Kombucha has been around for centuries and is a popular fermented drink enjoyed by many people around the world. It is made by fermenting tea and sugar with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), resulting in a tangy and fizzy drink that is believed to have many health benefits.
However, there are also many myths and misconceptions surrounding kombucha, which have lead to some doubts and confusions around whether or not kombucha is indeed a safe and healthy choice . In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common kombucha myths, and debunk them, once and for all.
MYTH #1:
” Kombucha is only for hippies and health gurus.”
TRUTH – Kombucha is for ANYONE that enjoys a refreshing, bubbly beverage, and especially those who prefer to avoid sugar, and artificial ingredients. Yes, the health benefits are of great appeal to health gurus, but you don’t have to be one to enjoy the delicious sensations and benefits of this bubbly brew.
MYTH #2:
All Kombucha contains sugar.
TRUTH – Sugar is needed for the fermentation process, however not all kombucha contain residual sugar.
Kombucha is made by fermenting sweet tea with a live culture. Even though sugar is necessary as part of the base recipe and as food for the cultures to consume to produce the beneficial compounds, if the right amount is used, all sugars are consumed during the process and there is no residual sugar left in the end product. All of Happy Culture Kombucha as NO SUGAR left in it by the time you consume it.
MYTH #3:
Real, unpasteurised, Kombuchas have to be kept in the fridge.
TRUTH – Only if it still contains sugar!
This is because the magic of fermentation happens in the presence of sugar and a warm environment. If a kombucha has residual sugars and live cultures present it in, it must be kept cold or it will continue to ferment – resulting in it getting super bubbly and a little boozy, loose-y goose-y. Because Happy Culture kombucha contains NO SUGAR, it does not have to be kept in the fridge. Rest assured that the cultures remain alive and happy, just as they would in your tummy!
MYTH #4:
Kombucha is high in caffeine.
TRUTH – It’s actually super low!
While kombucha is made from tea, the potency of the caffeine is reduced as a part of the fermentation process. The caffeine content will differ from kombucha to kombucha, depending on the tea used and the length and strength of fermentation. Happy Culture Kombucha is made from green tea, and has less than 15mg of caffeine per serving. To put this into perspective, a cup of coffee contains around 100mg of caffeine, and a can of cola will contain around 35mg.
MYTH #5:
Kombucha is high in alcohol.
TRUTH – One of the by-products of the kombucha fermentation is indeed alcohol. A homemade kombucha typically contains 1-2% alcohol. HOWEVER, it is possible to craft kombucha in such a way that the residual ethanol is reduced. At Happy Culture, our residual alcohol is always below 0,5%, the legal limit below which a drink is considered to be be non-alcoholic.
MYTH #6:
Kombucha is not safe for kids.
TRUTH – Happy Culture is safe for all ages!
While we can’t speak for other brands, we can assure you’re that Happy Culture Kombucha is safe for your little ones to enjoy. The risks around kids and kombucha are centred around sugar, alcohol and contamination. Happy Culture kombucha is sugar free and we conduct regular testing to ensure they meet the highest standards of food safety and compliance.
MYTH #7:
Kombucha can cure disease.
TRUTH – Kombucha does have many health benefits, however, it is not a cure-all for disease.
More so, kombucha, when enjoyed regularly and as part of a wholesome lifestyle, can contribute to strengthening your immunity, gut and overall health, and thus help optimise health, longevity and prevent disease. Furthermore, if kombucha serves as a replacement for sugary sodas, it will also kick to the side all the risks associated with the consumption of sugar and artificial ingredients. It’s a double win!
MYTH #8:
You can only drink a small amount.
TRUTH – Trust your gut on what feels good for you!
Home made kombuchas can be fermented to an almost vinegar like strength. With this kind of kombucha, we can affirm that less is more ! However, kombucha can also be crafted so the end result is more of a ‘long drink’ pleasure – this is definitely the case for Happy Culture kombucha. You can safely enjoy a daily serving of booch (300mL), or two, as a refreshing and health boosting treat (and without the worries of calories).
MYTH #9:
You’re going to need a toilet close by.
TRUTH – Don’t worry, Happy Culture IS safe to drink on a date!
However, it is true that kombucha can have laxative effects, especially if you are new to it. This is thanks to the cleansing and boosting effect the organic acids, live cultures and enzymes can have on the gut. Happy Culture kombucha also contains xylitol and sorbitol, which can have a prebiotic effect effect similar to that of fibre. Since everyone is different, if you are new to it, we recommend introducing Kombucha into your regular diet slowly – i.e with not more than a 300mL serving, and as always, listening to your body !
In conclusion, when prepared with high standards for quality and safety, kombucha is an amazing beverage, ready to share a ton of bubbling benefits with you, and a a great solution for soda lovers to kick sugary drinks to the side, once and for all.
Whether you’re a long-time kombucha enthusiast or simply curious about this trendy beverage, it’s important to approach it with an open mind and an informed perspective. By doing so, you can enjoy all the benefits of kombucha, find the kind that best serves you, while avoiding any of the potential risks and downfalls associated with less carefully crafted or regulated kombucha.
Sending waves of good gut vibrations your way 🫶🏼✨
With ♥
The Happy Culture team
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2 Responses
Good day can a cancer remission take the tea . What are the ingredients ?
Thank you
HI Debbie. Yes, of course ! You can find the ingredients under the nutritional infos tab of our shop products pages – https://happyculture.co.za/product/raspberry-hibiscus-can-12-x-330ml-box/ 🙂