 2014 at 8:52 PM

      I consumed during pregnancy but I was drinking it before that. There is some concern that it can cause a detox reaction that isn’t safe during pregnancy if you haven’t consumed it before.

      Reply
  8. britli

    October 21, 2014 at 5:19 PM

    I drink the Gts brand and i buy the one with spirulina and algae in it i feel great drinking it. My question is is it safe for my 3 year old to drink it also? He loves it.

    Reply
    • Ken

      March 8, 2016 at 6:24 PM

      I watched a video on utube the other day and there was a mother talking to her 4 year old daughter as the little one ate a “scoby” fresh from the jar and has done it many times. No problem!

      Reply
  9. Holly

    October 21, 2014 at 4:29 PM

    How much/often Kombucha do you recommend while pregnant? I’m assuming that properly made kombucha doesn’t have caffeine or the folate blocking risks of regular black/green teas? I crave it so much, and I drank it a lot early on, but now i’m a little bit wary.

    Reply
    • Bonny

      October 28, 2014 at 12:56 PM

      If brewed with traditional black tea it will have caffeine. Fermentation doesn’t lessen the caffeine amount. It is less then what a plain cup of tea would have but it’s still there. I brew my own and drink it but not during pregnancy mainly because I can’t handle it with my heartburn. Personally I think some of the claims are over stated here.

      Reply
    • Michele

      March 8, 2015 at 1:22 AM

      It’s safe during pregnancy it has antioxidants and folate which is needed for a healthy pregnancy. I took this before I was prego. I also like Braggs Apple cider vinegar they use Apple’s you might like that better. They guarantee the accuracy of the process and are reputable.

      Reply
    • Hillary

      July 14, 2015 at 12:32 PM

      Hey lovely, I read another article about kombucha (recently purchased the drink and wanted to read up on it before I drank) but I think it said you should consult your Dr. first only because there isn’t a lot on research on it and expecting mommies.

      Reply
  10. chanelle

    October 21, 2014 at 4:13 PM

    I don’t drink tea for religious reasons. Does herbal tea work in your Kombucha recipe?

    Reply
    • Karola Tereskiewicz

      October 25, 2014 at 11:28 AM

      It has a lot of sugar so I can’t use it because I am sugar free acording to my Dr. Sugar is the worst thing you can put in your body

      Reply
      • Chantale

        October 25, 2014 at 4:21 PM

        It is not high in sugar: the sugar is the food for the scoby

        Reply
        • April

          September 14, 2015 at 9:31 AM

          My husband is on a special diet for his gut and not allowed to have ANY sugar, honey, maple syrup, and quite a few different fruits that are high in sugar like grapes and bananas. But the doctor said to drink kombucha. I agree. From what I understand, the beneficial bacteria feeds on the sugar to the point that there isn’t sugar (or very little) by the time you consume it.

          Reply
    • Beth

      November 5, 2015 at 9:17 PM

      I be my kombucha in a crock (lead free) with a spigot. The spigot makes it super easy to bottle. Two of my favorite recipes are to use candied ginger when bottling. It takes just like ginger-ale. I also add chia seeds when bottling…be careful though they seem to increase the fermentation so they do bubble over more than most.

      From what I have read you can use just about any tea that you would like, except Earl Grey (it contains bergamot and will kill scabby).

      Reply
      • Fiona

        November 6, 2015 at 5:52 AM

        What is scabby? Is it dangerous?

        Reply
        • Howard

          April 30, 2016 at 11:41 PM

          It’s called “scoby” and it’s not dangerous but very healthy. It looks like a mushroom but it hosts a colony of bacteria and yeast to make the Kombucha. The bacteria eats up all the sugar. Unless you were just being sarcastic and knew the other commenter misspelled scoby? lol

          Reply
      • Teena

        August 30, 2017 at 9:16 PM

        I accidentally used Earl grey my scoby was very happy and made a baby

        Reply
    • Shannon

      August 14, 2016 at 10:31 AM

      Read the article, under “caffeine content”.

      Reply
    • Elizabeth

      August 14, 2016 at 8:28 PM

      I avoid kombucha, due to the alcohol content.

      Reply
      • Wellness Mama

        August 14, 2016 at 8:31 PM

        There are only trace amounts in it…

        Reply
      • Melanie

        January 28, 2017 at 12:42 PM

        Kevita is the brand that doesn’t contain alcohol.

        Reply
        • Chantale

          January 28, 2017 at 2:52 PM

          Kevin’s is water kefir; not kombucha

          Reply
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