Answering your questions on kombucha

17/05/20233 min read

Find out the answers to your top questions on this traditional, fermented drink. We've got you covered on all things Kombucha, to keep you and your gut happy!

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Gut Health

We answer your most Googled questions on kombucha

Fermented consumables are back in! From kimchi, probiotic yogurts, to kombucha. Recently, looking after your gut has become top of the ‘wellness priority list’ for most… And kombucha is becoming increasingly more recognised. Here, we will be answering some of your most googled questions on this traditional, fermented beverage.

1. What is kombucha?

Kombucha originated in Northeast China (historically referred to as Manchuria) around 220 B.C. and was initially prized for its healing properties.¹

It’s a mildly fizzy, fermented drink made from sweetened green or black tea and a specific culture known as a ‘scoby’ (short for a ‘symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts). The bacteria and yeasts in the scoby convert the sugar into ethanol and acetic acid. The acetic acid is responsible for kombucha’s distinctive sour taste.²

Kombucha is thought to contain antioxidant properties, due to its origin as a tea. Green tea is known to have high concentrations of antioxidants known as polyphenols; these are naturally occurring substances that neutralize free radicals. It is also thought to be a probiotic as it’s made by adding bacteria to tea.³ Although more research is needed for this to actually be proven!

2. Is kombucha good for you?

Kombucha is a fermented food, much like cultured yogurt, cheese, kefir, kimchi and sauerkraut.⁴

Fermented foods provide many health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-atherosclerotic activity. However, some studies have shown no relationship between fermented foods and health benefits.⁵

This being said, they are a popular choice for supporting the number of beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, in your tummy – and are thought to be good for contributing towards gut health.

3. Is kombucha alcoholic?

Not always. It depends on what type of kombucha. All kombucha contains a small amount of alcohol, though this is usually less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, so it is labelled non-alcoholic. However, hard kombucha undergoes a longer fermentation process, raising the alcohol by volume (ABV) to between 4-7%, making it a boozier beverage.⁶

4. Can kombucha make you poop?

Kombucha is not considered a laxative, since a laxative is a compound that is intended to loosen stools or increase the number of bowel movements. However, kombucha’s ingredients and probiotic properties can contribute to healthy and regular bowel movements.⁷

5. Does kombucha help a hangover?

No. Unfortunately, kombucha is not a hangover cure.

6. Will kombucha keep me awake?

No. Although it may contain a little caffeine, kombucha won’t keep you up at night.⁹

7. Are kombucha’s vegan?

Yes – kombucha is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly. However, it's worth double-checking the flavoured varieties to see if they've added honey as an additional ingredient.

8. Can kombucha make you drunk?

In a nutshell, the answer is no.

It is unlikely that you will get drunk from drinking a lot of kombucha.¹⁰

Rachel Chatterton, Head of Food Development at H&B:

“Fermented foods [have made] a big comeback in 2023, providing 'good' gut bacteria but this time around, they taste delicious.”

Kombucha “with benefits” at H&B

That’s right, here at H&B we have kombucha “with benefits”, meaning that not only can it help keep your gut happy, but it provides additional benefits too.

Take a look at 3 of our favourites – Energy, Focus and Glow:

All about kombucha

What does kombucha taste like? Does kombucha contain alcohol? We sit down with Naomi, our Store Colleague and Wellness Expert and Alex, our Senior Nutritionist to answer these questions and more as they dive into this gut health wellness trend...

All about kombucha

The final say

Kombucha is quickly gaining a reputation and can be found in most chilled sections at your favourite stores. This traditional, fermented tea drink is taking the wellness industry by storm. We hope we have concluded some of your kombucha curiosities within this article – So, why not try it for yourself?