Is kombucha alcoholic?

With bars, restaurants and clubs across the country closed for the foreseeable future (eek), many of us have been reaching for our favourite tipple from the comfort of our sofa. Some of us may have been indulging in a quarantini or two too many…

It’s been reported that alcohol sales were up by 22% in March and a recent study found that Brits’ alcohol intake had increased by a whopping 61% since lockdown measures were put in place. Chances are, most of us could probably do with swapping a glass of bubbly for another type of fizz now and again to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Kombucha, anyone?

But doesn’t kombucha contain alcohol? In a nutshell, well yes, all fermented products do but it’s a small amount but here’s the low down…

Does kombucha contain alcohol?

Firstly, let’s be clear, Kombucha is not designed to be an intoxicating beverage. It is true that most commercially-brewed kombuchas do contain varying amounts of alcohol. This is due to the natural fermentation process, during which small amounts of alcohol is produced as a bi-product. Brewers can use techniques to reduce the alcohol but this also varies depending on a number of factors. The fermentation process breaks down the natural sugars in the drink to give our kombucha its distinctive (and delicious) taste and probiotic goodness.

How much alcohol is in kombucha?

Every Kombucha is made differently so please check the label to ensure you are drinking a real, unpasteurised, organic version. Equinox Kombucha contains on average 0.5% ABV. A drink is deemed ’non-alcoholic’ when under 1.2% ABV. To put it in perspective, a very ripe banana can contain up to 0.4% ABV and naturally squeezed orange juice can also contain alcohol as well, so this phenomenon isn’t limited to kombucha.

It’s important to be aware that the alcohol content of kombucha will vary from brand to brand (we can’t speak for the other guys and their alcohol protocols!) and homemade kombucha is likely to have a significantly higher alcohol content, so be aware when brewing your own).

Will drinking too much kombucha get you drunk?

The simple answer to this question is no. Unless you drink a lot, and we mean a LOT of kombucha, you will not get drunk and even then if the Kombucha were produced around 0.5% alcohol then it would be difficult to achieve. It’s safe to enjoy for all of the family, even the little ones, however you may want to dilute it slightly for your mini booch lovers.

So why not switch your bubbly for a booch and see how much better you feel?

Cheers!

Check out our delicious Equinox booch here.