Looking to find kombucha to hit the spot? With so many to choose from, we thought we’d give you a head start by giving you the inside scoop on the differences between brands and flavors.
Industry analysts have been reporting on the incredible kombucha market growth for years, saying it is expected to continue growing at 25 percent each year. It seems people are looking for healthier alternatives to beverages high in sugar and artificial ingredients. Increasingly more people are looking for non-alcoholic drinks, too.
This “wellness” movement isn’t going anywhere. As Forbes puts it, “Wellness today is not just a trend or a fad; it’s a way of life for more and more people.” Kombucha is filling a niche, giving people an interesting, even exciting option with nearly endless flavor possibilities. So, how do you find the perfect kombucha for you? Let’s begin with the brand.
There are dozens of kombucha manufacturers and more are coming on board every year because of the increasing demand. Most grocery stores, convenient stores, restaurants and bars are offering a wide variety of kombucha brands and flavors. But kombucha isn’t all made the same.
The first thing you need to know is the difference between “raw” and pasteurized kombuchas. Raw kombucha is the most traditional form of kombucha, maintaining the integrity of the beneficial bacteria that are part of the fermentation process. These cultures of bacteria are often why people choose kombucha. When kombucha is left to ferment the natural way, those cultures of bacteria remain strong and alive. When kombucha is heated during pasteurization, as some kombucha manufacturers do to ensure no harmful bacteria are present, all of the beneficial bacteria are killed as well. Those manufacturers may supplement their brews with probiotics, but they just aren’t the same. Studies show the natural-forming bacteria found in raw kombucha are more numerous and of a wider variety than those found in supplements.
The second difference amongst manufacturers is ingredients. Unlike some manufacturers who add flavorings and sweeteners to their brews to boost flavor, Brew Dr. Kombucha flavors their kombucha with 5 different tea bases and over 65 botanicals. As these high-quality ingredients steep with the tea, they impart a deep, delicious flavor. Brew Dr. also starts with the best tea leaves on the planet, using a variety of teas beyond black and green teas. Teas like organic jasmine and white teas. We believe these ingredients are why our kombucha tastes so pure, so clean and so refreshing.
With all of that said, the kombucha flavors amongst brands are based on the ingredients, so you must ask yourself where those flavors come from. Are they simply flavorings added to the brews or are they from organic, real fruits and botanicals? Is the kombucha naturally sweetened by the leftover sugar required for fermentation or is sugar added to the brew?
When finding the kombucha that’s right for you, think about why you’re drinking kombucha in the first place. If you’re part of this wellness lifestyle, those ingredients likely matter. Read the labels, look at the brand’s websites to learn how they brew their kombucha, and sample them. You will likely be able to taste the difference between 100% raw, organic botanical kombucha and those made with, well, other stuff.
Check out our favorite kombucha flavors to learn about each of Brew Dr. Kombucha flavors. With ingredients like organic rosemary, lavender, rose and lemongrass, you won’t be disappointed. It’s like drinking in the best nature has to offer. It’s simply pure, raw kombucha you and your body will love.
