Kombucha: The Ultimate Guide

Kombucha has become incredibly popular over the last few years, but with so much misinformation out there, we are guessing that some of you are yet to try it. So we thought we’d set the record straight, give you all the facts and debunk the myths, so you can open up to the wonderful world of kombucha and all of its amazing health benefits.

Here’s the lowdown on everything you’ll find in The Ultimate Guide

• FAQs: What it is, how it’s made, where it’s from, the future of kombucha
• Health: Alcohol, caffeine, pregnancy, breastfeeding
• Lifestyle: Best time to drink, kombucha as a workout drink, weight loss, bloating, skin benefits, taste, best brands
• Diet: Vegan, gluten-free, halal

W​hat is​ kombucha​ and where does it come from?

Kombucha is a healthy fermented drink made from tea (at Equinox we use Chun Mee Green Tea), cane sugar and a live culture called a ‘SCOBY’ also known as a Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast. The history of kombucha most likely goes right back to 220 B.C. originating in Northeast China, and it’s well known for its healthy organic acids, antioxidants and yeasts that make it perfect for gut health and good digestion.

H​ow do you make kombucha?

Here at Equinox, we mix old school tradition with contemporary crafting to create our beautiful booch. We like to keep things simple, using just three organic ingredients to make the base of our drinks, which are Chun Mee Green Tea or Arabica Coffee (for our Espresso Coffee Kombucha), pure spring water and raw cane sugar. These ferment with the SCOBY to create our very special kombucha.

What’s the future of kombucha?

The future of kombucha knows no bounds, especially when it’s being used for purposes way beyond a health drink – it’s cellulose SCOBY culture being used  creatively for smart materials and even clean rivers!

Kombucha is becoming increasingly popular for so many reasons, as you can see in a report published in 2019, the UK Kombucha market is set to grow by 20.64% from 2019-2027*.

And as more people discover the power of probiotics and kombucha becomes increasingly popular, we strive to meet demand and keep up to our ethical, social and environmental responsibilities. We’re always thinking of innovative ways to reach more people with our beautiful booch – you can find us in various supermarkets or if you prefer the easy life, you can always subscribe! Whatever the future holds, we will always put people and planet at the heart of all we do.

*https://www.tritonmarketresearch.com/reports/united-kingdom-kombucha-market

Health

I​s kombucha bad for you?

Nowadays we all know the health concerns around sugar and caffeine. And while they can both be found in Equinox Kombucha, they are in extremely low volumes – the sugar and the caffeine are broken down during the fermentation process leaving around 3gs of fermented sugar (the sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose). Any more and you’d have a very sour, vinegary drink! There’s around 2.7mg of caffeine per 100ml in our green tea kombuchas and 8.9mg in our Espresso kombucha. In comparison, a standard cup of brewed coffee contains around 320mg per 100ml and a 100ml Espresso 213mg.

People with histamine intolerance should not consume fermented foods.

W​hat are the health benefits of kombucha?

Kombucha has many health benefits and it’s a great source of probiotics, antioxidants and organic acids, so it’s no wonder that it’s become so popular. Just like kombucha, foods such as Sourdough, Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Miso, and Tempeh are also praised for their probiotic perks. These fermented foods are anti-inflammatory and bacteria that add biodiversity to our microbiome, which means that they can help to improve digestion, boost immunity and maintain a healthy weight. Fermented foods are a real game changers when it comes to maintaining a healthy gut.

Does kombucha contain alcohol?

Kombucha contains a tiny amount of alcohol that’s made as a bi-product of the fermentation process. But it really is a tiny amount – our kombucha contains on average 0.5% ABV. A drink is deemed ’non-alcoholic’ when under 1.2% ABV. And this is what makes it a great alternative to alcohol. You can swap booze for booch without feeling like you’re missing out.

D​oes kombucha contain caffeine?

Equinox Kombucha is craft brewed with Chun Mee Green Tea, which naturally contains caffeine, and while the majority of it is lost during the fermentation process, a tiny amount is left (around 7.43mg per 275ml bottle), which is still a lot less than a coffee.

Can I drink kombucha while pregnant?

Kombucha is a living drink that contains live bacteria but not like blue cheeses for example which contain bacteria which can be harmful to the baby. Many women drink kombucha quite safely whilst pregnant however it’s important that you check this with your health care provider and also do some of your own research if you are pregnant to decide what is best for you.

I​s kombucha safe to drink while breastfeeding?

There’s no right answer when it comes to drinking kombucha while pregnant or breastfeeding. Equinox Kombucha, like most kombuchas, contains low volumes of alcohol and caffeine. Not only that but Equinox Kombucha is also unpasteurised, which is great because it has living cultures, but it might be why you choose to give it a miss while breastfeeding. Whatever you decide, we always recommend speaking to your health care provider first.

I​s kombucha safe for children to drink?

Yes, it’s safe for kids to drink kombucha, but we suggest starting off with small diluted servings – try pouring 75-100ml in a cup with a small amount of water. But if your child has a weak immune system, it’s best to check with your GP before giving them kombucha or any other fermented food.

Lifestyle

Can you drink kombucha every day?

Equinox Kombucha is a healthy alternative to sugary soft drinks or alcohol and can be enjoyed every day – in moderation. Most of us here at Equinox drink one a day and it keeps us feeling happy, healthy and refreshed! One of the great things about kombucha is that it doesn’t contain lots of sugar or calories, so it’s the perfect addition to a healthy balanced diet.

W​hen is the best time to drink kombucha?

You can enjoy kombucha at any time of day – it can help give you a morning boost, complement delicious foods, beat the afternoon slump and refresh your body after a workout. Like everything, it’s different for everyone, so why not try it at various times and find out when works best for you!

C​an you drink kombucha as a workout drink?

Equinox Kombucha is the perfect post workout reward. Not only is it deliciously refreshing, it also contains replenishing electrolytes, these are the minerals that spark cell function and support recovery. So after your next workout, rehydrate with a booch – your body will thank you for it.

D​oes kombucha help with weight loss?

Drinking kombucha can offer many health benefits, but is weight loss one of them? Many people want to know if it can help with weight loss. While drinking kombucha alone will not help you lose weight, there are a number of ways you can drink kombucha to support your mission, such as swapping booze for booch. If you want to know more great weight loss tips, simply click here.

Does kombucha help with bloating?

Bloating is incredibly uncomfortable and can be caused by a number of things, but an imbalance in the gut bacteria is usually the reason behind this annoying problem. Kombucha can help with bloating by improving overall gut health due to its ​live bacteria and organic acid content.​ Want to know more, read on here.

Is kombucha good for your skin?

We’ve all heard about Kombucha’s health benefits, but it’s becoming increasingly popular as a beauty staple too. According to a study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, kombucha can help to reduce skin inflammation, which is great news if you suffer from eczema or and acne. It may also make a real difference when it comes to anti-ageing, because Kombucha contains organic acids and natural probiotics, which ‘have been shown to improve the skin barrier and affect skin hydration’.

W​hat does kombucha taste like?

Equinox Kombucha is incredibly delicious. It’s also been called fresh, tart and fruity. But the taste is actually pretty tricky to describe, probably because it’s so unique – it’s very different from your standard soft drink. You should find it a perfect balance between acidic, fragrant and fruity, depending on the flavour you choose.

You can browse our full range of flavours here.

W​hat’s the best kombucha brand?

Okay, we are obviously biased, but we genuinely believe Equinox Kombucha is the best kombucha you can buy. Not only do we think it’s by far the best tasting (with the Great Taste Awards to prove it), Equinox Kombucha is also 100% organic, raw and vegan. And it doesn’t end there, we’re B Corp and BRC AA Grade certified, approved by the Soil Association and we’re even part of The Organic Trade Board.

Diet

I​s kombucha vegan?

Following a vegan diet can be tricky, especially when it comes to finding out exactly what goes into our food and drink. So what about kombucha? While Equinox Kombucha is a ‘living drink’, it is only the bacteria in the SCOBY that’s alive – there are no animal products used in the production of Equinox Kombucha and we’re proud to say that we are 100% vegan. 

I​s kombucha gluten free?

Gluten’s something you’ve probably heard of, perhaps you have an intolerance to it or you prefer to limit the amount in your diet. Either way, you can be sure that Equinox Kombucha is 100% gluten free because we craft brew with the finest organic ingredients that don’t contain gluten. Not only that, the Equinox Kombucha factory does not handle any allergens so there’s no worry of contamination if you have a gluten or any other intolerance or allergy.

Is Kombucha Halal?

Kombucha contains such a low amount of alcohol that Muslims consider it halal. The alcohol is produced as a by-product in the fermentation process of the tea. This is a totally natural process that produces such a small volume of alcohol it’s not intoxicating. In fact, Kombucha contains similar levels of alcohol to many fruit juices.

Get your booch here!