KOMBUCHA AND ALCOHOL

Kombucha is a drink that naturally contains some percentage of alcohol. Commercially sold kombucha typically has an alcohol content of up to 0.5%, whereas homemade versions may contain as much as 2.5%.

Why is that? To make kombucha, apart from tea, water and SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), one of the essential ingredients is sugar. During fermentation, the yeast transforms sugar into carbon dioxide and ethanol, resulting in the presence of small amounts of alcohol in the drink.

In this article, we will examine factors to consider when selecting store-bought kombucha, especially since sweeter varieties may have higher alcohol percentages. We will also address whether kombucha is suitable for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals recovering from alcohol addiction, and whether it is safe to drive after drinking fermented tea.

Rick drinking alcohol

5 TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE KOMBUCHA WITH THE LEAST ALCOHOL CONTENT

According to legal definitions in many countries, a beverage containing up to 0.5% alcohol is classified as non-alcoholic. Therefore, many commercial kombuchas available on the market fall into this category.

However, does every kombucha labeled as having up to 0.5% alcohol actually meet this standard?

Unpasteurized kombuchas are very delicate organisms that, when stored improperly (or left too long in a poorly functioning store fridge), can continue fermenting and end up with a slightly higher alcohol content.

Hence, if you are looking for commercial kombucha with the lowest possible alcohol content, consider the following points:

1. Check the Expiration Date: The longer the shelf life, the higher the chance that the kombucha comes from a more recent batch.

   The expiration date is also closely linked to the color — fresher kombucha may have a more intense color compared to the same flavor that has been sitting on the shelf for much longer.
   
   It's worth noting that relying on color works if the beverage is stored in clear, glass bottles. For kombucha stored in dark bottles (or cans), comparing colors is practically impossible.

2. Choose Kombucha Without Sweet Additives: Sugar from sweet ingredients can promote further fermentation — and with it, alcohol production.

   Even when stored in the fridge, kombucha can undergo minimal fermentation (and the more sugar, the more food for the yeast), so if you are looking for kombucha with the lowest alcohol content possible, it's better to choose classic, ginger, or hibiscus kombucha — without sweet fruit additions.

3. Buy From Popular Kombucha Spots: These places ensure more frequent deliveries of fresh products.

   You can also purchase kombucha directly from kegs or sold in larger bottles.
   
   Kombucha stored in larger containers is less susceptible to ambient temperature changes, allowing it to ferment more slowly and retain freshness longer (and thus contain less alcohol).

4. Buy Directly From the Producer:

   When you buy kombucha online, you can be sure that storage conditions have been carefully monitored.

   Additionally, if you find that the kombucha is too sour and vinegary after opening, you can always contact the producer for a refund.

5. Store Your Kombucha in the Fridge!
   
   If you leave your purchased kombucha in the car or on the kitchen counter, the bacteria and yeast responsible for fermentation can become active due to the warm temperature, causing the sugar in the drink to continue fermenting.

   Therefore, if you don't plan to drink the kombucha right after purchase, put it in the fridge immediately!

And now... time to answer the most frequently asked questions! 👇

CAN CHILDREN DRINK KOMBUCHA?

Fermented tea is quite a healthy beverage (it contains vitamin C, B vitamins, polyphenols, and plenty of beneficial bacteria for our gut), so some parents offer their children small amounts of kombucha.

Since the alcohol content in homemade kombucha can vary depending on the batch, the safest choice would be to opt for commercial, preferably pasteurized kombucha. This way, we can be sure that the kombucha contains no more than 0.5% alcohol.

It's true that pasteurized kombucha won't have as many nutrients as unpasteurized, but it will always be a healthier alternative to popular sweet sodas like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and other such horrible drinks.

If you want your child to drink unpasteurized kombucha (commercial or homemade) occasionally, you can always dilute it with water or juice.

Of course, the decision to give kombucha to a child lies with the parents (it's also worth consulting this matter with a specialist — a doctor or a dietitian, especially if the child has a low immune system).

In young individuals, it's also important to be cautious with larger amounts of kombucha not only due to the alcohol content but also because of the acidity of the drink. For a 10-year-old's stomach, kombucha might be too intense (especially if consumed before a meal, on an empty stomach).

In summary, homemade kombucha may contain more alcohol than commercial pasteurized kombucha.

However, if you want to share unpasteurized kombucha (commercial or homemade) with your child — it's advisable to dilute it with water and not to overdo it (max. 150-300 ml, depending on the child's age).

KOMBUCHA AND PREGNANT (AND BREASTFEEDING) WOMEN

Considering the alcohol content in kombucha, this beverage is not recommended during pregnancy (or while breastfeeding).

It is advisable to replace it with safer alternatives during this time, such as lemonade, coconut water, or freshly squeezed juices.

KOMBUCHA AND ALKOHOL ADDICTION

Kombucha, especially in its unpasteurized form, contains a small amount of alcohol, which can pose a challenge for individuals dealing with alcohol addiction.

There is a risk that drinking kombucha could hinder the process of overcoming alcohol dependency, so it is important to exercise caution and consult with an addiction specialist.

CAN YOU DRIVE AFTER DRINKING KOMBUCHA?

The blood alcohol level after drinking kombucha depends on several factors, such as the amount of kombucha consumed, the type of kombucha, and whether it was consumed on an empty or full stomach. Additionally, individual tolerance to alcohol can significantly affect the final blood alcohol level.

In Poland, the permissible blood alcohol level while driving ranges from 0.02% to 0.05%, and exceeding these values can result in losing your driver's license for up to 3 years. In other countries, such as most of the European Union, the standard limit is 0.05%, while in the USA, the limit is 0.08% in most states.

My experiences with a breathalyzer show that after drinking a larger amount of kombucha (500 ml), there can be a temporary increase in blood alcohol level (in my case, 0.012 %). However, shortly after consumption, the blood alcohol level returns to normal (in my case, the breathalyzer showed zero 5 minutes after drinking).

In summary, kombucha contains a small amount of alcohol and is unlikely to impair a person's ability to drive.

However, if you have any doubts about your ability to drive after consuming this beverage, it is always wise to exercise caution and consider alternative forms of transportation (or simply wait a while).

Road safety is a priority, so it is important to act responsibly and with moderation (even with the amount of unpasteurized kombucha consumed).

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