Kombucha is a popular fermented beverage that has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential health benefits, particularly for gut health. This fizzy, slightly tart drink is made from tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) and is packed with beneficial live cultures, antioxidants, and organic acids that can promote digestive health and improve overall wellness.
While there are lots of healthy kombuchas, the healthiest kombucha is often the one that is homemade because it allows you to control the quality of ingredients and the fermentation process. Later in this article, we will discuss a recipe for making homemade kombucha.
However, with so many different brands and flavors of kombucha on the market, it can be challenging to determine which options are best for your gut health. In this blog article, we will provide tips and insights to help you choose the best kombucha for your gut health needs.
The Healthiest Kombuchas
While many kombucha brands are available, the healthiest ones use organic and non-GMO ingredients and have lower sugar content. Here are some of the healthiest kombucha brands:
1. GT's Kombucha
GT's Kombucha is a popular brand that offers a variety of flavors, all of which are certified organic, non-GMO, and low in sugar. Their Classic Original flavor, for example, contains the following ingredients:
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Organic raw kombucha (filtered water, organic tea, organic sugar, kombucha starter culture),
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And organic cold-pressed ginger juice.
The nutrition facts for one bottle (16 fl oz) of Classic Original flavor are:
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30 calories,
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0g fat,
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7g carbohydrates (6g of which are sugars),
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and 0g protein.
2. Health-Ade Kombucha
Health-Ade Kombucha is made with organic and non-GMO ingredients, and it is also gluten-free and vegan. They use cold-pressed juices and natural flavorings to add flavor to their kombucha. Their Pink Lady Apple flavor, for example, contains the following ingredients:
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Filtered water, organic kombucha (organic black tea, organic green tea, organic evaporated cane juice),
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Organic cold-pressed apple juice,
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And organic cold-pressed ginger juice.
The nutrition facts for one bottle (16 fl oz) of Pink Lady Apple flavor are
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60 calories,
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0g fat,
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14g carbohydrates (12g of which are sugars),
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and 0g protein.
See Related: How Much Kombucha Should You Drink
3. Kevita Master Brew Kombucha
Kevita Kombucha is made with organic and non-GMO ingredients and contains no added sugars. They also offer a variety of flavors, including Ginger, Lemon Cayenne, and Turmeric Ginger. Their Ginger flavor contains the following ingredients:
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Purified water,
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Organic Kevita probiotic culture
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Organic kombucha (filtered water, organic green tea, organic black tea, organic cane sugar),
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Organic ginger extract,
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Organic cold-pressed ginger juice,
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Organic apple cider vinegar,
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And organic stevia leaf extract.
The nutrition facts for one bottle (15.2 fl oz) of Ginger flavor are:
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10 calories,
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0g fat,
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2g carbohydrates (0g of which are sugars),
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and 0g protein.
Live Black Tea Kombucha Starter Kit
4. Humm Kombucha
Humm Kombucha is also a good source of probiotics, which can help support a healthy gut microbiome. It is low in calories and sugar, making it a good alternative to sugary drinks. The ingredients and nutritional value of Humm Kombucha can vary depending on the flavor, but here is a general overview:
Ingredients:
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Organic kombucha (filtered water, organic cane sugar, organic black tea, organic green tea, kombucha culture)
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Organic fruit juice concentrate
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Organic flavors
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Organic stevia leaf extract
Nutrition facts (for a 14 oz serving of Humm Kombucha, Ginger Juniper flavor):
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Calories: 35
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Total Fat: 0g
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Sodium: 10mg
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Carbohydrates: 9g
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Sugars: 9g
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Protein: 0g
5. Brew Dr. Kombucha
Brew Dr. Kombucha is made with organic and non-GMO ingredients and has a lower sugar content than many other brands. They also use a unique tea blend for their kombucha, which sets them apart from other brands. Their Love flavor, for example, contains the following ingredients:
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Filtered water,
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Organic tea blend (green tea, oolong tea, white tea),
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Organic evaporated cane sugar,
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Organic hibiscus,
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Organic rose petals,
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Organic lavender flowers,
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Organic chamomile flowers,
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Organic black pepper,
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And organic kombucha culture.
The nutrition facts for one bottle (14 fl oz) of Love flavor are:
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50 calories,
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0g fat,
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12g carbohydrates (11g of which are sugars),
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and 0g protein.
6. Remedy Kombucha:
Remedy Kombucha is a brand of kombucha that offers a variety of flavors. The following information provides a general overview of the nutritional content and ingredients in Remedy Kombucha.
Ingredients:
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Organic tea
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Organic raw sugar
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Live kombucha culture (SCOBY)
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Filtered water
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Natural flavorings (depending on the flavor)
Nutritional Value:
The nutritional content of Remedy Kombucha can vary slightly depending on the flavor. However, the average nutritional content of a 330 ml bottle of Pink Grapefruit Remedy Kombucha is:
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Calories: 25-30 kcal
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Total Carbohydrates: 5.3 g
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Sugars: 0 g
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Protein: <1 g
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Fat: <1 g
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Dietary fiber: <1 g
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Sodium: 5 mg
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Organic acid: 0.7 g
In addition to the above, Remedy Kombucha also contains live probiotics and antioxidants. These nutrients can contribute to improved digestion, immune function, and overall health.
7. Wonder Drink Kombucha
Wonder Drink Kombucha is a popular brand of kombucha. Here are the ingredients and nutritional information for Wonder Drink Kombucha:
Ingredients:
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Filtered water
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Organic black tea
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Organic green tea
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Organic evaporated cane juice (sugar)
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Kombucha starter culture (yeast and bacteria)
Nutrition facts (per 8 fl oz serving):
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Calories: 25
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Total fat: 0g
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Sodium: 0mg
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Sugars: 6g
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Protein: 0g
It's worth noting that while kombucha can be a healthy beverage choice, it's important to consume it in moderation and be aware of the added sugar content.
8. Synergy Kombucha
Synergy Kombucha is actually a sub-brand of GT’s Kombucha. Here are the ingredients and nutritional information for Synergy Kombucha:
Ingredients:
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Purified water
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Kombucha culture (yeast and bacteria)
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Organic black tea
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Organic green tea
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Organic evaporated cane juice (sugar)
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Organic fruit juice or flavorings
Nutrition facts (per 8 fl oz serving):
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Calories: 30
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Total fat: 0g
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Sodium: 10mg
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Total carbohydrates: 7g
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Sugars: 7g
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Protein: 0g
It's important to note that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific flavor of Synergy Kombucha you choose. Some flavors may have slightly different ingredients or sugar content.
The Downside of Store-Bought Kombucha
While store-bought kombucha can be a tasty and healthy beverage option, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
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Added sugars: Many store-bought kombucha brands contain added sugars to enhance the flavor of the drink. While the sugar content is generally lower than that of traditional sodas or juices, it's still important to be aware of the amount of added sugar you're consuming.
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Preservatives: Some store-bought kombucha brands may contain preservatives to extend the shelf life of the product. These preservatives can include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and citric acid. While these preservatives are generally considered safe, some people may be sensitive to them.
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Lack of options: Depending on where you live, you may not have access to a wide variety of kombucha brands or flavors. This can limit your options and make it difficult to find a brand or flavor you enjoy.
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Extra waste in buying the bottles: Store-bought kombucha is typically sold in glass bottles, which can create extra waste if they're not recycled properly. This can be a concern for people who are environmentally conscious.
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High cost: Store-bought kombucha can be quite expensive compared to other beverages. This can make it difficult for some people to incorporate it into their regular diet.
Overall, store-bought kombucha can be a healthy and tasty beverage option, but it's important to be aware of the potential downsides and make an informed decision about whether or not it's the right choice for you. If you're concerned about added sugars or preservatives, consider making your own kombucha at home using a brewing kit. This can also be a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective option in the long run.
See Related: Kombucha Alcohol
Making Your Own Kombucha
Making your own kombucha at home using our recipe and kombucha kit is a fun and easy way to ensure that you're drinking a high-quality, probiotic-rich beverage. With just a few simple steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious and healthy homemade kombucha in no time.
Making your own kombucha can offer a range of benefits, including:
1. Control Over Ingredients
When you make your own kombucha at home, you have complete control over the ingredients that go into it. This means you can choose to use organic ingredients or avoid additives like preservatives or artificial sweeteners.
2. Reduced Waste
Making your own kombucha can help reduce waste by eliminating the need for store-bought bottles. Instead, you can reuse glass jars or bottles to store your homemade kombucha.
3. Saving Money
Store-bought kombucha can be expensive, especially if you consume it regularly. Making your own kombucha at home can be a cost-effective alternative, as the ingredients are relatively inexpensive and the brewing process is simple.
4. Customization
Making your own kombucha allows you to customize the flavor to your liking, using the right tea for kombucha. You can experiment with different teas, fruits, and flavorings to create a drink that perfectly suits your taste preferences.
See Related: Pineapple Kombucha
5. Health Benefits
Kombucha is rich in probiotics and antioxidants, which can offer a range of health benefits. When you make your own kombucha, you can ensure that you're getting the maximum health benefits by using high-quality ingredients and following proper brewing techniques.
Making your own kombucha can be a fun and rewarding experience that offers a range of benefits. Whether you're interested in controlling the ingredients, reducing waste, saving money, or customizing the flavor, making your own kombucha can be a great option for anyone looking to incorporate this healthy beverage into their regular diet.
Conclusion: Finding the Best Healthy Kombucha for Your Gut Health
In conclusion, kombucha is a health-promoting beverage that has become popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. Some of the key health benefits of kombucha include its ability to boost digestive health, support immune function, and promote healthy skin.
While store-bought kombucha can be convenient, making your own kombucha at home offers a range of benefits. If you're interested in making your own kombucha, there's no better time to start than now! With just a few simple ingredients and some basic equipment, you can begin brewing your own batch of this health-promoting beverage. And once you've made your first batch, don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and techniques to find the perfect recipe for your tastes.
So go ahead and give it a try! You might be surprised at just how easy and rewarding making your own kombucha can be. And if you do decide to give it a try, be sure to share your experiences with others and spread the word about this amazing health-promoting beverage.
