If you’re wondering ‘Is Kombucha Tea Alcoholic?’ the answer is yes. Here, we explain why Kombucha is alcoholic, how much alcohol Kombucha contains, and whether it’s worth worrying about or not.
Every time people crack open a can of this ready-to-sip beverage, a question that often pops up is: “Does kombucha have alcohol?”
If you’re one of the ones wondering, is kombucha tea alcoholic or not, the short answer is YES; it does have a touch of alcohol in it. However, it is not exactly labeled as your typical alcoholic drink.
We know it can be a bit confusing, so let’s break it down to give you a clearer picture of whether kombucha is a beverage that fits you.
Why is Kombucha Tea Alcoholic?
Kombucha is a popular fermented tea beverage that’s become popular for its health benefits. Believed to have roots in China, kombucha is created using black or green tea mixed with special strains of bacteria, yeast, and sugar (yum!)
It is typically left to ferment for 1-4 weeks at room temperature, during which the yeast gets busy breaking down the sugar and turning it into alcohol. This is also when the bacteria step in, transforming that alcohol into organic acids, which are believed to be part of what makes kombucha good for you.
This fermentation process gives kombucha its unique taste and characteristics. It ends up containing carbon dioxide, acetic acid, a bit of alcohol, and other tangy compounds, along with some ‘good for your health’ probiotics.
How much alcohol in Kombucha?
Is kombucha tea alcoholic? Sure, kombucha develops a teensy bit of alcohol from its fermentation process similar to non alcoholic beer, but you’d need to chug down gallons of it to feel any buzz. Commercially made kombucha usually has less than 0.5% alcohol. It may have a tad more if you brew it yourself, but honestly, it’s still barely anything to worry about.
Kombucha tea is alcoholic, but…
Kombucha is made by fermenting tea with the use of bacteria and yeast. It is typically processed in two stages. First, we mix sweet tea with a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.) The yeast then turns the sugar into alcohol under controlled conditions.
After that, the bacteria get to work and transform most of that alcohol into different kinds of organic acids like acetic, gluconic, and glucuronic. During both processes, the yeast and bacteria multiply like crazy, creating this bubbly, tangy beverage loaded with all sorts of healthy acids and micro-organisms.
Kombucha Alcohol by Volume
Kombucha is a fermented beverage, so it’s only natural that a bit of alcohol comes into play. Its alcohol content results from the yeast consuming the sugar, turning it into CO2 and ethanol. The alcohol level in your kombucha can differ from batch to batch because it goes through a natural fermentation process without being pasteurized.
Factors influencing Kombucha alcohol by volume content
Initial Sugar Content. When yeast munches on sugar, it makes alcohol. The more sugar they can feast on at the start, the more alcohol they can produce.
The Presence of Yeast. The quality, quantity, and different types of yeast present in your kombucha’s starter mix can totally shake things up. The more diverse and active the yeast culture, the stronger the chance of getting a kombucha with a bit more kick.
Fermentation Temperature. Fun fact: the room’s temperature where your kombucha sits affects how boozy it gets! If you ferment it in a warmer spot, you’ll end up with a more alcoholic brew. Keep it cool and get a tangier, more acidic final product.
Fermentation Period. In the beginning, yeast multiplies rapidly, cranking out tons of alcohol and carbon dioxide before slowing down. A kombucha that’s been fermenting longer ends with less alcohol than a ‘young’ product.
How much alcohol in Kombucha from the store?
Most commercial store-bought kombucha brands contain just around 0.5% ABV.
There’s a rule from the FDA that requires anything with more booze than that should be labeled as an alcoholic drink. Just to give you an idea, your average beer hits around 5% ABV.
How much alcohol in Kombucha that is homemade?
So, is kombucha tea alcoholic when it is homemade, as well? When you whip up your own kombucha, there’s a chance it actually packs a bit more punch than what you find in stores. Why? Because at home, the fermentation time and conditions are a bit more unpredictable, meaning that homemade kombucha alcohol content could wind up higher or lower depending on your conditions and ingredients.
Just a heads up – if the yeast is left active for longer or if they are in a warm spot, they tend to get more active. That means your homemade kombucha alcohol content could end up anywhere from 0.5% to 3% ABV.
Final Answer: Is Kombucha Tea Alcoholic?
Kombucha tea is alcoholic yet safe
Kombucha is an alcoholic drink safe for almost anyone, even if you are the designated driver.
The exception is if you are a recovering alcoholic, in which case Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) states that no amount of alcohol is safe for alcoholics. If this applies to you, you can read more in our article is non alcoholic beer safe for alcoholics – the same principles apply.
For the rest of us, however, the alcohol in kombucha is nothing to worry about. Seriously, its alcohol content is extremely minimal. If you’re still worried about it, you can stick to the store-bought ones or make your own with precise alcohol measurements.
So, whether you are reducing your alcohol intake, aiming for better gut health, or just want a healthier drink option, kombucha is your go-to drink alternative.
Cheers!
